In the automotive world there are hardly a handful of models whose legend transcends textbooks. The Land Rover Defender It is one of those models that have become a reference and whose fame grows every day. It is one of the most historic cars for sale, being present on the market since 1948 without interruption.
Although the Defender name did not come into use until the 1980s, the first units arrived with the simple name of Land Rover Series I, II and III. Its shapes and lines are known throughout the world. Simplicity on four wheels, a pure off-roader with which it was possible to enter the most difficult terrain and landscapes of all. To this day, that essence is still valid in Land Rover.
As we say, the Land Rover Defender name began to be used in 1983. That means that it currently announces two generations, five if we add the old nomenclature. The last of the editions has been released on the market in 2019 with the most significant changes in its history. A lot of technology, quality and embedded systems in a design that has little or nothing to do with the original model. A turning point in his 72 years of life.
Technical characteristics of the Land Rover Defender
The capabilities of the Defender are well known. However, new times demand state-of-the-art features. For the fifth generation Land Rover gets rid of the characteristic frame and cross member chassis and replaces it with a monocoque structure that receives the denomination D7x. With it, it is possible to reduce the weight of the assembly while increasing rigidity.
The Land Rover Defender is marketed in three different formats: Defender 90 (three doors), Defender 110 (five doors) and Defender 130 (up to 8 passengers). This causes different measurements: between 4,32 and 5,36 meters long, 1,99 meters wide and 1,97 meters high.. The battle also changes, being 2,59 meters for the Defender 90 and 3,02 meters for the Defender 110 and 130. In terms of load capacity, the minimum trunk volume ranges between 297 and 1.329 liters.
As a good off-roader, it must be evaluated for its offroad dimensions. The most optimal of the family is the long version due to its greater free height with respect to the ground, 29 centimeters with a wading height of 90 centimeters. In that case the entry angle is 38 degrees, departure angle is 40 degrees, and breakover angle is 28 degrees. The Defender 90 is more limited with a ground clearance of 22,6 centimeters with a wading depth of 85 centimeters.
Land Rover Defender mechanical range and gearboxes
One of the most significant changes of the last generation lies in the mechanical offer. The Land Rover Defender gets rid of old engines unable to meet the latest fuel and emissions regulations. In its place is installed a wide range of diesel and gasoline variants. The range is made up of two petrol versions and two diesel ones.. At the moment, no electrified solutions are offered, although they are expected to arrive in the future.
All units arrive associated with a automatic gearbox ZF eight-speed torque converter type. Naturally, it also joins a all-wheel drive scheme with electronic torque distribution. Starting on the diesel side, a single turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder engine delivers two levels of power. The D200 with 200 hp and D240 with 240 hp.
For their part, the gasoline units are positioned as the most powerful and consumerist in the range. Options are the P300, P400 and P525 with 300, 400 and 525 horses respectively (500 horsepower for the 130 body), the last of them powered by a powerful 8-liter V5 engine. The first sports a two-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, while the P400 opts for a three-liter six-cylinder with MHEV technology with an ECO label.
Land Rover Defender Equipment
For the fifth generation Land Rover Defender, the English brand wanted to make a clean slate. It has shaken off all the preconceived concepts surrounding the off-roader and has come up with a completely new structure. The innovative exterior design is also transferred to an interior that has nothing to do with the previous ones. From now on, the Defender reaches out to quality and technology.
The Defender's cabin offers an optimal combination of quality finishes and resistant materials. Currently The range is made up of three trim levels: S, SE, XS Edition, X, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE and V8. At each level we not only get more equipment, but also a particular style and the possibility of accessing a specific section of the engine range. All finishes are available in both bodies.
As far as equipment is concerned, the technological leap with its predecessors is abysmal. there are so many elements, but it is worth mentioning the presence of: keyless entry and start, digital instrument panel, electric and heated seats, multifunction steering wheel, navigator, LED matrix headlights, folding hood, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, HUD, 360-degree camera and a multimedia system with touch screen up to 10 inches. Of course we cannot forget an outstanding safety equipment and driving aids.
The Land Rover Defender on video
The Land Rover Defender according to Euro NCAP
Although the Defender has a clear camper focus, for this new generation Land Rover wanted to add many more technical and technological safety details. Thanks to that Euro NCAP certifies the Land Rover Defender as a five-star safety car, the highest possible score. The results by sections are as follows: 85 out of 100 in safety of adult passengers, 85 out of 100 in protection of child passengers, 71 out of 100 in vulnerability of pedestrians and 79 out of 100 in driving assistants.
The Land Rover Defender of Km 0 and second hand
With the age of the Land Rover, it is understandable that there is a very large second-hand market. The devotion to the model means that there are not as many units for sale as one might imagine. Turnover is high and sales are made quickly. The case of the Defender is particular, because its prices, far from falling, are increasing, and the percentage of depreciation is very low.
Its reputation for durability and strength makes it very attractive to many buyers looking for a true 4×4 vehicle. The cheapest units start their prices in amounts close to 3.000 euros for models from the 90s. The valuation depends a lot on the general condition of the vehicle, and the mileage matters little.. The most expensive models are the latest generation, in this case the amount hardly makes a difference with factory orders.
Land Rover Defender rivals
A segment like the one defended by the Defender is not very crowded with rivals and units, but that does not mean that the English have before them a long list of enemies who want to take away the title of the toughest car in the world. In that list it is worth noting: Mercedes G Class, T, Jeep Wrangler y Mitsubishi montero, among others. All are committed to offering excellent levels as an off-roader, although the Defender is positioned at the highest part of the price range with the Mercedes.
Highlight
- off-road capabilities
- internal quality
- Equipment
To improve
- road dynamics
- High price
- Maneuverability
Land Rover Defender prices
Little or nothing remains of that cheap Defender philosophy. With the passing of the years and the increase in popularity, the off-road vehicle has increased its selling prices. With the jump to this new generation the change has been exponential. In the best case the Land Rover Defender has a starting price of 76.100 euros, without offers or promotions. That price corresponds to the Defender 90. In the case of the five-door body, the Defender 110 has a minimum price of 80.050 euros. The most expensive of the family is the Land Rover Defender 130, its price starts at 100.600 euros.
Image gallery
The content of the article adheres to our principles of editorial ethics. To report an error click here.