THE INGENIUM DIESEL ENGINE has been acclaimed as an excellent powerplant, and now that it’s being fitted to the Land Rover Defender, more buyers are likely to consider the brand.
The new Defender delivers uses advanced all-terrain technologies to redefine adventure for the 21st century, while remaining true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for more than 70 years.
For 2021 Model Year Land Rover’s powerful and efficient in-line six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine joins the range. Strong performance, smooth responses and refinement combine to deliver another Defender that’s a world-class all-rounder on-road and an unrivalled expert off-road.
The new X-Dynamic Pack is available on both Defender 90 and 110, offering a selection of exterior and interior design elements which reflect the 4×4’s immense capability and ensures it stands out from the crowd.
The range of options for personalising Defender has grown too, with new colours including Yulong White, Silicon Silver and Carpathian Grey available in combination with a choice of contrast roof finishes. A selection of individual options is also now available for the first time, including the Folding Fabric Roof for Defender 110 and the choice of an Air Suspension Pack on Defender 90 while Premium LED headlights, Meridian Sound System, Head-Up Display and Front Fog Lights can all be added individually.
New Ingenium in-line six-cylinder diesel engine and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
A new in-line six-cylinder diesel option from the Ingenium engine family offers enhanced torque delivery, smooth responses and improved fuel economy thanks to its Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology and a new Intelligent All Wheel Drive system.
Sitting at the top of the range, the D300 delivers 220kW and 650Nm of torque, sprinting from zero to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds for the Defender 90, a figure that not very long ago was sports car territory. The higher torque figure means the Defender D300 provides effortless performance both on and off-road.
The MHEV technology contributes to enhanced fuel economy through an efficient Stop/Start system which cuts the engine at a standstill, as well as recuperating energy normally lost under braking or decelerating. This energy is then sent back into the battery pack and can be redeployed later. A key benefit of MHEV is that this energy is used when accelerating, delivering faster responses for greater performance.
The new intelligent driveline system continually varies axle torque based on sensor data from the vehicle’s surroundings and driver inputs to distribute all torque to one axle or the other as required. This intelligent torque distribution system optimises the driveline for traction, on-road dynamics and driveline efficiency, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
In combination with MHEV technology and the superior refinement of the in-line six-cylinder engine, the diesel Defenders are more economical, more responsive and more refined than the engines they supersede.
The D200 and D240 become D200 and D250 models for 2021, using the same in-line six-cylinder Ingenium engine as the D300 with 147kW and 183kW respectively. An uplift in torque delivers enhanced usability, with 500Nm (D200) and 570Nm (D250) available, utilising MHEV technology to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across the diesel Defender line-up.
The new Ingenium D250 returns 8.8L/100km, and CO2 emissions as low as 230g/km, and 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds on the Defender 110.
Defender X-Dynamic Pack
New X-Dynamic pack expands the choice of specifications in the Defender range.
The X-Dynamic pack is a suite of enhancements to deliver a tougher look and feel, courtesy of exterior accents, including Silicon Satin front and rear skid pans, with matching grille bar and badging plus Rear Recovery Loops in Satin Black.
All alloy wheels come in Satin Dark Grey/Gloss Black finish, alongside Narvik Black mirror caps, window decals and lower sill and wheel arch cladding.
Inside, unique elements include illuminated metal treadplates and Robustek seat material in Duotone colour finish with Robustek ribbon accent and Console Finishers.
Robustek is a highly robust and protective material inspired by textiles used in extreme outdoor situations. It’s hard-wearing and resistant to abrasions, with a hexagonal pattern and unique texture that adds greater depth to the Defender’s interior.
The Robustek material is standard on models with the X-Dynamic Pack in a range of colours dependent on the specification pack. Defender S and SE models with the X-Dynamic Pack feature Duotone Grained Leather with Robustek accent, while the HSE with X-Dynamic Pack features Duotone Windsor Leather with Robustek accent. All come in a choice of Ebony, Khaki, Ebony and Acorn, or Lunar seat colours.
X-Dynamic interior badging and centre console finishers also distinguish the new addition, alongside the Light Grey Cross-Car Beam Powder Coat, Ebony Morzine headlining and Eiger Grey satin door handles.
Greater personalisation with new colours and options
Individual options and packs have changed across the Defender line-up, including a broader selection of exterior colour options, making the Defender more customisable than ever.
The new colours are Yulong White, Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver and Carpathian Grey, with white or black Contrast Roofs available with all colours.
Individual options now available to expand the Defender’s existing specification include the 3D Surround Camera, Folding Fabric Roof for Defender 110, Premium LED headlights with Signature DRL, Meridian Sound System, Head-Up Display and Front Fog Lights.
Expanding the number of bundled option packs, Defender can now be specified with a Blind Spot Assist Pack, and a choice of a Family Pack or Family Comfort Pack. The Family Pack adds third-row seating with three-zone climate with rear cooler and Cabin Air Ionisation, while the Family Comfort Pack brings heated seats.
Defender 90
Powered by the same range of powerful and capable petrol and diesel Ingenium engines featuring Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology, the Defender 90 is available with up to six seats when fitted with the jump seat in the front row.
Petrol Defender options include the powerful P300 and P400 with MHEV technology, alongside the new in-line six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine in D200, D250 and D300 power outputs. Like the 110, all Defender 90 models use a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, with permanent all-wheel drive on petrol variants and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on the new diesel versions. Configurable Terrain Response and the same impressive approach and departure angles as the 110 ensure customary Defender capability. With its superior breakover geometry when fitted with Electronic Air Suspension, and finely balanced and responsive on-road dynamics, the 90 is the most capable Defender ever made.
Inside, the 90 features the same practical interior design as the 110, with a range of models to choose from across Defender, First Edition and X models, as well as S, SE and HSE trim levels. With space for up to six, the driver and passengers all benefit from the spacious interior, despite an overall length that’s shorter than a compact family hatchback. The Defender 90 also provides a tight turning circle of 11.3m for excellent manoeuvrability.
Defender 90 is also available with a choice of four Accessory Packs: Adventure, Country, Explorer and Urban.
Enhanced list of safety features
The 20MY Defender offered a long list of safety features as standard, these include: Emergency Braking, 3D Surround Camera, Driver Condition Monitor, Lane Keep Assist, 360-degree parking aid, TSR (traffic signal recognition) and Adaptive Speed Limiter and Wade Sensing.
With the introduction of 21MY 90 and 110, all derivatives will also include Blind Spot Assist, Clear Exit Monitor, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Monitor and Rear Traffic Monitor as standard.
| 21MY DEFENDER 90 RANGE | |
| Petrol | Diesel |
| Defender 90 P300 – $71,500 | Defender 90 D200 – $78,590 |
| Defender 90 S P300 – $80,390* | Defender 90 S D250 – $87,490* |
| Defender 90 SE P400 – $95,290* | Defender 90 SE D300 – $89,390* |
| Defender 90 HSE P400 – $105,190* | Defender 90 First Edition D250 – $104,990 |
| Defender 90 First Edition P400 – $106,190 | Defender 90 X D300 – $132,590 |
| Defender 90 X P400 – $134,690 | |
| 21MY DEFENDER 110 RANGE | |
| Petrol | Diesel |
| Defender 110 P300 – $74,500 | Defender 110 D250 – $82,590 |
| Defender 110 S P300 – $83,390* | Defender 110 S D250 – $90,490* |
| Defender 110 S P400 – $91,790* | Defender 110 SE D300 – $92,390* |
| Defender 110 SE P400 – $98,290* | Defender 110 HSE D300 – $101,690* |
| Defender 110 HSE P400 – $108,190* | Defender 110 X D300 – $135,590 |
| Defender 110 X P400 – $137,690 | |
| * X-Dynamic Pack available on S, SE and HSE trim levels – $7500 | |
Prices do not include on road costs.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Land Rover Defender, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.