Updated Land Rover Defender Globally Unveiled; Gets New Powertrain Options, Captain Seats and More

JLR had modified the Defender range for global markets, with the inclusion of a new three-row variant, a more powerful diesel engine, and a three-cylinder plug-in hybrid unit. Four years after the L663-generation Defender was unveiled, the update introduced several significant mechanical and aesthetic changes as well as a rearrangement of the trim structure. While it is not as extensive as a complete facelift, it is nevertheless a significant improvement. Here's all you need to know about the latest updates. 

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Updated Land Rover Defender: Powertrain

The D350 engine, which replaced the D300 engine globally, has given the Defender an essential boost in its diesel portfolio. This engine adds 49bhp more power than its predecessor, delivering 345bhp, and gains an extra 50Nm of torque, for a total of 700Nm. Although the new engine's performance numbers are under wraps, it will undoubtedly beat the D300's 7.0-second 0-100km/h time. This unit comes mated to ZF's eight-speed transmission. 

Moving on, A 419bhp version of the brand's supercharged 5.0-litre V8 has taken the place of the P400 Ingenium straight-six petrol mill. Furthermore, JLR has replaced the plug-in hybrid Defender's 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with the P300e setup found in the Evoque and Discovery Sport PHEVs. The 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine of the Defender P300e, when paired with the electric motors, produces 306bhp overall. According to the brand, these improvements make the Defender even more appealing as it provides increased adaptability and quicker reactions, which leads to smooth overtaking and towing.

Updated Land Rover Defender: Sedona Edition

Land Rover has also unveiled the Sedona Edition, which is based on the Defender 110. It gets the Defender 130's Sedona Red paint job, as well as Sedona Red accents on the luggage carriers. Unique graphics featuring the mountains of Sedona, Arizona, and an extended black pack are included. In addition, there are body-coloured spare wheel covers and 20-inch 5-spoke wheels. The interior has Ebony Windsor Leather and Kvadrat seats from the new Signature Interior Pack.

Updated Land Rover Defender: Signature Interior Pack

Available on all body styles, the new "signature interior pack" is an option for the Defender X-Dynamic HSE and comes standard on the Defender X and V8. The front row features supportive winged headrests and 14-way electrically adjustable seats with memory, heating, and cooling capabilities. The second row features temperature-controlled seats with winged headrests (Defender 110 and 130), whereas heated seats are now offered for the third row.

Other significant elements of the pack comprise Windsor Leather and Kvadrat seats, new Ultrafabrics, and a tactile Suedecloth headlining, which provides a beautiful and comfortable interior ambience. Land Rover claims that safety is still their priority. The improved Defender models come with additional security features including the 'Secure Tracker Pro' system and a 'Walk-Away' locking option.

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Updated Land Rover Defender: New Captain Seats

Land Rover will offer the Defender 130 with heated and cooled captain seats in the second row. The middle passenger area is now available for use to access the third row, and there are additional cup holders in the centre. The captain chair seats can also be equipped with winged headrests on the X and V8 variants, or as part of the Signature Interior Pack on the X-Dynamic HSE.