As its launch inches closer, we get to learn and see
more about the all-new Land Rover Defender and the latest news concern its
interior that has just been snapped up by Carscoops spy photographers. Looking very much like the mockup
that was revealed in February, the latest images show that is has a
leather-wrapped steering wheel in front of a digital instrument cluster with a
leather hood.
While most new JLR products have a Touch Pro Duo
infotainment system, it appears that feature won’t be offered on the Defender.
Instead, we can see a relatively small screen mounted above a protruding center
stack. The latter houses a stubby gear selector and controls for the dual-zone
automatic climate control system, an assortment of dedicated buttons for things
like the ride-height, window defoggers and air conditioning, as well as a
physical knob to adjust the volume that looks like an awkward reach for the
driver (at least in LHD cars). Other notable features include the thick A-pillars
and lack of a traditional center console.
The exterior pictures don’t reveal anything we
haven’t seen before, besides a glimpse underneath, but an image of the Defender
recently surfaced on Twitter. It shows the model will follow in the footsteps
of its predecessor, but adopt sleeker and more modern styling. The SUV will
also have front fender vents, a rear-mounted spare tire and a relatively flat
roof with what appears to be a rear sky light.
The Defender is expected to be unveiled at the
Frankfurt Motor Show. Land Rover has been tight-lipped about powertrain
details, but a recent presentation revealed the model will be launched with
both conventional and mild-hybrid engines, while full-hybrid powertrains will
be added in the future.
