Note too the spare wheel mounted at the back on the side-opening tailgate. Such tailgates might not be fashionable but they can’t be beaten for wide, step-free access into a flat rear deck, a likely important ingredient in what will inevitably become a diverse range of Defender variants.
The pictures also show Land Rover's signature air outlets aft of the front wheels and far from flush side glazing, in what is perhaps a nod to its predecessors with their riveted aluminium skin. Instead of a ladder frame chassis underneath expect a version of the Discovery’s monocoque platform complete with its independent suspension and electronic aids – step changes which should, at a stroke, revolutionise how the new Defender drives on-road and its crash worthiness, the latter being crucial to meet crash regs in countries like the US where the old one could not be sold.
The pictures clearly show two wheelbases, a three-door 90 equivalent and a five-door 110. Other versions – extended wheelbase, soft-tops, pickups, multiple-seating arrangements, utility models, luxury variants and even models with electrified drivetrains – have all been speculated upon and are likely at some point, though probably not immediately. The new Defender will likely be petrol or diesel powered at launch. In a departure, all models will be built at Land Rover’s new plant in Slovakia.
Apart from shaping up as a far easier and more comfortable drive, the interior is in line for complete modernisation. Land Rover is saying nothing officially on this but a picture of the dashboard – showing high-mounted auto gear selector and infotainment screen – previously teased on social media gives a flavour of what we can expect.