2026 Land Rover Defender Gets New Vertex Variant, Fresh Powertrains

Land Rover has unveiled the updated Defender lineup for 2026, introducing broader equipment, revised styling, expanded powertrain options and a new urban-focused Vertex variant. The refreshed range is now available to order in international markets, with deliveries expected to begin later. An India launch is also considered likely, although Land Rover has not announced an official timeline for bringing the updated SUV to the country.

The biggest addition is the Defender Vertex, positioned alongside the Defender X trims and offered in 90, 110 and 130 body styles. It becomes the first non-Octa Defender to receive a significant exterior redesign, featuring a larger grille, revised front and rear bumpers finished in Carpathian Grey, updated fog lamps, yellow brake calipers and recovery eyes, body-coloured cladding and side sills, and a Gloss Black roof spoiler.

The Vertex comes with 22-inch Satin Dark Grey alloy wheels as standard, while alternative 22-inch Gloss Black and 20-inch Satin Dark Grey wheels are available. Buyers can choose from six exterior colours, including Fuji White, Santorini Black, Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey, Carpathian Grey and Patagonia White matte. The wider Defender range now offers 15 paint choices, including a new Namib Orange finish, along with optional self-healing matte and gloss paint protection films.

Also Read: Yamaha Unveils Aerox Electric Scooter In India, Promises 117km Range At ₹2.82 Lakh

Inside, the 2026 Defender gains a new artificial intelligence-powered "Hey Land Rover" voice assistant and an optional Technology Pack. The package includes a head-up display, Meridian surround sound system, camera-based inside rear-view mirror and a domestic power socket. The Defender 110 also receives a new six-seat layout with second-row captain's chairs, armrests and manual recline, improving third-row access while creating additional storage space between the seats.

Land Rover has also expanded the engine lineup with a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine called the P380, producing 380 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. In some markets, the previous 2.0-litre P300 petrol engine has been replaced by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit delivering 300 horsepower and 470 Nm. The changes broaden the range as the company adjusts its powertrain strategy across global markets.

The Defender Octa's BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 has also been revised to meet emissions requirements, reducing output from 635 horsepower to 540 horsepower while retaining 750 Nm of torque. Its 0-100 kmph time increases from 3.8 seconds to 4.4 seconds, although Land Rover says the exhaust has been reworked for a deeper sound. The long-running 5.0-litre supercharged V8 has meanwhile been discontinued in most markets.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz Confirms GLB EV India Launch, Variant Details Awaited