In Case You Needed More Defender Models, Land Rover Has You Covered

Land Rover lit up my inbox this morning with more news about the reborn Defender. It seems there’s just always more to talk about with the new version of the iconic SUV.

The news for the 2021 model year is that there will be a three-door 90 model. Another piece of news is the X-Dynamic trim, which is meant to slot in between lower and upper trims. Jaguar Land Rover’s materials say the X-Dynamic is meant to have a “tough” exterior look and “unique” interior “fittings” but what does this corporate-speak really mean?

Apparently, it means that the exterior doors will have gloss-black cladding, as will the wheel-arches, and the skid plates will be painted silver. Inside will be a material called Robustec. This is apparently a protective, durable material based on what’s used for “extreme” outdoor/adventure situations, and it will be applied to the seats and console, since those areas tend to show wear quickly. It will be available in the same color patterns that one can choose on the S, SE, and HSE models.

Amy Frascella, Director, Color and Materials, Land Rover, said, “Essentially a tool – obtaining this balance of tactility, softness and durability was key to create a modern premium aesthetic for both the interior and exterior materials. We have enabled innovation of materials by creating new approaches to development, challenging conventions of traditional methods of make and modifying existing technologies.” That’s a really, really fancy way of saying that Robustec should keep the inside of your Defender from wearing too quickly while looking cool and feeling nice, and you’ll get charged a pretty penny for the privilege.

How much? Well, if you’re adding this package (X-Dynamic S to start, SE and HSE packages are available) to your three-door Defender 90, it starts at $57,800 and requires the 3.0-liter turbo inline-six/mild hybrid setup (395 horsepower, 406 lb-ft). The four-cylinder 90 (2.0-liter turbo, 296 ponies/295 lb-ft) starts at $46,100, with the S ringing the register at $49,400. The First Edition checks in at $64,100 and the Defender 90 X will set you back $80,500.

Should the 110 better tickle your particular fancy, you get in the door with the four-cylinder at $50,500. The S trim brings you up to $53,800. Opt for cylinders six and the 110 SE is $62,700, while the X-Dynamic SE is $65,500 and X-Dynamic HSE is $71,600. The top-dog 110X is $83,000.

None of these prices include the $1,350 in D and D fees.

The other big piece of news here is one that will make off-roaders take notice – a new Wade mode is added to the Terrain Response System of off-road-oriented drive modes. It softens the throttle response, sets the climate control to recirculate, locks the driveline, adjusts the ride height (presumably, up), and shows the driver key information pertaining to fording a river on the infotainment screen. Apparently, the Defender’s engineers played Oregon Trail when they were kids.

That fording depth, by the way, is 35.4 inches.

If the Defender interests you, it’s on sale now.

[Image: Jaguar Land Rover. European model shown.]