Land Rover has updated both the modern Defender range and the original “Classic Defender V8” with design cues and hardware inspired by its most extreme off‑road flagship, the Defender OCTA. The result is a family of Defenders that look more heritage‑rich, feel tougher off‑road and integrate more comfort and tech for everyday use, while Classic Works builds combine old‑school style with thoroughly modern performance, brakes and suspension.
Modern Defender: 2025 Design and Tech Refresh
For 2025, Land Rover has subtly revised the Defender 90, 110 and 130 with new front and rear lights, fresh detailing, an expanded colour palette and additional wheel designs that sharpen the SUV’s already iconic silhouette. Inside, a larger 13.1‑inch Pivi Pro touchscreen and a redesigned centre console with a sliding cover over the cupholders make the cabin more practical and premium, while upgraded driver‑monitoring and adaptive off‑road cruise control systems improve safety and reduce fatigue on long or rough drives.
Powertrains and Off-Road Hardware
The 2025 Defender range offers a wide spread of engines, from a 2.0‑litre turbo four (P300) and new D350 diesel to a P300e plug‑in hybrid and V8 options, giving buyers everything from efficient touring to supercharged performance. Standard all‑wheel drive, a twin‑speed transfer case, Terrain Response 2, up to 900 mm wading depth and available electronic active rear differential keep the Defender true to its hardcore roots, while Adaptive Off‑Road Cruise Control automatically modulates speed over rocks, sand or mud for smoother progress.
2025 Defender: Core Specs Snapshot
| Item | 2025 Defender Highlights |
|---|---|
| Body styles | 90 (2‑door), 110 (5‑door), 130 (3‑row). |
| Key engines | D250, D350 diesels; P300; P300e PHEV; P425 & P525 V8. |
| Off‑road tech | AWD, low‑range, Terrain Response 2, 900 mm wading, e‑diff. |
| New 2025 features | Revised lights, colours, bigger screen, new console, driver‑monitoring, Adaptive Off‑Road Cruise. |
Classic Defender V8: OCTA-Inspired Makeover
On the heritage side, Land Rover Classic Works has refreshed the Classic Defender V8 (based on 2012–2016 donor 90 and 110 models) with styling and colour options lifted from the high‑performance Defender OCTA. Five new paint shades—such as Petra Copper, Faroe Green and Sargasso Blue—join the palette, while a gloss‑black radiator grille designed for better cooling and a chopped‑carbon bonnet script create a visual link to the modern OCTA.
Modern Mechanics Under a Classic Skin
Under the skin, every Classic Defender V8 is completely stripped and rebuilt by Land Rover Classic, then re‑engineered with a 5.0‑litre naturally aspirated V8 delivering around 405 PS through an eight‑speed ZF automatic with sport mode. Suspension, steering and brakes are thoroughly upgraded: custom springs, revised dampers, anti‑roll bars, reworked steering and large 335 mm front / 300 mm rear discs with four‑piston calipers drag stopping performance into the modern era without spoiling the traditional driving feel. Buyers can also specify infotainment upgrades, crystal lighting packs and a wide selection of wheels, blending classic looks with contemporary usability.
How the Icon and Its Classic Remaster Fit Together
Taken together, the 2025 Defender updates and the Classic Defender V8 OCTA‑inspired program show Land Rover deliberately linking its modern off‑roader with the heritage that made the nameplate famous. The showroom Defender carries forward the rugged capability with more comfort, tech and powertrain choice, while Classic Works offers enthusiasts a remastered old‑shape Defender that feels closer in performance and polish to the brand’s latest off‑road flagship.
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FAQs
Q1: What’s new on the 2025 Defender?
It gains revised lights and trim, a larger touchscreen, a reworked centre console and new driver‑assist features like driver monitoring and Adaptive Off‑Road Cruise Control.
Q2: How has the Classic Defender been updated?
Classic Defender V8s get OCTA‑inspired colours, a new gloss‑black grille, upgraded suspension and big‑brake hardware while keeping the original body shape.
Q3: Does the Classic Defender still feel like an old Defender off‑road?
Yes—its ladder frame and basic layout remain, but steering, brakes and suspension have been modernised to handle the extra V8 power and improve control on and off road.