Over the course of its 67-year history, the previous Land Rover Defender saw all manner of adaptation. From treaded all-terrain performers to slammed one-trick track ponies, no build was too wild for the iconic British 4×4. Oddly, however, Land Rover never gave its mainstay model an electrified refresh.
Announced for 2021, the new Defender line will come in a first-ever plug-in hybrid flavor known as the P400e. Featuring a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 105kW electric motor, the P400e promises to be the most powerful and fuel-efficient Defender to date. So while it puts out 398hp and does 0-62mph in a blazing 5.6 seconds, it also boasts an impressive combined 85.3mpg and an electric range of 27 miles. But the benefits of its electric boost go beyond numbers — the Defender also gains improved off-road capability courtesy of its near-instant torque availability. The Defender P400e will come in both five- and six-seat configurations, along with a slew of standard items like 20-inch alloy wheels, electronic air suspension, and a Mode 3 charging cable. Though initial release is limited to Europe, it’s only a matter of time before the P400e makes its way stateside.
