An SUV icon is about to return. The all-new, completely redesigned Land Rover Defender is set to make its global debut next month at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. And one of the most anticipated reveals is the SUV you see here doing some final testing at the Nurburgring.

Land Rover previously released its own spy shots of the near production-ready yet still camouflaged prototypes out doing their thing in rough outdoor conditions, but the new Defender can obviously handle itself just fine on pavement too. YouTuber Automotive Mike captured this video while at the 'Ring very recently. What's clear is that Land Rover is doing some last-minute high-speed handling evaluations.

The new Defender will be the complete package; off-roader and a balanced street vehicle tried and tested at one of the world's best tracks. It must be an everyday SUV, after all. Land Rover has remained mostly mum on details, but we do know the reborn Defender will be offered in more than one iteration, such as luxury and rugged, and several body styles. Chances are a two-door variant will appear at some point, if not for the initial debut.

We also expect a high-performance version to arrive, though we can't confirm whether it's the prototype seen here. What's also interesting in this video is that the Defender can be seen following what we think is the next BMW X5 M. Is it being benchmarked against one of its most direct competitors? It's possible, yes.

This footage also makes it difficult to ascertain whether this prototype has an air or an optional coil suspension, though both options will exist. It also looks like this Defender has 18-inch wheels but buyers will be able to select up to 22-inch wheels with all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. The wait for the new Defender's arrival is almost over.