- Plenty of space up-front and in the rear
- A 3.5-tonne towing capacity works well
- Latest interior tech a massive step forward
With the spare wheel attached to the back door, the Defender 110 is a lengthy beast at 5,018mm, but there’s space inside for up to seven people, although the rearmost two will be kids.
As standard the 110’s a five-seater, but an optional front centre seat for occasional use is a carry-over feature from the old Defender. When it’s not required it can be folded away for additional storage. Defender customers frequently need a lot of space for their kit and clutter, and here the newcomer is generous. You get 646 litres to 2,380 litres in five- or six- seat mode, and 231-2,233 litres when the optional third-row seats are fitted.
>> We rate the best seven-seater SUVs for 2020
A large and functional interior
The square styling, short overhangs and relatively long wheelbase make for a spacious cabin. The rubber flooring helps practicality, as it’s easy to wipe or sweep clean. The rear tailgate is side hinged, like an old Defender’s, giving good boot access. It also has the old car’s externally mounted spare wheel. The rear seats fold flat and if camping is on the agenda, a pair of six footers can sleep in the back.
Options include a roof tent and an inflatable waterproof awning, perfect for turning your Defender into a camper van. Expedition ‘roof rack’ and side ‘gear’ carrier further improve its adventurous spirit. Other functional features include a 3,500kg towing capacity and a static roof load of up to 300kg.
>> Read more: Best cars for towing
While the old Defender was about as high tech as a blunderbuss, the new one previews Jaguar Land Rover’s new generation Pivi Pro infotainment, a big step ahead of the system currently offered on Jaguars and Land Rovers. It will be rolled out to other JLR models soon. Also high-tech are the software over the air updates that include chassis and engine controls, as well as the infotainment.
Land Rover Defender safety
- Lots of cutting-edge equipment
- Strong, basic design
- Not yet tested by Euro NCAP
The new Defender is an enormously strong vehicle, so should offer excellent crash safety. Euro NCAP ratings are not yet available, but stay tuned for updates. The myriad stability and traction controls, the most advanced on any Jaguar or Land Rover, should help prevent accidents.
