Defender Gets Updated for MY26

Land Rover has elevated its unstoppable Defender line-up for 2026, introducing a series of powerful upgrades across the Defender 90, 110, and 130 body styles—including the extreme new Defender OCTA. With fresh design details, upgraded technology, and expanded powertrain options, the latest enhancements ensure Defender remains as rugged, refined, and ready for adventure as ever.

Striking New Design Meets Purposeful Functionality

Across the range, Defender receives a host of exterior enhancements, including redesigned headlights with new signature lighting, flush-fitting smoked rear lights, and fog lamps as standard. A refreshed colour palette introduces bold new hues such as Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey, while gloss black grille accents, tinted rear lighting, and all-new 22-inch Diamond Turned Dark Grey alloy wheels add to the Defender’s confident stance.

Front and rear bumpers feature optimized surface treatments, and bonnet inserts now display a textured motif that complements the adventurous, premium aesthetic. Gloss black Defender-branded wheel caps and subtle NISMO-inspired touches further refine the vehicle’s clean yet tough look.

Expanded Powertrain Line-Up: More Power, Greater Choice

In a significant upgrade, the Defender 90 and 110 gain the P425 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine—replacing the P400 inline-six. Delivering 313kW and 550Nm of torque, the P425 accelerates the Defender 90 from 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds, blending high performance with long-distance cruising comfort and capability.

For the first time, the Defender 110 is also available with the D250 Ingenium diesel mild-hybrid engine, offering 183kW and 570Nm of torque. This joins the existing D350 six-cylinder diesel and Plug-in Hybrid models, while the range-topping Defender OCTA boasts a mighty 467kW twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid petrol engine, raising the bar for performance off-roaders.

Tech and Comfort Upgrades Across the Range

Inside, a larger 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen anchors a redesigned centre console for improved ergonomics and functionality. Signature Suite upgrades introduce removable side pockets with discreet cable routing, while a sliding section conceals personal items without sacrificing access to deeper stowage areas.

Defender now also offers Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control for the first time—an evolution of All Terrain Progress Control. This system allows drivers to maintain a pre-set comfort level over uneven terrain, enhancing composure and reducing fatigue. A new Driver Attention Monitor adds an extra layer of safety by tracking the driver’s gaze and issuing alerts when attention drifts.

Defender OCTA: The Extreme Flagship

The new Defender OCTA represents the pinnacle of Defender performance. Powered by a 467kW 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and equipped with cutting-edge 6D Dynamics suspension, OCTA offers exceptional control across any surface. A dedicated OCTA Mode enhances off-road responsiveness, while Body and Soul Seats deliver high-performance comfort.

OCTA introduces exclusive new finishes including Sargasso Blue—a colour with deep sparkle inspired by the Sargasso Sea—and a rugged Textured Graphite trim that adds matte sophistication to bumpers, bonnet inserts, and fender vents. Optional chopped carbon fibre accents, Matte Protective Film, and multiple wheel and interior configurations further allow for deep personalization.

Defender 110 S D250 Joins Australian Range

A new S D250 variant has been added to the Australian Defender 110 line-up. Featuring a 3.0-litre inline-six mild-hybrid diesel engine producing 183kW and 570Nm, the model comes standard with Electronic Air Suspension and 19-inch wheels, with 18-inch steel wheels offered as a no-cost option.

Adventure-Ready Accessories

Defender’s accessory packs—including Explorer, Adventure, and Urban—offer tailored upgrades for every lifestyle. New individual accessories include black-finish Expedition Roof Racks, Cross Bars, and Front Undershields. A new dark rear scuff plate and deployable side-steps enhance practicality, while Defender 130 now offers an integrated air compressor—ideal for adjusting tyre pressures after off-road driving.

Defender OCTA’s credentials are further reinforced by an available 4,500kg-rated winch, protected by a chopped carbon fibre cover. All models now feature updated matte black bonnet decals with Defender script.

Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said:
"More than five years since its relaunch, Defender continues to build on its legendary heritage. From commercial Hard Top models to the extreme OCTA, the line-up offers something for every adventurer. With production running at full capacity, these latest upgrades—ranging from bold new designs to advanced tech and high-performance engines—ensure Defender remains a symbol of unstoppable capability and modern versatility."