The top-tier Defender Octa modification has had its twin-turbo V8 engine power significantly reduced due to the need to comply with modern environmental regulations. Prices for the updated model are known.
Land Rover produced the classic off-roader from 1948 to 2016, but the Defender name was only assigned to it in 1991. The era of the legendary "Defenders" ended in the last decade, yet the manufacturer decided to pass the name familiar to brand fans to another model – the off-roader with indices 90 and 110 (L663 series), which debuted in 2020. Later, in 2022, the extended Defender 130 joined them, and in 2024, the lineup was expanded with the top-tier modification – the Land Rover Defender Octa.
Now the British brand has revealed details about the refreshed 2027 model year Defender. For the "crown jewel" of the family, the off-roader with the Octa suffix in its name, matte white Patagonia White and green Woolston Green have been added to the body color palette. Additionally, the model now offers a new glossy protective coating with "self-healing" technology, which can eliminate micro-scratches and provides protection against chips.
The main "update" will not please fans of the model: the company had to reduce the off-roader's power due to the need to comply with modern environmental regulations. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gasoline engine, operating as part of a mild hybrid system, now produces 540 hp, which is 95 "horses" less compared to the 2026 model year Land Rover Defender Octa.
At the same time, the maximum torque remains unchanged at 750 Nm. The engine is still paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The time required for the off-roader to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h has increased – now 4.2 seconds (0.2 seconds more). The developers also modernized the exhaust system, resulting in a change in the sound of the V8 engine.
In addition, the 2027 model year Land Rover Defender lineup has been expanded with the Vertex version (available in all three body styles). The trim is distinguished by different bumpers, new fog lights, an enlarged radiator grille, lower side panels and sills painted in body color, and a spoiler at the top of the rear. The Defender Vertex comes with either 20-inch or 22-inch wheels.
The interior can be upholstered either in leather (two color options available) or custom-made fabric, and carbon-fiber-look decorative elements have been added to the cabin. Additionally, the Defender 110 is now available with a six-seat cabin layout, featuring two captain's chairs in the middle row.
There are also changes in the engine lineup: the 2027 model year Defender will be offered with a 5.0-liter gasoline V8 only in certain markets (the UK is not included). The lineup now includes the P380 variant with an MHEV setup based on a 3.0-liter gasoline six-cylinder engine (maximum power – 379 hp, torque – 550 Nm). The off-roader retains the 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel and gasoline engines, as well as the plug-in hybrid system with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder.
All versions of the 2027 model year Land Rover Defender are already available for order in the domestic market. The starting version is priced at £58,655 (equivalent to approximately 5.97 million rubles at the current exchange rate), while purchasing the Vertex variant will cost at least £92,635 (about 9.44 million rubles). The price of the refreshed Defender Octa starts at £147,245 (about 15 million rubles), and the Octa Black will cost £157,245 (about 16 million rubles). Deliveries to dealers are scheduled to begin in the fall.
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