Land Rover has released details of new diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid for the Defender, plus a Commercial version known as ‘Hard Top’.

From next year, the four-cylinder D200 and D240 diesels will be replaced with new inline-six D200 and D250 models, sitting alongside a D300 version.

The new engines deliver more torque, with 500Nm (D200) and 570Nm (D250) available, utilising MHEV technology to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across the diesel Defender line-up.

The D200 and D250 can achieve an average of 32.2mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 230g/km.

There will also be a plug-in hybrid version, the P400e, which uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 105kW electric motor. With 404PS the P400e delivers strong performance with CO2 emissions of 74g/km and combined economy of 85.3mpg.

It will run in all-electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions for up to 27 miles, including off-road where Land Rover states the immediate torque from the electric motor makes Defender even more capable.

Standard on all Defender P400e models are 20-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Air Suspension and a charging port located on the left-hand side of the vehicle. All PHEV variants come with a Mode 3 charging cable as standard, while an optional Mode 2 cable is also available.

The Mode 3 charging cable enables charging to 80% in two hours. Using a 50kW rapid charger, the P400e charges to 80% capacity in 30 minutes.

The Defender P400e is available with the option of five or six seats in three-door 90 or five-door 110 body.

Defender Hard Top

Available in both 90 Hard Top and 110 Hard Top body designs, the new Defender commercial model combines a two-seat passenger compartment – with the option of a third central jump seat – and a flexible, hard-wearing rear load bay that provides 1,355 and 2,059 litres of loadspace respectively.

By incorporating lockable underfloor storage solutions and a secure bulkhead partition, the engineers at Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations have endeavoured to maximise the space and practicality of the Defender in its transformation into a commercial vehicle.

Payloads range from 670Kg (90) to 800Kg (110), depending on engine and spec.

The Defender Hard Top is powered exclusively diesel engines, including D200, D250 and D300 in-line six-cylinder variants. All make use of the latest advanced Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system to distribute power and torque for optimum performance and efficiency.

The Defender 90 Hard Top comes in entry-level Defender specification with fabric seats and rubber flooring throughout.

Defender 110 Hard Top customers can choose from four specifications: Defender, S, SE and HSE. These provide a range of exterior and interior enhancements and wheel choices, including Taurus upholstery on SE and Windsor Leather seats on HSE.

Land Rover’s new Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as standard and provides immediate control of all the major vehicle functions, including smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 90 Hard Top is available from  £35,820 OTR (ex VAT) and the Defender 110 Hard Top from £43,012 OTR (ex VAT).