The Land Rover Defender has gained a new urban-focused specification as part of a wide-reaching mid-life update.
Named Defender Vertex, it is positioned alongside the second-from-top X trim and brings a fresh look for the six-year-old SUV.
It introduces a notably larger front grille, body-coloured skirts and cladding and a subtle roof spoiler – though the spoiler can be added to other Defender models through the optional Extender Exterior pack. It comes with 22in diamond-cut alloys as standard, but a 20in design will also be available.
Mark Cameron, brand director for Defender, said the trim brings “a new character that expands the appeal” of the model, in being more overtly focused on buyers who use it for daily life rather than strictly off-roading.
It is priced from £92,635 in short-wheelbase 90 form, £97,125 as a 110 and £104,440 as a 130.
Aside from the new trim, the Defender 110 has gained a six-seat interior configuration with three rows of two seats, including ‘captain’s’ chairs in the second row that offer thicker bolstering and can be reclined.
The new set-up is claimed to provide greater leg room for passengers in the back, while the removal of the second row’s middle-seat squab opens up extra luggage space between those seats.
Supercharged V8 gone; Octa loses 93bhp
JLR has overhauled the Defender’s engine line-up, retiring the venerable ‘AJ’ supercharged petrol V8 and slashing the output of the Dakar-inspired Octa‘s 4.4-litre V8.
The Octa’s BMW-supplied unit now puts out 533bhp, down from the previous 626bhp – though torque is unchanged at 553lb ft. This has lengthened its 0-60mph time from 3.8sec to 4.2sec. JLR told Autocar the engine has been reworked to meet the stricter Euro6e-bis emissions standard.
Although power is down, the firm promises greater sensory appeal thanks to a reworked exhaust manifold that is said to provide a “truer V8 sound”.
Meanwhile, the P380 mild hybrid – a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol straight six – has been added to the Defender line-up. It makes 375bhp and 405lb ft.
The other engine options are unchanged, with a range of smaller petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids on offer.