Due to be launched later this year, the new Defender Hard Top is touted to combine all-terrain capability with connectivity options as well as cargo space, practicality and of course, premium comfort.
“New Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top will be the toughest, most capable and most connected commercial 4x4s we have ever produced. They have been engineered to meet global safety standards and deliver impressive long-haul comfort, giving businesses and professionals the best of all worlds,” said Land Rover vehicle line director Nick Collins.
The Hard Top, with its fixed metal roof to share its silhouette with the iconic original, uses the same aluminium-intensive D7x body architecture that's now three times stiffer than the best body-on-frame designs.
Developed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), the Hard Top is sharing its body structure with the next-generation Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0).
Both 90 and 110 versions will feature independent coil-sprung suspension and an electronic air suspension for the 110 and have a ground clearance of 291mm - giving it a wading depth of 900mm that's supported by a Wade programme available in the Terrain Response 2 system.
The 110 Hard Top variant specifically will have an approach, break-over and departure angles of up to 38, 28 and 40 degrees respectively (in Off-Road height) with its full technical details to follow at a later date.
Towing capacity has been rated at 3.5 tonnes with the rear cabin left bare without second or third-row seats but it will have an optional front-row jump seat, meaning it will accommodate up to three persons at the front.
It will also be installed with the British 4X4 maker's ClearSight Rear-View mirror system to help with rear-ward visibility when there's a third person in the centre or when the load space has been filled up.
The Hard Top variant will also be blessed with the company's Advanced Tow Assist system which takes the stress out of difficult reversing manoeuvre by letting drivers steer trailers with their fingertips using a rotary controller on the centre console.
No to mention, occupants will have access to the Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment unit that can provide immediate control of all major vehicle functions including smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The system will also be equipped with Twin eSIM technology that supports Software0Over-The-Air (SOTA) capability that allows customers to download updates for a variety of vehicle system.
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.
Additionally, the Hard Top models will feature a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems that includes a 3D Surround Camera system while also having a Remote smartphone app which will allow businesses to keep track of the vehicle's location, fuel level and journey history remotely.
“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,” said Land Rover SVO managing director Michael van der Sande.
