Fit To Defend: The 2023 Land Rover Defender Carpathian

The Land Rover Defender can trace its roots back to 1948 when the iconic off-roader launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show. For over 70 years, its ruggedness and versatility have made it a favorite among adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

However, the Defender's utilitarian design has also caught the eye of another group: the world's most notorious onscreen villains. In fact, the Defender has been featured in several James Bond movies as the preferred mode of transportation for the bad guys.

With its imposing presence, off-road capabilities, and distinctive design, it is easy to see why the Defender’s flagship Carpathian Edition will become a popular choice for adventurous souls. Here’s a “For Your Eyes Only” dossier.
 

The Defender’s monocoque body frame is able to withstand 6.5 tons of snatch load through its satin black tow hooks, perfect for making a speedy getaway when the going gets tough.

Moreover, the Carpathian’s adaptive dynamic air suspension system makes it surprisingly surefooted on pavement, as well. Throw it into a corner and it feels planted; body roll is kept in check by solid anti-roll bars working in tandem with a continuously variable damping system, stiffer suspension bushes, and a new yaw controller that keeps things in check at the limits of adhesion.
 

While most of these gorgeous special-edition Defenders will not spend a lot of time off-roading, knowing that your Defender 90 can take you nearly anywhere on the planet is what makes the Defender, well, a Defender. Land Rover’s intelligent Terrain Response 2 system can recognize the surface conditions and configure the vehicle appropriately with no input from the driver.
 

For high-water crossings, a wade program will automatically adjust the throttle response, lock the driveline, raise the suspension, and set the climate control system to recirculate the cabin air, allowing the Defender a world-class maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches.
 

The V8 Carpathian Edition comes with unique Ebony Leather and Miko Suedecloth seats, an Alcantara-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel with satin chrome gearshift paddles, and a leather-covered airbag housing.

The 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system is quick to respond and easy to use. We especially liked the Defender’s 3D surround camera system, which features new 3D perspective views to better spot potential obstacles. A cosseted experience is to be expected, whatever the driving circumstances.
 

While not specific to the Carpathian Edition Defender, 2020’s non-limited edition Zenith Defy El Primero 21 collaborative timepiece could certainly match up with the meanness and leanness of this Defender special edition.

For a start, it boasts matte-finish titanium, minimalist/techy/almost scientific gauging and indexing; a stealthy gray-with-orange details presentation; knubbly tire-tread rubber strap; and a wheel-spoke rotor visible through the case back. It was introduced when the new vision of the Land Rover Defender was first shown to the world a few years ago and retailed for $13,400.
 

Will there be another Zenith/Land Rover collab for the special Carpathian? Sorry, that’s top secret.

For more information, please visit the Land Rover website.

(Images © Land Rover)