Reborn for a new generation, the 2020 Land Rover Defender is significantly more technologically advanced than its predecessor. At CES 2020, Land Rover is showcasing some of the rugged off-roader's advanced technology and connectivity features.
According to Land Rover, the new Defender is the first vehicle in the world equipped with two embedded LTE modems, which means users can download Software-Over-The-Air updates on the move without interruption while also streaming music and apps through the infotainment system, which uses a dedicated LTE modem and eSIM.
At the heart of the new Defender's advanced infotainment system is a 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen with wireless charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. All aspects of the off-roader can be controlled using the same Qualcomm processing hardware that powers the latest smartphones. Two mobile devices can also be connected to the infotainment head unit at once using Bluetooth, allowing the driver and passenger to enjoy hands-free functionality without having to swap connections.
"With one LTE modem and eSIM dedicated to the Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology and the same set-up looking after music streaming and apps, New Defender has the digital capacity to keep customers connected, updated and entertained at all times anywhere in the world" explained Peter Virk, Director of Connected Car and Future Technology at Jaguar Land Rover.
"You could liken the design to a brain, with each half enjoying its own connection for unrivaled and uninterrupted service. Like the brain, one side of the system looks after logical functions, like SOTA, while the other takes care of more creative tasks."
Jaguar Land Rover's Pivi Pro infotainment system also has a dedicated battery, meaning the system is always on and is immediately responsive when the Defender is started up. As a result, new destinations can be added to the navigation as soon as the driver sits in the vehicle with no delays. Updates can also be downloaded without the need to visit dealers for updates to be installed.
Since its debut last September at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the new Defender has been upgraded with even more Software-Over-The-Air capability. Originally, Land Rover announced that 14 individual electronic control modules would be able to receive remote updates. However, the production model will feature 16 control units capable of receiving SOTA updates. Before the end of 2021, Land Rover engineers predict there will be more than 45 SOTA modules available, making in-dealer software updates a thing of the past.