Land Rover has announced a limited edition version of its rugged Defender for Australia, called the Pacific Blue. Just 15 examples are up for grabs.
The special edition is based on the short wheelbase 90 body, with the D250 powertrain. It consists of a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six that produces 183kW and 570Nm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes a claimed 8.0 seconds, while fuel economy is rated at 7.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
A number of unique touches and options are applied to the Pacific Blue to help it stand out, all inspired by Australia’s surf culture. For example, the body is wrapped in a matt Pacific Blue colour, contrasted with a white roof, with matching white 18-inch steel wheels wearing all-terrain tyres.
The core of it is the S trim, which is near the entry end of the range, but it comes with Ebony grained leather seats, heated in the front, and there’s adjustable air suspension and adaptive dynamics, headlight levelling, and an upgraded Meridian sound system added in.
Each example also comes with a unique ‘Defender’ surfboard, as well as a black side-mounted gear carrier, fixed side steps, an Aqua Sports Carrier and Portable Rinse System, as well as a tow hitch receiver, all from the accessories catalogue.
Land Rover says it is showcasing the special edition at Soma Byron Bay retreats, during December 5-13. Prices start from $126,976 (excluding on-road costs). That’s an eye-watering $30,806 more than the regular Defender 90 D250 S on which it is based.
Land Rover Defender sales are going strong in Australia, with the November VFACTS report, which counts new vehicle registrations, showing Defender units stand at 3590 for the first 11 months of 2023. That’s up 129.2 per cent on the same period last year.
