Land Rover has given its big-selling Defender a swathe of updates for 2025, which will be available across the 90, 110 and 130 body styles. This revised model is being shown just days ahead of the new 4.4-litre V8-engined ‘Octa’ flagship model.
New 700Nm straight-six diesel engine
The biggest mechanical change is the addition of the D350 model, powered by a straight-six turbodiesel mild-hybrid engine producing up to 350hp and 700Nm of torque. That will replace the old D300 option.
For the first time, there’s also the option of fitting individual ‘Captain’s Chairs’ for the second row of seats to the stretched 130 model, which come with armrests either side and comfortable winged headrests and leave space in the centre of the cabin so that, in six-seat cars, you can ‘walk through’ to the third row.
Captain’s chairs for 130 models
Those seats can be heated and cooled, and they come with cupholders mounted to the back of the centre console. The idea is that the space between the seats gives those in row three more stretching-out space too. The Captain’s Chair option will be available for Defender X and V8 models, as well as for the X-Dynamic HSE version.
There’s also a new optional cabin styling pack, which comes with either ‘Windsor’ leather or ‘Kravdat’ wool blend upholstery, and which features 14-way electrically adjustable, heated and cooled front seats, heating and cooling for those in row two, and heated seats for the folding third row of 110 and 130 models, too. There’s also a new centre console storage pocket, and some subtle restyling for the powder-coated dashboard elements.
Simpler lineup
The Defender model range is also being simplified a little, and will now include S, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, X and V8 specifications across all three body styles. There will also be some special options packs, including an Off-Road Pack (which gives you all-terrain tyres, wade sensing and an electronic centre differential); an Advanced Off-Road Pack (more electronic helpers, air suspension and All Terrain Progress Control); a Dynamic Handling Pack, which includes 20-inch alloys; a Driver Assist Pack (which comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear collision monitoring and rear cross traffic alert); a Cold Climate Pack (heated seats, washers and steering wheel plus headlight washers) and many more.
Mindful of recent headlines about Land Rovers being especially popular with those who steal, rather than buy, their cars the updated Defender will come as standard with Thatcham’s highest S5 certified Secure Tracker Pro for the duration of the warranty period, as well as automatic walk-away locking.
Special Sedona Edition 110
There’s also a special Defender Sedona Edition 110, named after Sedona in Arizona, and with a deep red paint job inspired by “The natural deep red hue of its iron-rich sandstone landforms.”
The Defender Sedona 110 gets Narvik Black exterior trim and 22-inch alloy wheels, and it will be offered - on the 110 model only - for one year only. The Sedona model comes, optionally, with a new bonnet decal which depicts the topography of Sedona, an exterior storage box mounted, pannier-style, to the side window and Ebony Windsor Leather and Kvadrat on the inside.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director of the Defender model line, said: “Our vision for Defender is to continuously improve what is already a superb vehicle that can go anywhere and do anything. The introduction of the new Sedona Edition, enhanced interior options and our most powerful ever Defender diesel engine mean our clients now have more choice than ever. And with the new Captain Chairs in Defender 130, up to seven people can now travel in greater comfort on both epic adventures and localised expeditions.”