Is this an SUV or a futuristic work of art? The Kahn Design Defender 90 Concept 001 – a hand-built single prototype from Kahn Design & Chelsea Truck Co. – impresses with its brutal presence and subtle black prestige. But that's just a preview – wait until we reveal all the details…
Chelsea Truck Co. and are no strangers to SUV redesigns. But with the Concept 001, they're going one step further - into the unknown, the expensive and the daring. It's a tribute to the iconic Land Rover Defender, but through the filter of boutique luxury, where every seam, rim and bonnet is thought out like an art exhibit. This isn't an SUV you'd take to the farm. This is the Defender you'd park in front of a gallery in London - and steal all the attention.
Exterior: high school field fashion
The visual presence of the Kahn Design Defender 90 Concept 001 is somewhere between “military boss” and “VIP on the Berghain list.” The 20-inch Hammerhead RS-Forged wheels with 33-profile off-road tires make it look like it’s about to devour a parking lot – and some urban asphalt jungle in between. Add to that the extra-wide fenders and carbon diffuser that elevate the rear of the vehicle to a higher league – one where you dominate no matter the terrain.
The body is wrapped in Volcanic Rock Satin – in the local language: matte black with a 3D military texture that simultaneously screams “watch me” and whispers “touch me if you dare”. The headlights are updated, the lines are sharper, and the engine ventilation hood is like the cherry on a brutal cake. Every detail – from the KAHN badge to the spare tire cover – acts as the signature of a fashion designer who does not accept compromises.
A cabin for a dandy with an armored taste
Interior – Kahn Design Defender 90 Concept 001 ? This is no longer a cabin. This is a lounge. Black leather, hand-finished and stitched with blue “Britannia” stitching, makes you feel like you’re sitting in an Aston Martin that has decided to pursue an off-road career. The seating areas are not just comfortable – they’re prestigious. Color-coordinated details, Kahn Design concept badges and precisely positioned Chelsea Truck Co. emblems give the impression that this is a one-of-a-kind. And guess what? It really is. This car is a one-off. It’s not serial. It’s not catalog. It’s exactly as design demi-god Afzal Kahn envisioned it.
And under the hood? Conventional with just the right amount of drama
Technically, the Defender 90 Concept 001 is based on the L663 platform – meaning that under that brutal exterior is either a 2.0-litre P300 or a 3.0-litre P400 inline-six. The latter delivers around 296kW (400hp) and can hit 100km/h in around 6.4 seconds (0-100km/h), with a top speed in excess of 200km/h (125mph). It’s not the fastest SUV on the market, but hey – that’s not the point. This Defender is here to look like a million euros and drive like a million euros.
The hood with holes and advanced cooling is not just decoration – it is part of the functional aesthetic. Nothing is there “for show”. Everything has a purpose. And although the Concept 001 is not an official performance model, it flexes its muscles like a Marvel character before the premiere.
How much does a “unique” cost? Yes, it’s not for everyone… but it’s not that expensive!
If you want exactly this kind of machine – Kahn Design Defender 90 Concept 001 , you need to have a Defender 90 (or 110) first, then spend £25,000 (around €29,000) on the exterior conversion. That includes professional painting, installation and some design wizardry. If you’re more comfortable buying the whole “finished product”, expect to pay around £90,000. That’s almost six figures, but hey – it gets you the kind of attention G-Class drivers can only dream of. And it seems like a pretty low price for a Defender. Purchase via this link.
Conclusion: luxury for those who find the regular Defender too... ordinary
Defender 90 Concept 001 It's not an "everyday car". It's a statement. It's a walk down the catwalk of the automotive world, where every line, every detail and every stitch is thought out like a haute couture creation. Yes, the powertrain is not extreme - it's not V8, it's not electric, it's not revolutionary. But the whole package? It's a pure evolution of what an "SUV for the wealthy" can mean.
Kahn and Chelsea Truck Co. have created something very special – a Defender that not only has soul, but also style, ego and character. And for those who don't mind shelling out almost 90 grand for a "special piece", this is an investment. In taste. In style. And in a statement.
