The Land Rover Defender has received a major mid-life update that introduces a new city-oriented specification while phasing out its long-serving V8 engine.

Named the Defender Vertex, this fresh variant is positioned close to the high-end X trim and adds a modernised look to the six-year-old SUV. The update features a larger front grille, body-coloured lower cladding and skirts, and a subtle roof spoiler that enhances its urban appeal. The spoiler can also be added to other Defender versions via the optional Extender Exterior pack. Standard fitment includes 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, with a 20-inch design also available as an alternative.

Mark Cameron, Brand Director for Defender, explained that this new trim introduces “a different personality that broadens the model’s attraction,” particularly for customers who primarily use their Defender in everyday urban settings rather than purely for off-road adventures.

The Defender Vertex is priced from £92,635 for the compact 90 variant, £97,125 for the mid-sized 110, and £104,440 for the larger 130 version.

Alongside the new trim, the Defender 110 now offers a six-seat configuration featuring three rows of two seats. The second row comprises individual captain’s chairs that feature enhanced side bolstering and reclining capability. According to Land Rover, this layout provides improved legroom for rear passengers, and the removal of the centre seat cushion in the second row creates additional storage space between the two seats.

As part of this update, Land Rover has also overhauled the Defender’s powertrain line-up. The well-known ‘AJ’ supercharged petrol V8 engine has been retired, and the high-performance Octa variant’s 4.4-litre V8 has seen its output reduced by 93bhp.

The Octa’s BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 now produces 533bhp, down from 626bhp, while torque remains constant at 553lb ft. As a result, its 0–60mph time has increased from 3.8 seconds to 4.2 seconds. Jaguar Land Rover stated that the power reduction was necessary to comply with the latest Euro 6e-bis emissions regulations.

Despite the lower power output, Land Rover claims the revised engine delivers a more authentic V8 soundtrack thanks to a redesigned exhaust manifold that enhances acoustic character.

Additionally, a new P380 mild-hybrid powertrain has joined the Defender range. This setup pairs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol straight-six engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 375bhp and 405lb ft of torque. The remainder of the Defender’s engine options, including smaller petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid variants, remain unchanged.