In a thrilling nod to its legendary overlanding heritage, Land Rover has unveiled a new expedition-spec Defender that brilliantly blends nostalgic design cues with cutting-edge off-road technology. This adventure-ready iteration wears its Camel Trophy inspiration proudly, from its functional raised air snorkel to its rugged stance and purposeful styling – a direct callback to those iconic Defenders that conquered the Amazon, Mongolia, and other extreme environments.
The design team has clearly studied the original Camel Trophy vehicles in detail. The prominent snorkel, mounted high on the front fender, isn’t just for show – it enables serious 1.2-meter water wading capability while keeping the engine breathing clean air in dusty conditions, just like its predecessors did during those grueling competitions. The chunky all-terrain tires, wrapped around 18-inch alloys, provide the same confident footing that made the Camel Trophy Defenders legendary. An available olive green matte paint scheme with contrasting black accents completes the throwback look, though Land Rover wisely offers more contemporary color options for buyers who prefer subtlety.
Underneath the nostalgic exterior lies thoroughly modern expedition hardware. The Defender gets reinforced steel skid plates protecting critical components, while the suspension receives a specialized tune with increased articulation for technical terrain. The permanent four-wheel-drive system benefits from revised low-range gearing, and the Terrain Response 2 system now includes a dedicated ‘Expedition Mode’ that optimizes every parameter for prolonged off-grid travel.
Inside, the cabin strikes a perfect balance between tribute and technology. Wipe-clean surfaces and heavy-duty mounting points recall the no-nonsense functionality of the Camel Trophy days, while modern comforts like Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system ensure daily drivability. The available Recaro front seats with anti-slip bolsters provide both support and another subtle nod to the past.
Power comes from Land Rover’s proven 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six producing 389 bhp, delivering effortless performance whether crawling over boulders or cruising highways. With a good blend of nostalgic design and state-of-the-art capability, this new Defender serves as both a moving tribute to Land Rover’s adventurous past and a thoroughly modern overlanding solution.
Given the Defender’s remarkable sales success in India, where it has become the vehicle of choice for adventurers and luxury seekers alike, we certainly hope Land Rover considers allocating at least a few of these special expedition-ready models to the Indian market. After all, with India’s diverse terrain ranging from the Himalayas to the Thar Desert, there’s no better place to properly honor the Camel Trophy legacy than on the subcontinent’s own challenging landscapes.
