A new report out of the United Kingdom suggests that Land Rover will include a bakkie version in its upcoming Defender range, positioned to take on the Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
According to Autocar, the British brand plans to launch a Defender pick-up by 2020. The standard Defender is expected to be revealed later in 2018.
The bakkie will reportedly be based on the long-wheelbase Defender. Interestingly, Autocar speculates that it will be offered in single-cab form only, although adds that a luxurious variant is nevertheless on the cards to rival the X-Class.
The report adds that the Defender bakkie will likely be powered by 2,0-litre petrol and diesel units from Jaguar Land Rover’s Ingenium family.
Late in 2017, Land Rover’s design boss admitted that the styling of the new Defender will be “polarising”, adding that he doesn’t expect diehard Defender fans to buy the new one.
