Land Rover Defender Gets New Plug-In Hybrid And Diesel Variants

The Land Rover Defender has been updated for the 2021 model year and in Europe, is now offered with an all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

This new variant is dubbed the Defender P400e and combines a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined 398 hp. This allows the P400e to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in a respectable 5.4 seconds as well as a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). The off-roader is also capable of being driven in all-electric mode for 27 miles (43 km).

Land Rover Defender P400e models come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Air Suspension and a charging port located on the left-hand side of the vehicle. It is available in five- and six-seat configurations.

“The advanced new P400e Plug-In Hybrid perfectly balances performance with fuel economy and all-electric off-road capability,” senior manager for powertrain advanced engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, Iain Gray said in a statement. “The latest model also provides refined and powerful new in-line six-cylinder diesel engines that bring improvements in fuel economy and drivability. They join a comprehensive range of powertrain options for Defender.”

Watch Also: 2020 Land Rover Defender Off-Road Tested Against Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Elsewhere, Land Rover has ditched the four-cylinder diesel engine in favor of a new Ingenium six-cylinder diesel that is sold in D300 guise with 296 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. This model can hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds in Defender 90 form and works alongside mild-hybrid electric technology.

In Europe, the Defender is also available in D200 and D250 models while in the United States, it is offered with a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol P300 engine and an efficient six-cylinder petrol mild-hybrid.

All markets receive a new X-Dynamic trim level for the 2021 model year. This variant includes alloy wheels in a Satin Dark Grey/Gloss Black finish and also includes black trims on the mirror caps, window decals, and lower sill and wheel arch cladding. Inside, the X-Dynamic includes illuminated metal treadplates and Robustec material on the seats that is hard-wearing and resistant to abrasions.

Prices for the 2021 Defender start at $46,100 in the United States. Certain markets will also be offered the Land Rover Defender Hard Top.