Why does the new Land Rover Defender continue to be so popular

In 2019 Tata-owned and British engineered Land Rover announced the return of the Defender nameplate, but this time it was going to be very different as it was to marry the functionality of Land Rover and luxury of Range Rover.

After producing more than 2 million SUVs since 1947, Land Rover pulled the plug on the classic Defender in 2016, only to bring it back in late 2019 as a highly engineered off road vehicle.

The most important reason to understand the new asking price of the Defender is that it remains extremely functional with off-road ability that takes it to the top of the segment.

To make it easy, here is the top 12 new features that this Defender will share with future Land Rover models, including the Range Rover luxury vehicles.

1. This Defender delivers a brand new-generation electrical architecture: Advanced Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0) underpins connected tech, making New Defender an all-terrain super-computer.

2. Software-Over-The-Air updates for up to 14 electronic control modules means this all new Defender will get better with age and even fix itself remotely.

3. Jaguar Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro software debuts in this Defender and this latest system is always on, making it faster and easier to use while allowing customers to connect two (2) smartphones at once.

4. Intuitive 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility delivers enhanced user experience and broader range of functions.

5. There is a waterproof and wearable Activity Key watch works independently of the state-of-the-art fob, allowing customers to lock and unlock the New Defender from their wrist.

6. Equipped with ClearSight Ground View and ClearSight Rear View help you see more with 3D on-screen visualisation when using the Advanced Tow Assist and Wade Sensing systems.

7. intelligent Auto functionality of Terrain Response® 2 can recognize the surface and configure the vehicle appropriately without input from the driver.

8. Wade Sensing allows drivers to take full advantage of the world-class maximum wading depth of 35.4in.

9. Adaptive Dynamics allows customers to adjust driving characteristics. The system's adaptive dampers monitor body movements up to 500 times per second and respond almost instantaneously to optimize body control and comfort.

10. This Defender has maximum suspension articulation of 19.7in comes into its own, allowing it to tackle 45-degree side slopes and inclines of 45 degrees with customary composure.

11. The more luxurious Defender HSE models feature high grade Windsor Leather, while the Defender X features Windsor Leather in combination with Steelcut Premium Textile accent for enhanced durability. This premium textile from Kvadrat is a 30 percent wool blend and is also available as a full alternative to the leather upholstery paired with Miko Suedecloth.

12. Permanent four-wheel drive and a twin-speed transfer case and a center differential helps ensure it has all the hardware required to excel in the soft sand of the desert, the freezing tundra of the arctic and just about everywhere in between.

Looking at the information shared above, it is clear that this new Defender is more technologically advanced than its current showroom siblings, the Evoque, Velar and even Range Rover.

This really means that the advanced technology in this new Defender will be shared with the next generation of the earlier mentioned models.

The Land Rover Defender is available in Malaysia with a choice of 2 powertrains:

· 2.0L turbocharged straight 4 petrol engine with 300PS for RM798,800.

· 3.0L turbocharged straight 6 petrol engine + a mild hybrid system with 400PS for RM998,800.

Also Read: 2023 Land Rover Range Rover SV revealed, order books opening in early 2022