[Taboleo] OK Even on Snowy Downhills... Off-Road 'King' Defender

Stable Driving on Snow, Water, and Mud
Automatic Adjustment Without Braking on Downhill Slopes

All New Defender (Photo by Jaguar Land Rover Korea)

"Prepared for the perfect adventure."

Robin Colgan, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover Korea, introduced the new Defender this way at the 'Destination Defender' event held on the 26th of last month in Inje-gun, Gangwon Province. The Defender we actually encountered was just such a vehicle. It advanced smoothly as if there were no problems, whether on the gravel and snowy roads of Inje-gun, Gangwon Province, or even in the river.

The test drive vehicle was the '2024 All-New Defender 110.' First, we entered a route that passed through slippery muddy roads and crossed a river. Choosing four-wheel low traction start and raising the vehicle height, the Defender did not hesitate to tackle the muddy terrain. It moved forward without any wheel spin even in deep mud pits. Equipped with cameras to compensate for the high ground clearance, it was possible to check all around the vehicle, including the lower front, both front wheels, and the rear.

The all-new Defender 110's interior central display shows the front of the vehicle, the area around the front wheels, and the power distribution status for each wheel.

The water fording capability was even more impressive. Switching to fording mode, it advanced like a water buffalo, emitting a faint steam over the hood. A water depth of about 90cm, enough to submerge the exhaust pipe of the vehicle ahead, was no problem. The waterway mixed with stones, gravel, and sand was crossed smoothly. The front camera was so clear that even small fish underwater could be seen.

The Defender’s off-road driving ability showed its full value during the climb up Giryongsan Mountain. Despite the mountain trail being about 10 km long, still covered with snow and turned into mud by rain, it was driven stably. During the approximately one-hour drive, it ascended and descended steadily without a single slip.

Especially, the more dangerous descent was no problem at all. There was no need to press the brake on the steep and slippery slope. This is the power of the 'Hill Descent Control' feature. At inclines above a certain angle, it automatically controls the brakes to prevent slipping. Even when driving off-road with tension and effort, this allows for relaxed and comfortable driving.

The Defender, equipped with seven terrain modes suitable for snow, sand, mud, rocks, water, and more, along with a fully automatic terrain response system, seemed to have no road it could not conquer. Land Rover conducted over 62,000 engineering tests to secure the Defender’s off-road performance. It was honed through millions of kilometers driven in the harshest environments, from deserts exceeding 50°C, to the Arctic below -40°C, and the Colorado Rocky Mountains at about 3,000 meters altitude.

The All-New Defender 110 features a 5-seat configuration. It can carry a total of 972 liters, and folding the second-row seats expands the cargo space to 2,277 liters. The center fascia is equipped with an 11.4-inch curved display. The 'Pivi Pro' infotainment system included is also a strength. It is designed so that 90% of all functions can be accessed with just two touches. T-map navigation is provided as standard.

The P400X model is equipped with a new 3,000cc Ingenium 6 engine. It delivers a maximum output of 400 horsepower and a peak torque of 56.1 kgf·m. The combined fuel efficiency is 6.9 km per liter (6.2 km/l in the city, 7.9 km/l on the highway). The price is 146 million KRW including VAT.