Legend Reborn: 4x4 Icon Returns with Retro-Styled 2020 Land Rover Defender
While 4x4 fans have long been awaiting official news on the reborn 2020 Ford Bronco, the Bronco isn't the only iconic off-road nameplate set to make a return next year. This week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Land Rover officially unveiled the 2020 Defender with a heavy dose or retro charm and tons of the brand's signature all terrain capability.
Built on a 70-year reputation as one of the world's most capable and well known 4x4s, the 2020 Defender will ride on a new architecture dubbed D7x and be available in both long wheelbase four-door (Defender 110) and short wheelbase two-door (Defender 90) variants.
The styling is a modern take on the Defender's well known, boxy profile that's helped to make it equally popular among chic city dwellers as it is serious off-road explorers. But it also has the goods to back up its rugged looks.
The running gear of course includes a full-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer box, while the suspension is independent all around. Compared to other Land Rover models, the Defender will offer more ground clearance along with shorter front and rear overhangs, and like all modern 4x4s it will have a variety of available electronic features to handle varying types of terrain.
The 2020 Defender will be available with two different engine options—a standard 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 296 horsepower and 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six with a mild hybrid system that makes 395 horsepower. Both will be mated to ZF eight-speed automatic transmissions. Land Rover says it will even be able to tow up 8,200 pounds.
While the exterior features heritage nods like two-tone coloring, a side-hinged door and full-size externally mounted spare tire, the cabin of the new Defender seems to do a nice job of looking both functional and aesthetically pleasing without going overboard on luxuries.
Knowing that the new Defender will be in demand by both avid off-road explorers and those who just want to look the part, Land Rover will offer a massive array of factory accessories available either a la carte or in four distinct packages called Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban.
Here in the US market the Defender will launch in the spring of next year with the larger Defender 110 model and a starting price of $49,900. The shorter wheelbase Defender 90 will follow later on in 2020.
With a reborn Land Rover Defender making its way to the US for 2020 along with much-anticipated Ford Bronco it's a very good time to be a 4x4 enthusiast in the market for a new vehicle. We certainly can't wait to see the comparisons between these two heritage-inspired by thoroughly modern off-road machines when they both arrive.
Looking for more exciting new car buzz from Frankfurt? Check out Lamborghini's first hybrid.
