Land Rover Defender L663

Land Rover Defender L663 (2020-Present)

The Land Rover Defender L663 is the 2020 version of the Land Rover Defender. Bringing with it almost 3 decades of history, this four-wheel drive off-road SUV was unveiled on 10th September 2019 at the Frankfurt Motorshow. With such a legacy to uphold, it was important for this all-new model to retain its utilitarian focus while embracing modern design and, of course, fuel efficiency.

Initial production began with the 5-door Defender 110 in early 2020, followed by a 3-door Defender 90 a few months later. Land Rover’s Design Director, Gerry McGovern, described it as ‘the toughest and most capable Defender ever made’. It is anticipated that a plug-in hybrid model will also follow as well as a commercial derivative.

Concept & Design

The Land Rover Defender L663 is a big departure from its predecessor, however there’s no mistaking it for anything other than a Defender. The exterior design retains the distinctive bonnet and strong roofline, while the spare wheel can still be found on the side-opening tailgate.

It sits on Land Rover’s D7x platform, which is touted as the stiffest body structure ever. The aluminium structure is also designed to accept electrified power train, but not fully electric.

While in models such as the Range Rover Velar the decision was made to hide as many elements as possible within the design, for the Defender many of the fixtures and fittings remain visible. As well as this, the interior features a flat-top dashboard cast from magnesium alloy and structural grab handles, which all serve of a reminder of the vehicle’s off-road ability and rugged roots.
The 2020 Defender also features all-wheel drive, locking differentials and two-speed transfer case. And, unlike previous models, the newest iteration boasts an aluminium unibody – a departure from the historical body-on-frame construction.

In a nod to some of the earliest Land Rovers, the Defender features an optional central jump seat made accessible by the dash-mounted gear shifter. This means that the Defender 110 can be a five, six or 5+2-seater vehicle. The Defender 90 will hold up to 6 people.

Trim Levels

The Defender is available in 5 trim levels: Standard, S, SE, HSE and X. There are also four accessory packs available called: Explorer, Adventure, Urban, and Country.

As standard, both the 110 and 90 come with 18” alloy wheels, LED headlights and an integrated infotainment system with 10” touchscreen.

Land Rover have also made a slew of accessories available for this vehicle. This includes a side ladder, roof tent and side window carriers.

Engine & Transmission

Both the Defender 110 and 90 are available with a selection of JLR Ingenium engines. These include the D200, D240, P300, and P400 models. All of these are mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission couple with a 2-speed transfer case. There are also plans for a plug-in hybrid variant.

The 110 Defender L663 model is produced as standard with air suspension. While, on the other hand, the 90 is available with either coil springs or air suspensions.

Interior & Technology

As you might imagine, the 2020 Defender also features a world of tech, albeit accessible technology. Featuring smartphone connectivity, the infotainment system can be upgraded through system updates via the dual-eSIM making it a future-proof vehicle in many aspects. This is all controlled via a 10” touchscreen, the Privi Pro infotainment system and Bluetooth connectivity. A smartphone app is also available from which the vehicle can be pre-conditioned.

Driving Technology

As well as this, driving technology and driver assistance systems features heavily in this vehicle too. The vehicle is fitted with a range of 190-degree wide angle cameras and 14 ultrasonic sensors which give unprecedented views of the outside of the vehicles. These feed a range of driver assistance systems, including Clearsight Ground View which allows the driver to see through the bonnet while navigating steep ramps or inclines.

Off-road technology also includes Configurable Terrain Response, and three levels of throttle and gearbox sensitivity.