Urban Automotive and Heritage Customs, both bespoke vehicle modifiers in the AM Group, have collaborated to redefine one of the world’s most iconic vehicles into something entirely new – the world’s first coachbuilt Defender Pickup.

Two Visions, One Legendary Platform
With Heritage Customs celebrated for coachbuilt tradition and timeless elegance, and Urban Automotive known for contemporary aesthetic and commanding presence, their two distinctive design approaches bring tradition and innovation together to offer a choice between classic refinement and contemporary boldness – all built on the legendary Defender 130 with 425bhp, V8 engine.

Heritage Edition: Refined, elegant, and authentically classic – staying true to the brand’s coachbuilding heritage with sophisticated styling and timeless design cues.

Urban Edition: Powerful, contemporary, and unmistakably commanding – showcasing bold lines and a modern edge that define Urban Automotive’s signature OEM+ design ethos.

“Following the awesome Defender Soft-top by Urban collaboration revealed at Goodwood this year, we’re proud to announce another unique project between Urban Automotive and Heritage Customs – the Defender Pickup,” said Patrick Meijer, CEO of AM Group. “Using the unique design ethos of each brand has worked really well to create two exciting variations of the new Defender Pickup that push the boundaries of what’s possible in the luxury vehicle modification sector to exciting new levels.”

Jan-Pieter Kroezen, CEO of Heritage Customs added: “After completing the convertible, it felt like the right time to bring another ‘forgotten’ model of the Land Rover Defender range back to life — the pickup. The classic 110 Defender crew cab has always been, in my view, one of the most desirable Defenders ever made. I had a strong sense that we could capture that same spirit with the new Defender 130, and I’m proud to say we’ve achieved exactly that.”

The Defender Pickup is featured in the latest video on Urban Automotive’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/GzzRKXjrV38

Exclusive Launch Event
The official launch of the Defender Pickup took place on 30 October 2025 at an invitation-only event for selected guests, customers, and industry partners at Heritage Custom’s base in The Netherlands.

UK debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2026 
A production version of the Urban Edition of the Defender Pickup will make its UK debut on the Urban Automotive stand at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2026.

For more information about Urban Automotive and Heritage Customs, visit www.urban-automotive.co.uk and https://heritagecustoms.nl/.

Urban Automotive, specialists in premium luxury vehicle enhancements, has redefined the latest Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon W465 with two distinct styling packages – the Widetrack and Aero Kit. This marks Urban’s 30^th bespoke customisation programme since the company was founded in 2013.

The G-Wagon is a style icon and one of Urban’s most successful models, attracting celebrity customers, such as Marcus Rashford. The evolution of the new Urban G-Wagon Widetrack builds on that success.

Widetrack: in detail
As one of the most exclusive and iconic models in Urban’s line-up, the G-Wagon’s next generation Widetrack styling package adds a bold wide-body design with over 40 bespoke carbon fibre components, all designed and manufactured exclusively in-house.

Developed to deliver a more aggressive and powerful stance to the G-Wagon, the Widetrack reflects Urban’s ‘OEM Plus’ philosophy to elevate the vehicle’s visual impact while staying true to its original design.

“The G-Wagon Widetrack retains the core design language that defines Urban’s identity, while signalling a bold and deliberate evolution. Its silhouette pays homage to the original, yet the refined proportions and newly introduced design cues clearly distinguish it as a next-generation interpretation” comments Simon Dearn, Founder of Urban Automotive.

Key upgrades include flared carbon fibre front and rear arches, a restyled carbon fibre front bumper with honeycomb mesh inserts and carbon fibre front splitter to add robustness and a striking presence to the vehicle’s front end. The ultra-light, vented bullnose bonnet overlay with the official UA badge and carbon fibre light bar completes the front-end redesign.

At the rear the Honeycomb Mesh inserts are mirrored in the restyled bumper with additional carbon fibre diffuser and tow cover.

A special feature are the flat-faced, premium Urban-Vossen UV-7 23-inch alloy wheels which are made by hand in Miami exclusively for the Widetrack.

Aero Kit: in detail
The redefined Aero Kit, a dynamic revision of Urban’s outgoing ‘Soft Kit’ offers a more subtle styling option. Designed for owners seeking a sharper and more elegant appearance without increasing the vehicle’s width, the Aero Kit provides a clean, lightweight design that fits seamlessly with the vehicle’s original lines.

It features the same vented bullnose bonnet overlay, carbon fibre roof light cluster, rear spoiler, and Urban-branded wheel carrier as the Widetrack —offering clients extensive personalisation while maintaining a slimmer profile. Optional upgrades include carbon fibre bumper overriders, wing mirrors, and bumper intake trims.

Masters of Carbon Fibre
All components are designed and manufactured in-house at Urban Automotive’s Milton Keynes facility using premium-grade carbon fibre to deliver lightweight durability, better fuel efficiency, and precision fitment. This hands-on approach ensures consistent quality and exceptional craftsmanship throughout every build.

“Advancements in design methodology have enabled significant improvements in both fit and finish, aligning the Widetrack with a premium OEM-standard aesthetic. This evolution is reflected in the use of elevated materials—including extended carbon fibre detailing, billet aluminium exhaust finishers, and finely engineered mesh elements across the front, rear, and signature bullnose hood attachment” adds Simon.

In addition to enhancing visual appeal, these parts also support long-term value retention — with Urban-equipped G-Wagons achieving, on average, up to 14% higher resale values.

Pricing and availability
The Aero Kit and Widetrack kit are now available to order via Urban Automotive and its international distributor network. Customers can choose between a stock of existing vehicles available from Urban or supply their own car for transformation.

Both styling programmes for the W465 G-Wagon are available across three ICE variants, G63 (4 Litre V8 Turbo), G500 (3 Litre 6 Cylinder Turbo) and G450d (3 Litre 6 Cylinder Turbodiesel), all featuring a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Additionally, Urban offers retrofitting options for earlier G-Wagon models.

For information on Urban Automotive, visit www.urban-automotive.co.uk or call 01908 978978.

Having already achieved meteoric growth and global recognition for its craftsmanship, bold design and innovation since it was founded in 2013, Urban Automotive is now entering an exciting new chapter of further expansion by joining the AM Group, the leading player in B2B distribution of aftermarket parts for premium enhancements to luxury car brands.

Urban Automotive’s expansion plans have already started with the acquisition of additional, larger (42,765 sq ft) premises near its head office in Milton Keynes (UK).

The  state-of-the-art building includes ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) features such as 300+ solar panels and advanced insulation to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. It allows Urban to have all its highly skilled design, engineering and manufacturing talent under one roof and creates a comfortable and productive workspace for them to work together more effectively, as well as improving development and manufacturing processes.

Backed by venture capitalists, NewPort Capital, this collaboration comes from a shared passion and vision to create even more extraordinary experiences for luxury vehicle owners around the world. It represents a significant milestone and opportunity to accelerate product development, expand into new global markets, as well as utilise  Absolute Motors’ global distribution network to reach more customers across the world.

From humble beginnings as a start-up business in Milton Keynes founded by one person, Simon Dearn, Urban Automotive’s success quickly went to the next level and attracted the attention of international celebrities and media after it introduced its enhancements and redefinition of the original Land Rover Defender. This progressed to developing bespoke modifications for luxury premium brands including Range Rover, Bentley, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls Royce driven by celebrities such as Marcus Rashford, Scott Disick and Kim Kardashian.

One of the most popular vehicles that has contributed to Urban Automotive’s success is the new Land Rover Defender with over 2,500 Urban Widetrack kits for it sold worldwide, including some well-known names such as Romeo Beckham as customers.

Urban Automotive has extensive experience in designing and manufacturing its own high quality carbon fibre components in the UK and has already been supplying parts to Absolute Motors and working with GP Products as its European distributor since 2019.

Simon Dearn, the founder and CEO of Urban Automotive said: “What Urban has already achieved is beyond my wildest dreams and I’m so proud to offer our clients the highest standards in design, quality, and individualisation. Expanding into our new state-of-the-art premises means our highly skilled team can work together in an environment that fosters collaboration, efficiency and innovation to push our design and craftsmanship to new levels, while continuing the highest standards of quality that Urban’s known for.”

“Combining our expertise with the AM Group means we can create stunning enhancements for even more of the world’s best cars. It also puts us in a much stronger position to reach new customers in Europe, and globally, and gives more security for our business and staff,” Simon added.

Patrick Meijer, CEO of the AM Group added: “Together with the Urban team we are poised to redefine industry standards. The synergy and passion in our companies will enable us to accelerate product development, expand into new markets and anticipate the evolving desires of luxury vehicle owners.”

For information on Urban Automotive, visit www.urban-automotive.co.uk or call 01908 978978.

The bespoke modification market has seen increased growth in recent years, driven by the rising demand for unique and personalised vehicles. This is set to continue into 2024 and beyond, with car customisation being more widely accepted and desired.

With an international distribution network and associations with top tuning garages around the world, Urban Automotive is at the forefront of the latest trends and is helping to shape the future of the modification landscape.

1. Flat-faced alloys
A growing trend in America and slowly filtering onto UK roads, flat-faced forged alloy wheels are a style option that signal a move towards more retro-inspired builds.

Platinum Motorsport, a modification and styling garage based on Melrose Avenue, LA, has fitted these distinct alloys to modified cars for high-profile clients including Kim Kardashian, who opted for 24’’ custom forged Cactus Jack x Forgiato wheels for her new Urban Automotive Range Rover.

The unique wheel divides opinion but certainly stands out, while the flat-face design also aids aerodynamics.

2. Pastel vinyl wraps
Whilst satin black may still be the most popular vehicle vinyl wrap colour, fashion trends are shifting. For the early adopters, 2024 is all about the pastel aesthetic.

Yiannimize, the leading vehicle personalisation specialist and associate of Urban Automotive, recently transformed Premier League footballer Jack Grealish’s Lamborghini Performante Urus from its original black to a new Tiffany Blue shade.

Yianni Charalambous, chief executive officer at Yiannimize commented “We’ve seen wrap trends develop over time. A few years ago, it was the crazy chrome, iridescent and bright colours that celebrities and footballers wanted, but as wrapping becomes the norm, it’s the more subtle shades like satin black and matte metallic grey that have taken over.

Recently though we’ve seen customers opt for more adventurous colours, especially pastel tones which are gaining in popularity. No doubt we’ll still have the mainstay of dark, matte colours that are ‘classics’, but it’s nice to see our clientele experimenting with new ideas too and we expect this to continue into 2024.”

Modifiers are not the only ones picking up on the trend. Both Rolls-Royce and Bentley have recently latched on, with the launch of Rolls-Royce’s striking optional Sagano Green paint, and the Bentley Continental’s new Jetstream Blue colourway.

3. Bright interiors
As pastel exterior colours grow more popular, bright and bold interiors are also predicted to be hot property in 2024.

Urban Automotive recently worked with European partners Absolute Motors to transform kick-boxing champion Rico Verhoeven’s Mercedes G-Class Widetrack with a custom teal blue interior retrim, contrasting beautifully with an understated exterior colour. A future Urban Automotive project will aim to take this approach even further upon reveal in 2024…

4. Heritage-inspired builds
Restomod-style modifications have grown hugely popular over the last five years, often combining iconic designs with contemporary underpinnings. Urban Automotive’s Signature Series often includes a heritage-inspired project or two, with demand for this type of vehicle set to continue in 2024.

In March 2023, the company launched its own take on Land Rover’s 75th Anniversary Edition Defender. With a carbon fibre vented bonnet, Urban Cast ‘UC-4’ wheels with Grasmere Green pin striping, and its signature spoiler and light bar, Urban Automotive’s classic twist on the New Defender has been popular with customers in both 90 and 110 bodystyles.

5. Visual Carbon Fibre
Urban Automotive kits are centred around the use of carbon fibre, but this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas reflected how the material continues to grow in popularity – with many vehicles effectively showcasing exposed naked carbon body panels to create serious impact.

Though visual carbon fibre has been in the automotive industry for decades, Urban Automotive is continuing to push the boundaries into 2024 with new finishes and techniques. Its in-house carbon fibre production facility also allows customers to create a completely customisable look that is unique to their tastes.

Simon Dearn, owner and head of design at Urban Automotive, commented: “As bespoke modifiers of some of the most coveted luxury vehicles in the world, we’re always keeping a close eye on the styles and trends that could lead to the next big thing. Our clients are often high-profile individuals who are willing to take risks and push the boundaries, and we’re proud to deliver such a bespoke service for them alongside our trusted specialist build partners across the globe.”

For information on Urban Automotive, visit www.urban-automotive.co.uk or call 01908 978978.