Land Rover has recently announced significant changes to its Defender lineup in India. The iconic off-roader now comes with a streamlined range of variants and engine options, reflecting a strategic move to cater to the most popular configurations in the Indian market.
Land Rover: Key Changes in the Defender Range
Engine Options Reduced
The Defender is now available with only two engine choices:
- 2.0-litre petrol engine
- 3.0-litre diesel engine
Notably, the V8 and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants have been discontinued.
Body Styles Retained
Despite the reduction in engine options, Land Rover continues to offer all three body styles:
- Defender 90
- Defender 110
- Defender 130
Pricing Adjustments
- New price range: Rs 1.04 crore to Rs 1.57 crore
- Previous price range: Rs 92.70 lakh to Rs 2.85 crore
Available Variants and Trims
- Petrol Variant
- Only available in the 110 body style
- Offered in X-Dynamic HSE trim
- Diesel Variants
- Available across all three body styles (90, 110, 130)
- Offered in three trims:
- X-Dynamic HSE
- X
- Sedona Edition
Impact on Pricing
The streamlining of the Defender range has led to significant changes in pricing:
- The base price has increased due to the discontinuation of the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the 90 body style.
- The top-end price has substantially decreased with the removal of the V8 variant.
Special Editions
It’s worth noting that the recently introduced Defender Octa V8 remains available for order, but only within its limited allocation for the Indian market.
Reasons for the Change of Land Rover Defender range
According to dealer sources, Land Rover has chosen to focus on the most popular engine options to rationalize the lineup. This move aims to streamline inventory management and cater more effectively to customer preferences in the Indian market.
Conclusion
The simplification of the Land Rover Defender range in India reflects the brand’s adaptive strategy to meet market demands. While some enthusiasts might miss the broader engine options, the core appeal of the Defender remains intact with its versatile body styles and capable powertrains.
As Land Rover continues to evolve its offerings in India, including the recent localization of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, the Defender maintains its position as a fully imported vehicle, underlining its premium status in the lineup.
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