Latest news with #LANDROVER
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Land Rover unveils 2026 Defender Trophy Edition
LAND ROVER has introduced a new chapter in its legacy of exploration with the debut of the 2026 Defender Trophy Edition, an expedition-ready variant of the Defender 110 SUV that celebrates the British marque's historic ties to global off-road challenges. Designed to meet the demands of serious adventurers, the latest Trophy Edition is inspired by the brand's storied past while looking firmly to the future of purposeful travel and environmental stewardship. Available in two classic colour finishes–Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green–the Defender Trophy Edition evokes the aesthetics of vintage Land Rover expeditions. This distinctive model comes equipped with a suite of expedition-specific enhancements, establishing it as a formidable companion for off-road exploration. Under the bonnet lies the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel engine, producing 346hp and incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The vehicle rides on gloss black 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, while exterior additions such as gloss black wheel arch protection, a dark rear scuff plate and a black front undershield contribute both to aesthetics and functionality. Subtle but telling design flourishes mark the Trophy Edition's unique identity. Trophy decals adorn the bonnet and C-pillars, with dedicated rear badging completing the exterior branding. The interior features illuminated 'Trophy' treadplates and Ebony Windsor leather seats, adding a refined touch. A colour-coordinated cross-car beam, finished with laser-etched Trophy badging on the end caps, reinforces the edition's bespoke character. For those seeking even greater expedition capability, the Trophy Kit option pack enhances the vehicle's utility. This upgrade includes a genuine Expedition Roof Pack, a black deployable roof ladder, gloss black side-mounted gear carrier, Classic Mud Flaps on both axles, and a raised air intake to ensure engine breathability in extreme environments. Land Rover has stated that this edition pays homage to the classic Trophy and Challenge events of its heritage, but is also poised to forge its own legacy. To that end, the launch of the 2026 Trophy Edition coincides with a newly established Defender Trophy competition, created in collaboration with conservation charity Tusk—a long-time partner of the brand. Set against the rugged landscapes of Africa, the competition will serve as both a celebration of adventure and a demonstration of environmental responsibility. Participants will compete in pairs but be scored individually through a series of grueling physical, strategic and off-road challenges. Each round is designed not just to test endurance and skill, but also to reflect Defender's core values of purpose and perseverance. Finalists will have the opportunity to contribute to a conservation mission facilitated by Tusk, allowing the competition to leave a lasting impact on the regions it touches. Land Rover describes the experience as 'a unique test of wit, willpower and teamwork' and promises that the Defender Trophy will offer more than just adrenaline—it will create a tangible legacy where epic adventure meets meaningful action. The 2026 Defender Trophy Edition thus not only represents a bold technical and stylistic evolution of the Defender nameplate, but also reaffirms Land Rover's commitment to exploration with a conscience.
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Land Rover revamps Defender for 2025
LAND ROVER has unveiled a comprehensive refresh of its Defender range for 2025, introducing significant powertrain upgrades, enhanced off-road technology, and subtle design revisions aimed at solidifying its position as the go-to SUV for adventurous motorists. The headline update is the introduction of the new P425 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, which produces 425hp and 550Nm of torque. This powerhouse replaces the P400 inline-six petrol variant and is now available in both the Defender 90 and 110. The addition marks a substantial performance boost for both models. Also joining the Defender family is the D250 mild-hybrid diesel, which delivers 245hp and a robust 570Nm of torque. In the updated line-up, the Defender 90 can now be specified with either the new V8 or the D250 diesel, while the larger Defender 110 finally gains access to both. A new trim, dubbed S D250, adds electronic air suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 18-inch steel wheels offered as a no-cost option for those preferring a more utilitarian setup. These new additions supplement an already diverse Defender powertrain line-up, which includes the D350 mild-hybrid diesel, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant, and the performance-oriented Defender OCTA, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged P635 V8 mild-hybrid engine. Styling updates for 2025 include revised headlight and taillight designs and the introduction of new exterior colours such as Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey, and Sargasso Blue–the latter reserved exclusively for the OCTA. Land Rover has also added striking 22-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, finished in Gloss Black with Defender-branded centre caps. Inside the cabin, the Defender gains a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen interface, part of a broader effort to improve user interaction and support tech-driven journeys. Storage areas have also been reconfigured to enhance practicality for touring and off-road escapades. Land Rover has added new technologies to boost off-road capability and safety. A notable innovation is the Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, designed to automatically maintain a preset level of comfort when traversing uneven terrain. Additionally, the Defender 130 variant now features an integrated air compressor, allowing drivers to adjust tyre pressures on demand. Safety has also been given attention with the introduction of a new Driver Attention Monitor that uses a driver-facing camera to detect and alert for lapses in concentration. From commercial-focused Hard-Top models to the high-performance OCTA flagship, the 2025 Defender range represents Land Rover's most complete and capable SUV offering yet.
