A PLUG-IN hybrid variant of the new Land Rover Defender has been announced making it the most powerful and fuel efficient model in the current line up.

With a 105kW electric motor backing up a 2.0-litre 300ps petrol engine, the Defender P400e has a combined power output of 404ps and a hefty amount of torque.

The result is a 0 to 60mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds and a combined fuel return of up to 85.3mpg.

It also has a zero emission range of up to 27 miles while overall the plug-in hybrid arrangement reduces emissions to 74g/km.

Said to be just as capable on and off the road as a conventional Defender, the P400e has the benefit of immediate torque from the electric motor to boost its ability.

Priced from ££64,800 the new hybrid will sit at the top of the Defender range which is being bolstered with a new six-cylinder diesel engine and a new X-Dynamic trim level.

The P400e powertrain will be available only on the X-Dynamic and Defender X trim levels with the line up topping out at £82,879.

While the PHEV sits on the longer wheelbase Defender 110 and comes with a maximum of six seats, the diesel and X-Dynamic models will be offered on all versions including the three-door Defender 90.

The new Ingenium diesel model has three power outputs and will be badged D200, D250 and D300. All are mild-hybrid set ups for added economy.

The D300, which is priced from £59,455 in the 110 model, offers a 0 to 60 acceleration of 6.6 seconds with an official fuel return of 29.8mpg under the new WLTP test cycle and has emissions of 230g/km.

The new X-Dynamic trim sits between the entry specification versions of the Defender and the higher grade X models and includes special features such as illuminated metal treadplates and Robustek upholstery which Land Rover says is a hard wearing material and similar to that used in tradesman's gloves and on motorbike jackets.