Pivi Pro upgrade
New for 2022 model year, wireless device charging, which features a signal booster to help optimize network reception and Wi-Fi signal is now standard across the Defender model range.(2)
Connectivity is also enhanced by the latest evolution of Pivi Pro infotainment, available with an optional larger 11.4-inch touchscreen for the first time. The new curved glass interface is 60 percent larger than the standard screen. The fast and intuitive Pivi Pro system provides immediate responses, even when starting the vehicle for the first time.(2)
A simple menu structure allows the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the home screen to reduce driver distraction. The system can be easily customized to suit the preferences of individual customers. Additional app ‘panels’ can be added, moved and removed, while swiping left or right of the screen quickly reveals the most relevant information at a glance.(2)
The advanced navigation uses self-learning algorithms and dynamic guidance to optimize routing, while Smart Voice Guidance knows to cancel audio instructions in familiar surroundings. The Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology(2) in Defender helps deliver the latest Navigation mapping.
Intelligent learning allows the navigation system to identify routes owners use regularly, even without inputting a destination, and use this information to inform drivers of the fastest route to their likely destination based on current traffic conditions. If a faster route becomes available, Pivi Pro will propose this as an alternative.(2)
Defender 110 XS Edition
The new XS Edition elevates the Defender 110 with additional premium touches, including unique exterior and interior treatments.
Externally, the XS Edition is identified by its bespoke body-colored lower cladding and lower wheel arches, and distinctive 20-inch, contrast diamond-turned alloy wheels finished in Satin Grey. A choice of four exterior color options is available: Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone and Santorini Black.
Inside the XS Edition, 12-way, heated and cooled electric memory seats are finished in Ebony Grained leather and Robust Woven Textile, while the exposed Cross Car Beam has a Light Grey powder coat brushed finish. Extended Leather and unique illuminated metal treadplates complete the interior.
Comprehensive standard specification includes Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics, Configurable Terrain Response, Three-zone Climate Control with Rear Cooling Assist, Cabin Air Ionization with PM2.5 filter, and Adaptive Cruise Control.(3) In addition, the XS Edition features a P400 engine, signature DRL, ClearSight Rear View4 mirror technology and Pivi Pro(2) infotainment with 10-speaker Meridian sound system.
Greater personalization with new Exterior Packs
Customers can now choose from three new exterior design packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack further extend the personalization potential of New Defender.
Available on all Defender models, the Bright Pack features a Noble Chrome finish for the front and rear skid pans, plus a Noble Chrome front grille bar and badging. The Extended Bright Pack, adds Ceres Silver to the lower body cladding and wheel arches.
Defender X, Defender X-Dynamic and Defender V8 customers can select the new Extended Black Pack. It provides a Gloss Black finish for the front and rear skid pans, front grille bar, hood checkerplate, badging, lower body cladding and wheel arches for a stealthy and purposeful appearance.
Magna Steyr, ZF, BMW All Involved
Nor is the Grenadier a distant dream. Work on the factory in Wales where it will be built has begun, with the plan being to start sales in some markets next year. INEOS has struck deals with Austria’s Magna Steyr, which is helping to develop the car and its off-road capability, and has BMW signed up to supply six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, with ZF providing gearboxes and Carraro axles. The production Grenadier will have a ladder chassis, permanent all-wheel drive, a mechanical transfer box, and the ability to tow up to 7800 pounds under European testing methodology. The company has only released images of a four-door station wagon and crew-cab pickup, but the ladder-frame architecture would make it relatively simple to create different versions, and a short-wheelbase example looks like a fair bet.
Solid Axles, Locking Differentials
The Grenadier has been designed to be both tough and useful, and to be able to venture into the genuine wilderness. Off-road ability will come from solid axles and lockable differentials rather than air springs and clever traction control. The beltline around the top of the doors is capable of carrying a load, allowing items to be mounted to the outside, and like the Jeep Wrangler users will be able to fully remove the doors. Integrated roof bars allow loads to be carried without a rack, and the flat-topped fenders are strong enough to carry a person’s weight. We’re told that all Grenadiers will also carry wiring for extra lights and external accessories and, although the company hasn’t released any images of the cabin yet, that it will be waterproof enough to be cleaned with a hose.
At the rear the Grenadier is most obviously different from the original Land Rover, with a full-width rear door featuring a vertical split. The shorter door is capable of taking the weight of a roof-access ladder, while the larger one will carry a full-size spare wheel; we’re promised that trunk space will be sufficient to take a 47-inch by 31-inch European pallet. There is a also a drop-down panel on the outside of the trunk to allow dirty or smelly items to be put directly into a stowage compartment from outside the car.
New Defender V8
The new Defender V8 is the ultimate expression of the Land Rover brand’s toughest 4×4 and recalls the rich heritage of eight-cylinder Land Rover vehicles dating back to the 1970s. The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body styles and delivers elevated performance and driver engagement without compromising capability.
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine, which produces 518hp, 461lb-ft of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender 90 V8 accelerates from 0-60mph(1) in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h1 in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph(1) (240km/h1).
Defender V8 Carpathian Edition
The exclusive New Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is designed to be the ultimate expression of performance, durability and design, and represents the very pinnacle of the Defender range. Finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey premium metallic paint, the vehicle’s exterior is distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, hood, and for the first time on the New Defender, tailgate. Additional visual highlights include bespoke V8 Carpathian Edition badging finishes, Satin Black tow eyes, Carpathian Gloss front and rear skid pans, front grille bar and Xenon Blue brake calipers.
The unique exterior is finished with Land Rover Satin Protective Film. The recyclable PU-based wrap is applied to external bodywork giving the 4×4 a contemporary semi-matte finish that is designed to help protect against everything from parking lot scratches to off-road brush and scrub scratches.
Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates.
Up to 25,000 a Year Are Planned
The plan is to create a vehicle that will appeal to both original Defender buyers who haven’t been able to directly replace their vehicles (with British πfarmers being high on the list), but also government agencies, NGOs, and adventurers looking for a vehicle capable of tackling the true wilderness. Plus, of course, those drawn to such a tough-looking truck for lifestyle reasons. INEOS says it will build up to 25,000 a year for global sale, and that the Grenadier will be offered in the U.S. with full federal approval.
We’ll have to wait to learn how INEOS plans to sell its cars over here, and how much it intends to charge for them. But after years of having no Defender, it looks as if U.S. buyers are going to have the choice of two very different vehicles inspired by the seminal original.
Mike Duff
Senior European Correspondent
Our man on the other side of the pond, Mike Duff lives in Britain but reports from across Europe, sometimes beyond. He has previously held staff roles on U.K. titles including CAR, Autocar, and evo, but his own automotive tastes tend toward the Germanic: he owns both a troublesome 987-generation Porsche Cayman S and a Mercedes 190E 2.5-16.
