Land Rover is set to unveil the latest evolution of its iconic off-roader, the Model Year 2026 (MY26) Defender, in India next month. This isn’t a complete overhaul but a thoughtful refinement, focusing on elevating the vehicle’s technology, cabin comfort, and aesthetic details to solidify its position as a premium all-terrain vehicle.
While the powertrain options remain the trusted and familiar lineup, the updates are strategically aimed at enhancing the daily driving experience and long-distance journey comfort.
A Sharper Exterior Presence
At first glance, the MY26 Defender presents a more defined character. The front end has been sharpened with a redesigned bonnet script, giving it a more purposeful stance. This is complemented by new textured inserts on the bonnet and updated patterns on the side vents. The finishing touch comes from glossy black wheel center caps, each proudly embossed with the ‘Defender’ name, leaving no doubt about the vehicle’s heritage.
The lighting signature has also been modernized. The headlights feature new graphics when illuminated, and at the rear, you’ll find sleek, flush-mounted lights with contemporary smoked lenses.
A Cabin Transformed for Comfort and Connectivity
Step inside, and the changes are even more significant. The centerpiece is a new, massive 13.1-inch curved glass touchscreen that floats on the dashboard. This interface puts control of navigation, media, and vehicle settings right at the driver’s fingertips, creating a more intuitive and modern cockpit.
For the driver, a crisp 12.3-inch interactive driver display remains standard, with an optional head-up display that projects essential information onto the windshield. A key safety addition is a new driver attention monitor. Using a camera-based system, it can detect signs of fatigue or distraction, providing a crucial alert to help keep everyone safe.
Practicality sees a major boost, especially for families and adventure-seekers. The V8 P425 variant now offers a sliding and reclining second-row seat, a feature that dramatically improves passenger comfort on everything from cross-country road trips to demanding off-road trails.
Land Rover has also paid close attention to the cabin’s ambiance and ease of maintenance. New Alpine roof lights bathe the interior in soft, diffused natural light, creating an airy atmosphere. Customers can choose between premium leather or sophisticated non-leather upholstery. Furthermore, new, more durable mats, door seals, and loadspace liners make cleaning up after a muddy adventure simpler than ever. Add in a premium Meridian sound system and a CO₂ management system for optimal cabin air quality, and the Defender’s cabin becomes a true sanctuary.
Powertrain and Pricing
The 2026 Land Rover Defender continues to be offered in three body styles in India: the compact Defender 90, the versatile Defender 110, and the spacious Defender 130.
The engine lineup remains unchanged, offering a range of capable options:
- A 2.0-litre turbo mild-hybrid petrol engine.
- A 3.0-litre diesel mild-hybrid engine.
- A formidable 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, producing 426 hp and 610 Nm of torque.
Every variant is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive as standard.
Pricing for the Defender in India is broad, reflecting its range of configurations. It starts at approximately ₹98 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 110 X-Dynamic HSE and can go up to ₹2.60 crore for the flagship OCTA Edition One. It’s worth noting that recent adjustments under the GST 2.0 tax structure have led to price reductions of up to ₹18.6 lakh on certain models, making this update more accessible.
