Currently reading: New Land Rover Defender: interior leaked ahead of unveiling

Image posted on Twitter appears to show all-new 4x4's dashboard; official debut isn't expected for several months

The first image of the new Land Rover Defender's interior appears to have been leaked online ahead of the model's official unveiling at the end of the year.

The image, posted on Twitter by an unidentified user, appears to be a press shot of the reborn 4x4's dashboard. Land Rover itself has only released exterior shots of prototypes at this stage.

We can see that Land Rover has thoroughly modernised the Defender's interior, with a central widescreen infotainment system and full-width digital instrument display. The steering wheel features Defender branding in its centre, too.

New Land Rover Defender: reveal confirmed for 2019

Defender render

Details such as 'stop' and 'go' stamped into the accelerator and brake pedals aim to add character, while the materials look to be more durable and hard-wearing than those used in current Land Rovers.

The car in these pictures has an automatic gearbox, and it's not yet clear if manual versions will also be offered. Though unconfirmed as yet, the photo also seems to suggest this variant of Defender has three front seats.

Specific details beyond this image are still several months away from being revealed. We do know, however, that the 2020 Defender will be offered as a long-wheelbase five-door and a short-wheelbase three-door, with a number further bodystyles, including a pick-up truck and a convertible, expected further down the line as part of a whole family of variants.

The 4x4 isn't expected to abandon its off-road credibility, despite the new technology. Engineers are said to be subjecting the Toyota Land Cruiser rival to "rigorous test extremes", including at temperatures as low as -40deg C and as high as 48deg C, as well as at altitudes up to 13,000ft. 

Read more:

Reborn Land Rover Defender crucial to firm's 2019 revival

Opinion: can the new Defender revive Jaguar Land Rover's fortunes?

New Land Rover Defender: reveal confirmed for 2019​

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

Is this a triumph of style over substance or is the fifth-generation Discovery the best yet?

Join our WhatsApp community and be the first to read about the latest news and reviews wowing the car world. Our community is the best, easiest and most direct place to tap into the minds of Autocar, and if you join you’ll also be treated to unique WhatsApp content. You can leave at any time after joining - check our full privacy policy here.