If you ask any car nutter to make a list of all-time great off-roading production cars, the Land Rover Defender will surely make the cut. Now, we have an all-new version of it. And would you look at it! Those blunt ends moulded with modern design cues and a hint of nostalgia make the new Defender an attention seeker.

The new Defender is underpinned by a D7x architecture, which is based on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction. As per Land Rover, the new Defender has a body structure that is not only the stiffest it has ever produced but also three times stiffer than traditional body-on-frame designs. It might become a deal-breaker for some because, as we know, the body-on-frame structure has its unparalleled pluses. That being said, the new Defender is designed to be a lot more than just a capable off-roader. And thanks to its monocoque chassis, it can accommodate fully independent air or coil-sprung suspension and is ready for electrified powertrains as well.

To start its brand-new innings, the Defender will be available in its long wheelbase (110) form. What that means it will go on sale in a more sensible five-door configuration. The short wheelbase (90) version will launch at a later stage in select markets. As far as people accommodation is concerned, the 110 will be available with up to seven seats and the 90 with up to six. Apart from the standard terminology followed by Land Rover (S, SE, HSE), the Defender will also be available in First Edition in select markets.

In need for some off-roading numbers? Right, then! The 110 gets a ground clearance of 291mm, which is 9mm shy of one foot. When the off-road mode in the Terrain Response 2 system is engaged, the approach, breakover and departure angles are rated at 38, 28 and 40 degrees, respectively. Land Rover claims that the Defender has a maximum wading depth of 900mm, which is three feet. The availability of a twin-speed transfer box and the all-wheel-drive system only help the Defender make its case stronger over rough terrains.

Over to the powertrains. To begin with, the new Land Rover will be available with two petrol and diesel engines each. The former category will comprise of the 2.0-litre mill with 296hp/400Nm and a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder engine with 395hp/550Nm. The latter of those two engines will also make use of a mild-hybrid system to aid the mileage. The diesel portfolio has the same 2.0-litre engine in two states of tune – 197hp/430Nm and 237hp/430Nm. All motors will come coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. Land Rover will also add a plug-in hybrid variant sometime next year.

Techy stuff? Well, there’s a lot of it. There’s a new 10.0-inch infotainment system which can link to two smartphones simultaneously, receive OTA updates and feature JLR’s Connected Navigation Pro. Apart from that, there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, LED lighting on the exterior, a rear-view camera that feeds the embedded display within the IRVM, a 3D surround camera and several safety gizmos. The options list includes features like a head-up display, wireless mobile phone charging, two types of Meridian Sound Systems and four pre-set accessory packs – Urban, Explorer, Country and Adventure.

In all likelihood, the new Defender will also make its way to India. We are expecting it in both the 110 and 90 forms. In the powertrain department, it is expected to get just one engine option – the 2.0-litre petrol. Expect it land on our shores sometime next year.