Defender has unveiled the new Vertex specification as the centrepiece of a wide-ranging update that introduces bolder exterior styling, new colours, expanded seating options, additional accessories, AI-powered in-car technology and revised petrol engines across the luxury off-roader’s line-up.
Positioned alongside the existing X specification, Defender Vertex is intended to give the vehicle a more road-focused and refined appearance without reducing its off-road capability. The new variant features extended front and rear bumpers, a larger profiled grille, revised fog lamps and a Gloss Black tail-door spoiler.
The exterior components are finished in Shadow Atlas Matte, while contrasting yellow front brake calipers and exposed yellow rear recovery eyes provide visual highlights. Body-coloured lower cladding is designed to make the vehicle appear longer and lower, although the Defender itself remains unlikely to be mistaken for anything delicate.
New 22-inch Diamond Turned wheels with a Satin Dark Grey tint and Carpathian Grey contrast are fitted as standard. Customers can alternatively choose 22-inch Gloss Black wheels or 20-inch Satin Dark Grey wheels.
Defender Vertex will be offered in Fuji White, Santorini Black, Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey and Carpathian Grey, along with a Patagonia White Matte Wrap inspired by South America’s mountain landscape.
“The latest updates to Defender deliver refreshed design details and give our clients even greater choice when it comes to customisation, without compromising Defender’s toughness or off-road capability. With Vertex and the Extended Exterior Pack, we’re introducing a new character that expands the appeal of Defender for both existing and new clients,” said Mark Cameron, Defender Brand Director.
New interior materials and added comfort
Inside, buyers can select Windsor Leather and Forged textile seats in Ebony or Caraway/Ebony, as well as Ultrafabrics seats in Light Cloud/Lunar.
The new Ebony Forged textile is made from knitted 100 per cent polyester and has been introduced as a durable interior accent material.
Three-zone climate control, Cabin Air Purification Plus, an air-quality sensor and a domestic plug socket are standard on the Defender 90 and 110 in Vertex specification. The Defender 130 receives four-zone climate control.
A new Extended Exterior Pack, inspired by the Vertex design, will also be available as an option on the X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE — including the Hard Top — and V8 models.
The pack adds Shadow Atlas Matte extended bumpers, a rear spoiler and a body-coloured spare-wheel cover. Four wheel designs are available, including 22-inch Gloss Black wheels and multiple 20-inch options.
Defender Trophy Edition gets Santorini Black theme
The Defender 110 Trophy Edition, revived in 2025 as a reference to the brand’s history of international adventure challenges, is now available in Santorini Black.
The darker treatment replaces Keswick Green and joins the existing Deep Sandglow Yellow finish. Defender said the new colour was inspired by the dark sands of the Greek island of Santorini.
The model receives 20-inch steel-style Gloss Black wheels, black brake calipers and Satin Black powder-coated steering-wheel spokes. Trophy graphics and bonnet decals are finished with Sandglow Yellow accents, while the illuminated metal treadplates and dashboard carry Trophy Edition branding.
Customers can select from three interior combinations, including Ebony, Caraway or Light Cloud Windsor Leather upholstery with corresponding headlining and cross-car beam finishes.
An optional Trophy Edition Accessory Pack adds an Expedition Roof Rack, a deployable roof ladder, a Gloss Black side-mounted gear carrier and a raised air intake. In other words, Defender continues to offer several places to carry equipment before owners must consider leaving anything at home.
Defender Octa receives engine and colour updates
The performance-focused Defender Octa is now available in Woolstone Green, joining Sargasso Blue, Borasco Grey, Patagonia White Matte Wrap, Charente Grey, Petra Copper and Narvik Black.
Both the Defender Octa and Octa Black receive a Gloss Black tail-door spoiler as standard. The Chopped Carbon Fibre Exterior Pack will also be offered on the Octa Black for the first time.
In the United Kingdom, Europe and selected overseas markets, the Octa’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 has been revised with changes to the exhaust manifold. Defender says the modification produces a deeper and more distinctive V8 exhaust note.
From model year 2027, the updated engine develops 540PS and 750Nm of torque. The Defender Octa can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds, while 0-60mph takes 4.2 seconds.
The model retains its 6D Dynamics suspension system, Octa driving mode and wider body stance, along with a choice of dedicated all-season or off-road tyres.
Namib Orange joins expanded colour palette
Defender has also introduced Namib Orange, inspired by the orange dunes of Southern Africa’s Namib desert, where the current-generation Defender was launched in 2020.
The colour will be available on Defender 90 and 110 models in S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE and X specifications. It can also be paired with the Extended Exterior Pack on X-Dynamic variants.
The Patagonia White Matte Wrap has meanwhile been extended to the X and Vertex specifications, in addition to the V8 and Defender Octa.
Following the update, Defender will offer as many as 15 exterior colour options. Customers can also select a new self-healing Gloss Protective Film, joining the existing Matte finish.
The protective film is designed to guard against scratches, stone chips and scuffs. According to Defender, exposure to ultraviolet light helps the material repair minor surface scratches over time.
Defender 110 gains six-seat Captain Chair layout
One of the more practical changes is a new six-seat configuration for the Defender 110.
The 2+2+2 arrangement replaces the second-row bench with two individual Captain Chairs. Each seat features additional contouring, bolster cushions, individual armrests, manual reclining adjustment and access to two floor-mounted cupholders behind the centre console.
Defender says the layout improves access to the third row, increases legroom for rear passengers and creates usable luggage space between the second-row seats.
The configuration will be available in several colour and trim combinations, including the newly introduced Forged textile upholstery.
New accessories include 9,000-lumen roof light
Defender’s updated factory-fit accessory catalogue includes an Expedition Roof Light, Tail Door Gear Carrier and multiple roof-mounted spoiler options.
The Expedition Roof Light produces a combined 9,000 lumens and, when used with the vehicle’s main headlights, can illuminate up to 350 metres ahead. It has been engineered to withstand heavy exposure to dust and water and can be controlled through the vehicle’s main lighting stalk.
A Gloss Black tail-door-mounted gear carrier provides 60 litres of lockable storage and has a maximum load capacity of 12kg.
The Defender Tail Door Spoiler, fitted as standard to Vertex and included in the Extended Exterior Pack, is offered in Gloss Black, Fuji White, Santorini Black or a primed finish that can be painted to match the body.
Defender will continue to offer themed accessory packages. The Explorer Pack includes an expedition roof rack, side gear carrier, raised air intake and deployable ladder. The Adventure Pack adds an integrated air compressor, portable rinse system and side-mounted gear carrier.
The Urban Pack, aimed at buyers whose expeditions involve more concrete than countryside, includes bonnet decals, black fixed side steps and a dark rear scuff plate.
Generative AI arrives through “Hey Land Rover”
The update also introduces a connected voice service powered by generative artificial intelligence.
Activated using the phrase “Hey Land Rover,” the system allows users to speak in conversational language and ask follow-up questions without repeating the original request.
Beyond vehicle-related interactions, the assistant can provide meal suggestions, travel ideas and short stories. Defender said the system was developed to make voice control feel more natural and intuitive.
A new Technology Pack will also be available on S, X-Dynamic SE and X-Dynamic HSE variants. It combines a domestic plug socket, head-up display, Meridian Surround Sound System and ClearSight Interior Rearview Mirror.
New six-cylinder petrol engines introduced
Defender has revised its petrol engine range with a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder P380 mild-hybrid powertrain producing 550Nm of torque. The company said the engine incorporates technologies intended to improve real-world fuel economy.
In selected markets, a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder P300 producing 470Nm will replace the existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder P300. The 5.0-litre petrol V8 will also become restricted to selected markets.
Defender has not announced market-specific prices, launch dates or the complete regional availability of the updated range.
With the arrival of Vertex, expanded seating choices and a growing catalogue of accessories and digital features, the latest refresh reflects Defender’s attempt to serve two increasingly important audiences: customers heading into genuinely difficult terrain and those who simply prefer their luxury vehicles to look prepared for it.
