Land Rover means business, launches Defender Hard Top as commercial vehicle
Land Rover has confirmed the new commercial versions of Defender 90 and 110 models will restore the Hard Top name to its rugged 4x4 family.
The Defender Hard Top will be launched later this year, combining all-terrain capability with connectivity to give 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.
Michael Van Der Sande, Managing Director at 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."
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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 will provide outstanding off-road geometry, withground clearance of 291mm, while the 110 Hard Top will have approach, breakover anddeparture angles of up to 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively (in off-road height).Full technical details will be confirmed later this year.
A payload and towing capacity of up to 3,500kg will combine to make New Defender the ultimate commercial 4x4. The 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 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.
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New Defender Hard Top will be a tow vehicle, with a raft of technologies to help hitch, drive and reverse safely while pulling a trailer. Land Rover’s 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 900mm is also supported by a new Wade programme in the Terrain Response2 system, which ensures drivers can ford deep water with complete confidence – so important supplies will always get through.
Land Rover’s Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment will provide immediate andintuitive control of all the major vehicle functions, including seamless 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.
