Land the Rover discontinued Defender in 2016 due to high emissions and safety issues. But, this year is 70th anniversary since the first crossover appeared. The all-new 2019 Land Rover Defender ute is spotted testing, and we can see first spy shots of the vehicle. By the end of this year, it should be officially presented. The new Land Rover Defender is coming in 2019. It is also coming back to the USA. Soon, the company is going to unveil more news about price and release date.
The spied vehicle has a new exterior look. Bosses announced that new 2019 Land Rover Defender will be even better than Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Well, we will have to wait and see what do engineers and designers in this British company are preparing. It is not easy to be dominant in this segment with such competitor. However, Defender must fix issues which were reasons for discontinuation in 2016. So, safer and more environmental and fuel friendly attributes should join excellent off-road performance and durable engine.
Spy Shots of the All-New 2019 Land Rover Defender and Release Date
It is still unclear if the new ute will be a model for 2019 or 2020 season. However, this year is very important for the Defender. It’s crossovers’ 70th anniversary. So, all fans and enthusiasts are sure that the SUV is going to appear by the end of this year. Well, hope remains that new Land Rover Defender is coming in 2019.
Ever since its first appearance, the Defender had a special exterior. It went through modernization phases, but the idea of the boxy off-road crossover was always there. Now, after 70 years, it is about to change, according to spy shots. The new 2019 Land Rover Defender will now look more like modern SUVs and its competitors.
Changes
From spy shots, we can see that 2019 Land Rover Defender will ride on a short wheelbase. It is not a surprise since the larger, Range Rover Sport is using it. That will make new crossover more agile. The SUV will probably boost its off-road capabilities. Land Rover is testing Defender on the road as well, so it will be one versatile crossover.
Whatsoever, previous plans had in mind a long-wheelbase version of the 2019 Land Rover Defender. But, this model could come after the return of the nameplate. Other plans include three- and five-door body styles. Some of the most radical opinions are saying that Defender truck is being a possibility. If our opinion matters, this could happen after 2020. In foreseeable future, hardly.
2019 Land Rover Defender Coming Back to USA
Defender has its fans in the US. These are not only people who saw it somewhere, but also previous owners. The ute had a short stint on this market during 1990’s. However, the company turned to more profitable models, and Range Rover Sport. But, we have strong signals that all-new 2019 Land Rover Defender will return to the US and Canada.
But, as its predecessors in this part of the world, the 2019 Land Rover Defender will suffer a lot of modifications. Strict safety regulations and emission requirements must be met. These were the main reasons why it was discontinued in the US in 1997. Also, almost two decades later, the same faith came for Defender in other parts of the world.
2019 Land Rover Defender Specs
The company is hiding specifications and details of the new engine for 2019 Land Rover Defender. They are doing this very well since we couldn’t read any rumor about powertrain solutions for the crossover. Spy shots can’t unveil that as well. But, with these pictures available, we are sure that Land Rover is testing the last few options.
Recently, we could hear rumors about performance-oriented SVR version of 2019 Land Rover Defender. This would be a big surprise and strong return to the market. While the standard version should have at least 400 bot horsepower and pound-feet, the SVR will boost it for at least 150 horses.
2019 Land Rover Defender Price
As the engine lineup, the price of 2019 Land Rover Defender is a total mystery. Well, these two things are heavily linked and the cost depends on the type of drivetrain under the hood. Whatsoever, Defender is a premium crossover, and the new model will bring a lot of modern features and safety equipment. Also, improvements on drive system that will improve fuel economy and reduce emissions are not cheap.
Having all this in mind, as well as the announcement that 2019 Defender will be better than G-Class, we believe that ute is going to start above $100,000. And what about the possibility of SVR? Well, you should add at least $50k, and even more for this performance-tuned crossover.
2019 Land Rover Defender Expectations
As always, premium crossovers are under special attention of all fans and experts. There is no room for mistake with such price tag. That is why 2019 Land Rover Defender must be perfect. Another big thing is that the crossover is coming back from retirement. So, expectations are bigger than usual.
After discontinuation, the 2019 Defender will have to improve a lot of things. Emissions, fuel economy, infotainment system are just a few things designers and engineers are working hard to make special. Also, there is a new look. Of course, the 2019 Land Rover Defender will receive a lot of criticism about every detail. Older fans of the ute will find it difficult to get used to modern SUV. They will miss the boxy look Defender had for almost 70 years.
On the other hand, younger buyers will support modernization. Classic appearance is not their preference. This category of fans is the main reason why the company is considering the SVR version. More power, aggressive look, faster vehicle, is what attract youngsters.
Finally, there is competition. Comparison with G-Class is somehow too optimistic. The German SUV is an absolute leader in this segment and it has no match. Yet. The 2019 Land Rover Defender could spoil the party and get on the line with it. But, since it is going to be fresh on the market, we doubt the first edition could fulfill announcements. On the other hand, we will see the response from Mercedes.
