Land Rover has announced details of a new version of its popular Defender SUV as well as commercial and high-spec limited edition derivatives of its larger Discovery.
First up is the ‘Metropolitan Edition’ – a £73,250 model that is available with Land Rover’s very own 3-litre mild-hybrid straight-six petrol badged ‘P360’ or similar-sized mild-hybrid ‘D300’ turbo diesel engine.
Said to “represent the pinnacle of the Discovery family”, the Metropolitan Edition uses the ‘R-Dynamic HSE’ as its base and adds a chrome finish for the front grille and the Discovery lettering that is spaced across the bonnet’s leading edge.
Lower silver bumper inserts, grey 22-inch diamond turned alloy wheels, black brake calipers, privacy glass and a sliding panoramic roof complete the makeover.
Inside, a head-up display, heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a front cooler compartment and four-zone climate control are all included in the price.
Land Rover has also taken the opportunity to broaden its Discovery Commercial range by adding the ‘R-Dynamic’ trim. A gloss black contrast roof and smoked rear light clusters come as standard, while a choice of 20- and 22-inch wheels are also available.
The brand says these enhancements combine to provide “the perfect combination of practicality, all-terrain capability and visual appeal”.
A strict two-seater, the interior features Ebony upholstery with contrast stitching, ‘Ebony Morzine’-coloured headlining, metal sports pedals, bright steering wheel paddles and ‘Shadow Aluminium’ trim on the dash and door cards.
On top of a 3.5 tonne towing capacity, the ‘Commercial R Dynamic’ has a cargo area totalling 2,024-litres due to the absence of seats in rows two and three. Covered in a hard-wearing rubber and capable of accommodating a maximum load length of 1,638mm, it has a fixed partition, two underfloor stowage areas, six anchor points and overhead lighting for added convenience.
Meanwhile, Land Rover is updating the ’90 Hard Top’ version of its Defender. It arrives early next year boasting the latest technology and an expanded list of optional extras.
It comes fitted with the larger 11.4-inch ‘Pivi Pro’ infotainment system, while the ‘D250’ straight-six diesel engine in the commercial-focused Defender 90 Hard Top benefits from 48 volt mild-hybrid assistance. Starting from £48,390 (£38,117 ex-VAT), the turbocharged 3-litre unit develops 247bhp and 443 lb ft of torque.
The costlier ‘SE’ trim will set buyers back £55,830 (£40,380 ex-VAT), although the higher price is offset by a great number of creature comforts such as LED headlights, 20-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, heated and electrically-operated fronts seats, a Meridian sound system, keyless entry and Blind Spot Assist.
