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2023 Land Rover Defender 80: What We Know So Far

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After the excellent reception of the all-new Defender a few years ago, it looks like the British manufacturer is preparing another model under this nameplate. Currently, the Defender is available in two familiar forms, 90 and 110, while now we are getting reports about the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80. This model should be even smaller than the two-door 90 model and, more importantly, more affordable. To achieve that, the company will go in a little bit different direction.

Namely, all reliable sources suggest that the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 won’t share the platform with its bigger brothers. Instead, it will rely on the older-generation platform, which will make it more affordable and more accessible to the wider masses. From what we know so far, the new model could arrive by the end of this year.

2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Rendering

2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Design

Despite the familiar name, this will be an all-new model, with different base design characteristics compared to the current Defender lineup. Namely, the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 will ride on the older-generation D8 platform, the same one that underpins models like Range Rover Evoque and Jaguar E-Pace. In this case, we expect slightly smaller dimensions compared to the Defender 90, which measures slightly under 102 inches in wheelbase. The exact dimensions are still unknown.

On the other side, we have no doubt that the exterior styling will closely resemble the bigger siblings. At this point, all we can do is rely on render photos, which should be a design that’s pretty close to the Defender 90, but which comes in a slightly smaller package.

2023 Land Rover Defender 80

Interior

Of course, we expect a lot of resemblance on the inside as well. Still, keep in mind that this model will probably come with a notably lower price, which will probably start at around 30.000 dollars. Therefore, some things will definitely have to be sacrificed and the interior quality is the first thing that comes to mind. We expect to see less impressive materials, as well as less tech and convenience features.

Still, the 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 will be quite luxurious and equipped well. You may count on all kinds of tech goodies, including the company’s latest infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging etc. On the other hand, the new SUV won’t be particularly generous with space, which is logical if we consider the expected exterior dimensions.

2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Engine

It will be pretty interesting to see what will the 2023 Defender 80 have to offer under the hood. Considering the platform, it’s quite obvious that the 2.0-liter turbo-four will represent the top of the offer. Another thing typical for this platform is the 8-speed automatic from Aisin. To remind you, the current Defender models use ZF transmission.

Furthermore, we are pretty sure that base versions will come with a  smaller 1.5-liter engine with 160 horsepower. The same engine serves as a basis for the JLR hybrid powertrain but in that case, it puts out 200 horsepower. The electric motor is good for 109 horses, while the combined output goes around 300 horsepower. Also, this system includes a 15-kWh battery pack, which should offer more than 30 miles of the all-electric range in this case.

Although this platform essentially features an FF layout, we expect that all versions will come standard with all-wheel drive. Furthermore, we count on selectable traction modes, as well as a two-speed transfer case, along with other off-road hardware.

2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Render

2023 Land Rover Defender 80 Release Date and Price

We believe that the 2023 Defender 80 could arrive already by the end of this year. Base models should go around 30.000 dollars, which indicates that the key competitors would be models like Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.

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