Drive Like Bond, James Bond

What if there was a car that makes you feel like you could conquer any road adventure you faced? What if every time you sat behind the wheel of this car you felt like James Bond driving it, no matter how many carpools you were in charge of that day, or how long your commute to and from work had to be?

Does this sound like a dream? It’s not a dream, folks. It’s real and completely available right down the road from you. Allow me to introduce you to my current Autobahn Fort Worth Dealership crush: The 2020 Land Rover Defender! Land Rover says about the new Defender: “The new model will represent 70 years of innovation and improvement; honoring the vehicle’s history for rugged solidity while thoroughly remaining a Defender of the 21st century.”

I agree.

I got to be James Bond, um… I had the honor of test-driving this amazing vehicle over a weekend in August. Marc Fowler, the Land Rover Sales Manager, greeted me with a mask on, but you couldn’t miss his smiling eyes. He handed me the key fob and introduced me to Laci San Juan, who reviewed the Defender’s bells and whistles before sending me on my way.  As usual, the team at Autobahn was personable and always ready to serve, making sure I felt completely comfortable.

Sitting in the driver’s seat for the first time, I felt like I had just gotten behind the wheel of Bond’s car! The experience was nothing short of perfect. The Defender has amazing in-car technology that’s super easy to use, keeping me informed and connected in a way that was effortless and enjoyable. (Please note: Bond’s rocket launchers are not street legal in the US.) Because I’m an avid music lover, a car’s sound system is important to me, and this one certainly did not disappoint!

The exterior design of the Defender is an unbelievable and highly satisfying blend of beauty and strength, grace and utility. Unsurprisingly, this unlikely marriage of traits is carried over into its interior elements. My favorite design elements are the exposed structural surfaces on the doors and dash and the beautifully expansive moon roof that brings in the openness and grandeur of the great outdoors. Need to keep your drink cool? Enjoy the convenience of a small cooler under the center armrest. It’s the little things, right? Attention to quality, ingenious design, and detail are some of Land Rover Defender’s strongest assets, and it’s evident everywhere.

Although the Defender is built to handle extreme terrain, it’s also smooth and responsive, belying its large and imposing stance. As a result, I was surprised by its ability to take sharp turns and quick acceleration. The tough, yet sophisticated design of the Defender is unlike any other in its class, in my super humble opinion. It’s tough enough to go bouldering through the rivers of Colorado or chasing the bad guys across the Russian tundra but sophisticated enough for a night out at Bass Hall or a casino in Monte Carlo, once you wash off the mud.

What parent doesn’t want to drive the safest car possible for their family? I’m happy to report that the Defender has all the cameras and response mechanisms you would expect in 2020 to help you feel completely safe on the road. My girls shared several moments with me during the test-drive, and their one complaint was that we don’t have one of our own. They were most impressed by how many USB ports there are. Teenagers! They were so excited when they realized they would be able to charge a phone, an iPad, or whatever, and not have to take turns.

Here’s a fun fact: The 2020 Land Rover Defender is featured in the upcoming James Bond film, “No Time to Die”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU32Wpk8v3w

Have I whetted your appetite for your own test-drive adventure? Go visit the fantastic sales team at Autobahn Land Rover. Their knowledgeable staff cannot wait to meet you!

Tell them that “Kieta, Jen Kieta” sent you.