Defender is one of the most resounding names in the automotive world, an emblematic model among off-road enthusiasts. The new generation brings together the all-terrain abilities of its predecessor and infuses an important dose of technologies and innovations.
The Defender name was first used in 1983, so it has a history of over 40 years, one that culminated in the current generation, which was launched in 2019. The old Defender had a utilitarian character, being intended, in mainly, walking in rough terrain.
But the new Defender retains these abilities, but complements them with space, comfort, features and efficiency. We had the opportunity to spend some time with the new Defender Plug-In Hybrid, a variant intended for those who spend more time in the city and want to move with zero emissions.
The Defender Plug-In Hybrid can travel over 40 km on a single battery charge
The Defender PHEV uses the same powertrain found on the Range Rover Sport PHEV. At the heart of the hybrid system is a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which is assisted by an electric motor. The total combined power developed by this hybrid system is 404 hp and 650 Nm.
Thanks to these power values, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 in just 5.6 seconds, a not insignificant value for an SUV of Defender’s size. The experience behind the wheel is comfortable, aided by the 8-speed automatic gearbox. And for those times when you want to venture off-road, all Defender models are equipped with all-wheel drive. In addition, as we found on the car we drove, the air suspension not only provides comfortable road holding, but also allows for increased ground clearance in rough terrain.
Last but not least, the Defender PHEV is equipped with a 19.2 kWh battery and offers a maximum autonomy of up to 43 kilometers in electric mode. The system allows fast charging of the battery with up to 50 kW. The manufacturer says that the battery can thus be charged from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes.
Currently, plug-in hybrid powertrain is only available on the Defender 110, the British SUV’s mid-body version. It measures 5,018 mm in length, 1,996 mm in width, 1,967 mm in height and offers a long wheelbase of 3,022 mm.
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Source: www.promotor.ro
