Land Rover Defender Commercial
The Land Rover Defender Commercial, Also referred to as the Defender Hard Top or the Landrover Defender Van, is probably the most luxurious ‘van’ you’ll ever drive. Now that double cab pickups have been re-designated as cars for tax purposes, the Defender Commercial is one of the few vehicles that allow business users to drive what would otherwise be a premium ‘car’ while not falling foul of the ‘BIK’ (Benefit in kind, or company car tax) rules that would otherwise apply. Car and Van hire customers take note!
Essentially, in all outward appearances the Discovery Commercial is almost indistinguishable from the 5 seat ‘normal’ version, however, the Commercial variant has two seats up front and the rear has been emptied of the rear bench, in favour of a durable flat, rubberised loading bay. Rear ‘windows’ are blanked on the inside, there’s a bulkhead separating the seats with the cargo bay and a number of lockable compartments making clever use of the space where the rear footwell used to be.
All of this combined, satisfies the tax-mans definition of a commercial vehicle. The Defender Hard Top becomes, therefore, a van on paper, but on the road, or on the car park, you wouldn’t know the difference…. because, other than what’s already been mentioned, there isn’t a difference. Up front, it has all the luxury, premium features and brand appeal of the regular Defender, you just don’t have the option to share the experience with more than one passenger.
Why Call The Defender Commercial The Defender Hard Top?
The Defender Van or the Defender Commercial, comes with another designation – the Land Rover Defender Hard Top. Why hard top? This is a bit of a nod to the original Defender which could be purchased with a removable roof. This is no longer the case with the latest Defender – it’s fixed roof only. However, with so much nostalgia and heritage associated with the classic Defender, it’s a smart move to lean into this callback to the brand’s history.
Can the New Defender Still Off-Road?
In a word – Yes! Like pretty much any other Land Rover, the Defender and by extension the Defender Commercial is supremely capable off road. With huge wading depth, adjustable air suspension, numerous 4×4 driving modes and confidence inspiring driving dynamics, there are few vehicles short of tractors and tanks that’ll match the latest Defender when the road runs out. You may shudder at taking your premium SUV (van) cross country, but it’s more than game to go mud-plugging if you are!
Inside though, it’s a far-cry from the classic boneshaker of old. Capable no longer means austere and while the new Defender is tough enough to hand mud, mountains, snow, sludge, sand and near verticality, you’ll remain pampered in a cabin that reminds you Land Rover is a prestige brand, matching German luxury blow for high tech’ blow.
For the most prestigious ‘van’ on or off the road, get in touch and discover the new Defender Commercial in all its glory!
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