Over seven decades of pioneering innovation, Land Rover has been at the forefront of all-terrain capability and adventure. The new Defender is fit for the 21st century, using the latest technologies to provide new levels of connectivity, capability and convenience.

Land Rover’s next-generation Electronic Vehicle Architecture, dubbed EVA 2.0, underpins the digital revolution, supporting Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates that ensure new Defender will get better with age and enabling Land Rover’s fast and intuitive new Pivi Pro infotainment system.

Under the bonnet, a Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) powertrain will be available from launch while a powerful and efficient Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) capable of silent zero-emissions driving in EV-mode will join the range next year, ensuring new Defender is equipped for today and engineered for tomorrow.ª

Just as the Defender’s breadth of dynamic capability is underpinned by a new body architecture, its connected technologies are enabled by a new state-of-the-art scalable EVA 2.0, which supports the next generation of driver assistance and customer convenience systems. In total, 85 individual ECUs work in harmony to turn the new Defender into an all-terrain super-computer capable of handling 21,000 network messages at any one time – up from 13,000.

Software-Over-The-Air

The future-proof 5G-ready network takes SOTA technology to the next level, ensuring new Defender is always operating on the latest software available. Up to 14 onboard electronic control modules, more than any previous Jaguar Land Rover vehicle, can receive updates, without the need to visit a Land Rover retailer. In this way, new Defender will get better with age and even the most adventurous customers can use the technology – all that’s required is a data connection. In isolated locations a satellite-phone could download data for installation.

Within the lifetime of the new Defender, the embedded diagnostics system will be able to alert customers to issues and either prevent or resolve them automatically as a data connection replaces a traditional toolkit.

Software updates are sent to the vehicle and downloaded in the background using the vehicle’s built-in data plan. Once ready, a notification will alert customers to the availability of an update, allowing the installation to be scheduled for a convenient time.

Customers will be able to stay truly connected with the Online Pack which will provide unlimited data for music streaming, weather updates and calendar information on the move. By purchasing the onboard Wi-Fi package****, all passengers will be able to stay connected with a separate external antenna providing the best possible service. 

Inspired by the latest mobile devices, new Defender employs state-of-the-art consumer technology including high performance Snapdragon processors and advanced QNX operating systems to deliver its connected features.

Pivi Pro Infotainment

Customer technology has also driven the development of Jaguar Land Rover’s fastest and most intuitive infotainment system, which makes its debut in the new Defender. The next-generation Pivi Pro software is inspired by the latest smartphones and accessed through the central 10-inch touchscreen with an always-on design that provides instant responses, even when starting the vehicle for the first time.

Supported by a built-in back-up battery, navigation initialisation will take just seconds while an easy-to-follow menu structure ensures customers can carry out the most common tasks directly from the home screen, reducing driver distraction. The easily customised and redesigned layouts reduce the number of steps by an average of 50 per cent versus previous systems and incorporates wireless device charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for intuitive smartphone integration. Its Bluetooth technology can even connect to two smartphones simultaneously.

The new navigation system uses self-learning algorithms and dynamic guidance to optimise routing, while Smart Voice Guidance even knows to cancel audio instructions when drivers are travelling in familiar surroundings. Maps will always be up-to-date thanks to SOTA technology. In combination with the 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display, the advanced system provides high-definition 3D mapping within the instrumentation, leaving the central touchscreen free to control other applications.

The high-resolution digital instruments can be configured to show a pair of conventional dials, full-screen 3D navigation guidance or a combination of the two, allowing drivers to optimise the display to suit the circumstances and their individual preference.

Customers can even keep tabs on the new Defender from afar, using Land Rover's Remote app technology, which allows owners to monitor its location, fuel level, lock and unlock the vehicle and even initiate the climate control to heat or cool the cabin before setting off.

Driver distractions are kept to the absolute minimum with Land Rover’s Generation 2 Head-up Display (HUD). The full-colour backlit TFT set-up provides key information to the driver, while its new video capability can replicate displays from the central touchscreen – including articulation graphics to assist the driver in off-road environments.

Land Rover’s new Electrical Vehicle Architecture, state-of-the-art forward-facing digital camera, advanced ultrasonic sensors and powerful 3Gbit/s onboard network support a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, with the cameras and sensors governed by a single integrated processor, or domain controller, for optimised security.

These include a 3D Surround Camera that goes above and beyond, providing both 360-degree plan and new 3D exterior perspective views of the surrounding area, both off and on road. The advanced system provides enhanced augmented on-screen visualisation when using Tow Assist, Wade Sensing and Land Rover’s ClearSight Ground View transparent bonnet technology, to improve visibility of the vehicle’s surroundings.

To maintain rearward visibility, all new Defenders fitted with the front jump seat also feature ClearSight Rear View technology. At the touch of a button, the frameless interior mirror switches from a conventional mirror to a digital screen showing a feed provided by a high-definition rear-facing camera mounted high at the back of the vehicle.

The clever technology effectively makes the rear pillars and spare wheel invisible, while also providing a 50-degree wider field of vision to eliminate rear blindspots. The 1.7-megapixel camera also provides superior clarity in low light conditions and has a hydrophobic coating to maintain performance in wet and muddy conditions.

A Driver Assist Pack includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Rear Pre-Collision Monitor, which alerts following drivers who are failing to slow down by automatically flashing the hazard lights, as well as Blind Spot Assist, Rear Traffic Monitor and Clear Exit Monitor.

The comprehensive list of driver assistance technologies includes Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter functions, a Driver Condition Monitor and 360 Park Aid (as standard fitment in UK), while the advanced chassis control features are supported by an ultra-fast Flexray network. Customers can also choose from a 180W six speaker, a Meridian™ 400W 10 speaker and a Meridian™ 700W 14 speaker sound system providing rich sound quality for all occupants.

Stay connected

A comprehensive supply of charging sockets throughout the cabin will keep occupants charged and connected at all times, whether using digital devices to stream music or camping accessories to provide home comforts in remote locations. Front-row occupants can choose from a pair of 12V power supplies and a USB socket located behind the central touchscreen – perfectly located to minimise trailing wires when used to power a dashcam.

In the second row, occupants have two USBs and a pair of 12V charging points when specified with a centre console and when third-row seats are fitted, an additional two USB outlets. The loadspace also includes an additional 12-volt socket while a three-pin 230V domestic socket is also available.

Thoughtful touches include the availability of USB sockets on the front seatbacks, specifically positioned to allow second-row occupants to charge devices while using the optional Click and Go tablet holders.

Secure and convenient key technology

State-of-the-art keyless technology brings added cyber security and convenience with advanced Ultra Wide Band (UWB) transceivers preventing thefts from copycat devices. Jaguar Land Rover was the first vehicle manufacturer to introduce the pioneering keyless entry system and new Defender uses the innovative set-up to resist relay attack and meet the world’s toughest security standards.

The second-generation Activity Key can be specified in addition to the pair of standard fobs for heightened convenience. The water resistant (4 ATM) and shock-proof wearable device now incorporates an LCD watch. The wrist-worn device allows customers to unlock any door, lock or start the vehicle – doing away with the electronic ‘handshake’ previously required to lock or unlock the vehicle. Instead, customers can access or secure the Defender either using a button on the watch screen or its keyless entry functionality***.

At launch, diesel power comes from a choice of four-cylinder D200 or D240 engines, with sequential twin turbo technology providing 430Nm of torque to optimise performance and economy. The D200 delivers fuel economy of 37.2mpg (7.6 l/100km) and 0-100km/h in 10.3 seconds (0-60mph in 9.9 seconds) while the more powerful D240 matches the 200PS for efficiency while accelerating from 0-100km/h in 9.1 seconds (0-60mph in 8.7 seconds). Both provide competitive CO2 emissions of 199g/km (NEDC equivalent).º

Petrol customers will be able to choose between a turbocharged four-cylinder P300 engine and an efficient six-cylinder P400 MHEV powertrain. The 300HP unit uses an advanced twin-scroll turbo for smooth performance and efficiency, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds (0-60mph in 7.7 seconds) with CO2 emissions as low as 227g/km (NEDC equivalent).º

The state-of-the-art MHEV powertrain harvests energy normally lost during deceleration and redeploys it to optimise efficiency. The in-line six-cylinder Ingenium petrol features both a conventional twin-scroll turbocharger and an advanced 48-volt electric supercharger, with a belt-integrated starter motor in place of the alternator to assist the petrol engine, and a 48-volt lithium-ion battery to store energy captured as the vehicle slows down. In combination, these advanced technologies provide 400HP and 550Nm of torque, 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds (0-60mph in 6.1 seconds) and fuel consumption as low as 29.4mpg (9.6l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 220g/km (NEDC equivalent).º

All engines drive through a smooth and responsive eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and twin-speed transmission, to provide a set of low-range ratios essential for towing or off-road driving when more control is required.

Tested to extremes

To ensure the electrical systems are as rugged and robust as the rest of the vehicle, Defender is the first new Land Rover to benefit from enhanced validation testing, the result of a £37m investment in new facilities and infrastructure. As a result, the new EVA 2.0 system has been through the most comprehensive development programme the company has ever completed, ensuring every aspect of the vehicle lives up to its rugged reputation.