2027 Land Rover Defender updated with new variants, new equipment

Land Rover has used the 2027 update to the Defender line-up to make a range of changes to engines, specifications, and equipment – but at its core, the Defender keeps its rugged capability and iconic design.

New for the 2027 Model Year, the Defender introduces a new Vertex variant (main and below), offering a preview of what to expect from the smaller Defender Sport expected later this year. The Vertex adds 22-inch wheels, body-coloured lower body cladding, and a range of matte wrap finishes.

Pitched as a more city-focused model, the Vertex features deeper bumpers, reducing overall clearance, but retains yellow recovery points in the rear bumper. The interior comes with a new ‘forged textile’ knitted polyester trim, which can be paired with Windsor leather.

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Land Rover will also offer Vertex-style upgrades on the X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE and V8, via the Extended Exterior Pack, with Vertex-style bumpers, a longer rear spoiler, and a body-coloured spare wheel cover, along with a choice of 20-inch and 22-inch alloy wheel designs.

Appealing to its more traditional audience, the Defender 110 Trophy offers a more adventure-ready styling packed with items like a roof rack, side ladder and carrier box, and a snorkel included as part of the package.

Trophy Edition cars ride on black 20-inch steel-style alloy wheels, with black brake callipers, yellow Trophy graphics on the C-pillar and bonnet.

The flagship Defender Octa (below) returns, and retains chopped carbon-fibre exterior and interior trim, ‘6D Dynamics’ suspension, and a choice of all-season or all-terrain tyres.

While the Octa retains its mild-hybrid 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 sourced from BMW, European markets will see power drop from 467kW to 397kW, in line with Euro 7-compliant emissions changes made by BMW. Australia retains the original 467kW state of tune and 4.2-second 0-100km/h sprint time.

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Similarly, Jaguar Land Rover’s in-house 5.0-litre supercharged V8 will be discontinued in emissions-sensitive markets, but will continue in the Defender 130 V8 in Australia.

Other changes to the range include a new six-seat layout for Defender 110 models, with a 2+2+2 layout and walk-through access to the third row between the second-row captain’s chairs. A revised infotainment system with AI-linked conversational commands and always-on ‘Hey Land Rover’ voice control.

2027 Land Rover Defender pricing (excluding on-road costs):