All-new Land Rover Defender Commercial to start from £35,000

The Land Rover Defender Commercial is returning for 2020 with a new look and a £35,000 price tag (excluding VAT). 

The all-new Land Rover Defender van line-up starts with the 90 short-wheelbase version (£35,000) while the long-wheelbase Defender 110 is expected to start in the region of £40,000 (before VAT). Both get two seats and a completely flat load area with the rear windows replaced with metal panels. 

The 2020 Defender is offered with four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, as well as a six-cylinder petrol mild hybrid: however, Land Rover hasn't confirmed which powertrains will feature in the Defender Commercial, but the range is expected to include diesel and hybrid options. 

The diesel engine range is made up of four-cylinder engines producing 200PS or 240PS, badged D200 and D240 respectively. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and produce 430Nm of torque. This takes the D200 to 62mph in 10.3 seconds, while the D240 takes 9.1 seconds. Official WLTP fuel economy figures for the diesels range from 31.4 to 31.7mpg.

As you might expect, the new Defender is heavily geared for off-roading. All models get four-wheel drive and 291mm of ground clearance, while a new Wade function - part of Land Rover's configurable Terrain Response system - will allow the Defender to slosh its way through 900mm water depth.

Short front and rear overhangs mean it’ll be able to tackle steep hills and challenging terrain, says Land Rover, while ClearView Ground View tech will allow the driver to use the infotainment display to see the area usually hidden by the bonnet. The new body gives the Defender 110 approach, breakover and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees (Off Road height) respectively.

The Defender 90 gets coil suspension as standard, while the 110 will (we presume) match the passenger car version and get air suspension. Land Rover claims the Defender has a maximum payload of up to 900kg and a static roof load of up to 300kg. Towing capacity will match the best in class pick-ups, with the Defender capable of shifting 3500kg.

Land Rover hasn't released any specs for the Defender van, but given its premium price it's safe to assume it'll get LED headlights, heated windscreen, 10-inch touchscreen navigation and a full size spare wheel as standard. All Defenders run 18-inch steel wheels as standard, while 19-inch alloys will be available as an optional extra.