Performance SUVs are commonplace today, with EVs providing even more alternatives. The 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 is one of the top-ranking luxury cars
that doesn't compromise when it comes to engine power and off-road-ready equipment. It comes with a block-shaped design, which Land Rover borrowed from the Mercedes G-Class. For a rugged SUV designed to take on any terrain, you'd expect high auto insurance rates, but you may never have to file an insurance claim. The Defender is well-equipped for the rough road, featuring Terrain Response with a range of modes, adaptive dampers, and an electronic rear differential to alleviate any risks.
The 2022 Land Rover Defender inspired by the Mercedes G-Wagen
If any of the 2022 Defender's credentials sound familiar, it's because Land Rover borrowed a leaf from Mercedes-AMG, which used the same formula when manufacturing the G-Class, notably the G63. For the Defender, Land Rover gave it a fire-breathing core by fitting a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine under its hood, delivering a menacing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque.
According to Car and Driver
, Land Rover took a subtler approach with the Defender. Its quad exhaust tips at the back release a milder growl than the G63's attention-grabbing rat-tat-tat. The Defender boasts about three tons of curb weight. That's two tons lighter than the Mercedes G63. Still, the Land Rover's utilitarian offering does an excellent job taming the powerful engine, giving it a highly responsive 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds, a second faster than the 2021 Defender 110 model that featured an inline-six engine.
What are the specs and features of the 2022 Land Rover Defender?
The Land Rover Defender comes with a wheelbase measuring 119 inches. Despite its newfound road performance, the car's mastery of the rugged, off-the-beaten-path conditions is partially enhanced by its 11.5 inches of ground clearance and a low-range transfer case. There's no place this beast won't go.
While Mercedes-Benz
paired the G63's engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Defender's supercharged engine works with a standard ZF eight-speed transmission that responds almost instantaneously to gear shifts. Its big brakes—14.9- and 14.3-inch rotors in the front and back—inspire confidence as they offer firm braking without hurting the pedal feel while off-road. Furthermore, the British automaker added a new Dynamic mode to the Defender's V8 Terrain Response that refines the engine's throttle response and stiffens the adaptive shock struts to provide drivers enhanced ride quality. The car also has larger anti-roll bars and an electronic rear differential that give this off-road, top-heavy monster the agility to take on any terrain.
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How Mercedes’ influence on the Defender 110 makes it more desirable
Mercedes AMG's G63 is a benchmark for luxury SUVs, providing stand-alone off-road capability, impressive shoebox design, and enhanced interior comfort. It's not surprising that Land Rover used the same recipe to offer its fans a utilitarian and premium SUV.
Although the Defender has milder flavors than the AMG's G-class, it comes hot on the heels of the G-Wagen with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Land Rover's new UI known as Pivi Pro. Unlike other off-road offerings in Land Rover's lineup, the Defender's infotainment also runs a single touchscreen for quicker response.
The space behind the Defender's rear seats is somehow limited, but like the G63, owners can fold the rear seats to expand the cargo space. If you have a larger family or more gear, it would be best to invest in a roof-top cargo carrier or the larger Land Rover Discovery.
The Land Rover Defender 110 offers the best in luxury and off-roading ability, so if you have the cash, it’s certainly a car worth considering.
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