Land Rover creates Defender ‘Pacific Blue Edition’
Land Rover used their presence at the recent Defender Experience Byron Bay event to announce a special, limited-edition version of the Defender 4x4 that’ll be exclusive to Australia – the Defender Pacific Blue Edition.
According to Land Rover, the Pacific Blue Edition was inspired by Australian surfing culture and is the “embodiment of purposeful design inspired by natural wonders.”
Exclusive to the Australian market, the Pacific Blue Edition is based on the Defender 90 S with the D250 drivetrain. That means a short wheelbase model with S trim, powered by the Ingenium 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel six-cylinder engine. Producing 183kW at 4,000rpm and 570Nm at 1,250-2,550rpm, and with listed economy of 7.9lt/100km (combined cycle), the turbo diesel six is matched to the Defender’s standard eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive system that includes a two-speed transfer case and active torque transfer system.
Options fitted as standard include electronic air suspension with adaptive dynamics, while the 19-inch alloys are replaced with 18-inch steel rims and all-terrain tyres, ensuring the Pacific Blue Edition can reach those remote surfing spots. Theres also a side-mounted external gear carrier, roof rails, sliding glass panoramic sunroof, fixed side steps, automatic headlight levelling, a tow hitch receiver and locking wheel nuts from the options list.
To securely hold a surfboard, an Aqua Sports Carrier for the roof rack is included, while the Portable Rinse System is an external shower unit that allows you to clean up after time in the surf. These are also from the Defender options list.
Inside, upgrades include privacy glass, a Meridian sound system and Ebony leather front seats with heating and 12-way “semi-powered” adjustment.
The appearance of the Pacific Blue Edition is inspired by the waves and water of Australia’s east coast. A ‘Pacific Blue’ matte paint finish is accented with a white roof, white wheels and white accents on the grille and door handles. Inside, white contrast elements are added to the steering wheel and doorcards, while the Defender’s distinctive cross beam dashboard has been given a white powder coated finish.
Production of the Defender Pacific Blue Edition is limited to just 15 units, with each one carrying ‘1 of 15’ badging. Each unit also includes a unique surfboard with Defender branding.
Pricing of $129,976 (+ ORCs) places the Pacific Blue Edition at the upper end of the Defender 90’s price range, between the P400 X-Dynamic SE and P400 X, both of which use the P400 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine instead of the D250 diesel.
Orders for the Defender Pacific Blue Edition opened in December, ahead of delivery from May, 2024, so the 15-unit allocation may be sold out by the time you read this. See your Land Rover dealer for availability and further details.
