Land Rover has introduced a series of updates for the Defender, headlined by the addition of a new Vertex edition aimed at buyers who primarily use the SUV in urban environments. The latest changes also include a revised engine lineup, a new six-seat configuration for the Defender 110 and updates to the high-performance Defender Octa.
The new Defender Vertex sits alongside the upper-end variants in the lineup and features several styling changes to distinguish it from other versions. These include a larger front grille, body-coloured exterior cladding, redesigned side skirts and a roof spoiler. The model comes standard with 22-inch alloy wheels, while a 20-inch wheel option will also be available.
According to Land Rover, the Vertex edition is intended to broaden the Defender’s appeal by offering a more road-focused appearance while retaining the SUV’s core capabilities. Buyers of other Defender variants will also be able to add the roof spoiler through an optional exterior styling package.
The Defender 110 has also gained a new six-seat cabin layout featuring three rows with two seats each. The second row now gets individual captain’s chairs that offer additional support and reclining functionality. The revised seating arrangement is also claimed to improve rear passenger space while creating extra storage between the second-row seats.
Alongside the cosmetic and interior updates, Land Rover has revised the Defender’s powertrain range. The long-serving supercharged ‘AJ’ V8 petrol engine has been discontinued, while the Defender Octa’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 now produces 533 BHP, down from the previous 626 BHP. Torque remains unchanged, although the lower power output increases the SUV’s 0-60 m/hr sprint time from 3.8 seconds to 4.2 seconds.
The company says the changes to the Octa’s engine were made to comply with the latest Euro 6e-bis emissions regulations. Land Rover has also revised the exhaust system, claiming it delivers a more distinctive V8 exhaust note despite the reduction in power.
A new P380 mild-hybrid petrol engine has also joined the Defender range. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six develops 375 BHP and 549 Nm of torque, expanding the SUV’s petrol options. Other petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains continue unchanged.
With these updates, Land Rover has refreshed the Defender lineup by adding a more lifestyle-oriented variant, expanding seating choices and revising its engine portfolio to meet evolving emissions requirements.
