It's unusual for an optional package to remove a feature instead of adding one. That is exactly what Land Rover is providing for the Defender 90, which can now be ordered in Europe without its rear-mounted spare wheel. The Spare Wheel Removal Kit eliminates one of the SUV's signature design elements in return for improved rear visibility and simpler parking in confined areas.

It remains the same fifth door, naturally, and the mounting location for the spare wheel is still visible. The rear could have appeared even cleaner if Land Rover had created a dedicated fifth door without spare-wheel attachment points, yet that would have increased cost for a limited configuration. Instead, owners receive a modestly neater tailgate without the expense of an entirely new door design.

Removing the wheel delivers several practical advantages beyond improved appearance. This setup enhances rear visibility and makes maneuvering easier in tight parking spots. The lighter rear door also requires less clearance to open, which proves helpful in narrow garages and crowded urban locations.

2027 Land Rover Defender Alasia Pack

Photo by: Land Rover

Owners can continue to install standard bicycle carriers, so the change does not require giving up outdoor activities for daily convenience. Eliminating the spare wheel reduces some weight, though only slightly, so no significant gains in performance or efficiency should be expected.

Defender Alasia Pack Joins The Euro Lineup

The spare-wheel delete arrives in Europe together with the Alasia Pack, which introduces copper-colored exterior accents and gives the British off-roader added visual interest without affecting its rugged capability. The styling package is offered not only on the smallest Defender but also on the five-door 110 and 130 models.

Known as Cyprus Copper, the new finish takes inspiration from the Mediterranean and the historical role of copper on the island of Cyprus. Alasia was the island's ancient name, and the metal once supplied from the region helped form early civilizations. Land Rover now applies it to provide its contemporary off-roader with a more distinctive appearance.

The copper finish is applied to several exterior elements, including the front and rear Defender lettering, the front grille bar, the side vents, and the rear towing eyes. It represents a subtle update rather than a complete redesign, yet the warm metallic highlights should complement the SUV's angular shape nicely.

Available To Order In Europe

The Alasia Pack is now available to order throughout Europe for the Defender 90, 110, and 130. Defender has not released pricing details for the new package or the optional spare-wheel deletion kit.

For the moment, the Cyprus Copper finish is the first color treatment released under the Alasia name. Whether Defender intends to expand the package with further finishes is still unclear.

The new option joins the brand's expanding selection of customization choices, offering buyers another method to personalize an SUV that already stands out from the factory. And if copper accents are not enough to differentiate a Defender, the 90 can at least shed the large wheel on its rear door.

The Defender Lineup Is Growing

Looking forward, the Defender range may grow beyond its current 90, 110, and 130 SUVs, with a pickup truck reportedly being considered as part of JLR's partnership with Stellantis. The proposed model would target North American buyers and could be produced in the United States, helping JLR avoid substantial tariffs on imported trucks.

Nevertheless, many questions remain open, including which platform and powertrain the truck would employ. Land Rover has declined to comment on speculation about future products, so a production version is far from certain. If it materializes, the truck would bring back an earlier Land Rover body style and give the Defender a fresh way to compete in America's strong pickup market.

Even without a pickup, the lineup will still expand with a smaller Defender Sport, potentially arriving as soon as next year with hybrid and fully electric powertrains. And when the next-generation, full-size Defender eventually launches, possibly in the early 2030s, it will also receive pure EV versions.

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Source: Land Rover