New Land Rover Defender Hard Top Is Fit For Commercial Use

The long-awaited commercial variant of the new Land Rover Defender has just been revealed and is dubbed the ‘Hard Top’.

Development of the commercial Land Rover Defender is being handled by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division. The vehicle retains the same premium features as consumer-oriented versions of the Defender but maximizes cargo space. It will be sold in three-door 90 and five-door 110 forms.

All available Defender Hard Top models will use independent coil-sprung suspension, with the 110 variant offered with electronic air suspension. The duo are both rated at 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) of towing and will include the car manufacturer’s Advanced Tow Assist function that allows drivers to steer trailers with a rotary dial on the center console.

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In addition, both 90 and 110 models provide 291 mm (11.5 in) of ground clearance while the 110 Hard Top has approach, break-over, and departure angles of 38 degrees, 28 degrees, and 40 degrees respectively.

The most obvious difference between the commercial model and regular Land Rover Defenders will be the lack of a second and third row of seats. However, buyers will have the option of a small center seat at the front row to provide seating for three people. The utilization of the company’s ClearSight rear-view mirror will ensure drivers can maintain vision out the rear of the vehicle even when it is loaded up with cargo.

“New Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top will be the toughest, most capable and most connected commercial 4x4s we have ever produced,” Land Rover Vehicle Line Director Nick Collins said in a statement. “They have been engineered to meet global safety standards and deliver impressive long-haul comfort, giving businesses and professionals the best of all worlds.”

The Hard Top name dates back to 1950 when Land Rover introduced the demountable Hard Tops of early models. Further details about the new Defender Hard Top models will be announced later this year. Prices will start at £35,500 ($43,700).