Land Rover Defender Commercial is expected in Ireland before the end of 2020 and the brand has now released some more interesting details about this classic icon!
Land Rover says that the new commercial Defender 90 and 110 models will restore the Hard Top name to its rugged 4×4 family. The new Defender Hard Top is designed to give professionals a unique combination of cargo space, practicality and premium comfort.
The Hard Top name dates back to 1950, when the introduction of demountable Hard Tops gave early Series Land Rovers added security and protection from the elements. New Defender Hard Top continues this ethos, sharing its fixed metal roof and silhouette with the iconic original.
Land Rover has experienced unprecedented global demand for the new Defender 90 and 110 since the world premiere last September and the new Hard Top models will be the next additions to the legendary bloodline.
The brand says that the Defender’s aluminium-intensive D7x body architecture is three times stiffer than the best body-on-frame designs. Sharing its strong body structure and next-generation Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0) with passenger models, the Defender Hard Top is being developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to deliver unrivalled durability, practicality and toughness.
Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said:
“We will maximise the functionality and usability of New Defender’s cargo area, with tough materials and clever storage solutions to ensure it surpasses the capability of any previous Defender Hard Top.”
The 90 and 110 Hard Tops will both feature independent coil-sprung suspension, with advanced electronic air suspension also available on the 110. Both set-ups promise outstanding off-road geometry, with ground clearance of 291 mm, while the 110 Hard Top will have approach, breakover and departure angles of up to 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively (in Off-Road height). Full technical details will be confirmed later this year.
Nick Collins, Land Rover Vehicle Line Director, said:
“New Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top will be the toughest, most capable and most connected commercial 4x4s we have ever produced. 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 flexible cabin has no second or third-row seats, but the optional front-row jump seat means it will still accommodate up to three people. Land Rover’s ClearSight Rear View mirror system preserves rearward visibility when the jump seat is occupied, or when the load space is full. It uses a live video feed from a rear-facing camera to give drivers an unobstructed view at all times.
The towing capacity of the new Land Rover Commercial will be up to 3,500 kg and has many technologies to help hitch, drive and reverse safely while pulling a trailer. Land Rover’s intelligent Advanced Tow Assist system takes the stress out of difficult reversing manoeuvres by letting drivers steer trailers with their fingertips using a rotary controller on the centre console.
The maximum wading depth of 900 mm is also supported by a new Wade programme in the Terrain Response 2 system.
Inside there is a Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment for intuitive control of all the major vehicle functions, including smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Twin eSIM technology underpins Pivi Pro and supports Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) capability, allowing customers to download updates for a variety of vehicle systems. For professionals using the Defender Hard Top for business, this will minimise time spent off the road as SOTA updates can be completed without the need to visit a Land Rover retailer.
New Defender Hard Top models will also feature a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Land Rover’s 3D Surround Camera system provides an all-round visualisation of the vehicle on the central touchscreen, helping drivers manoeuvre in tight spaces or position the vehicle close to items ready for loading.
Convenience will be enhanced with the Remote smartphone app, which will allow businesses to keep track of the location, fuel level and journey history of their vehicle remotely.
The first passenger models of Defender 110 are now being delivered to customers in Ireland. Read more about the newly launched passenger versions of the 2020 Land Rover Defender here.