Land Rover refreshes Defender range with new ‘Vertex’ model

Land Rover has given the Defender a mid-life makeover with updated styling and a new ‘Vertex’ trim level.

On the outside, the Defender Vertex receives extended front and rear bumpers, a larger front grille, revised fog lamps, body-coloured lower cladding and a gloss black tailgate door. Additionally, there will be a choice of ‘90’, ‘110’ and ‘130’ body styles – the same across the Defender range.

Inside, the Vertex boasts Ebony Forged textile upholstery which is made from 100 per cent knitted polyester materials. Other details include equipment such as three-zone climate control and an air quality sensor which monitors the level of pollutants from outside the vehicle to prevent them from entering the cabin.

Under the bonnet, the Vertex can be specced with a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel engine, badged ‘D350’, which boasts mild-hybrid technology. The setup produces 345bhp and can hit 60mph in 5.9 seconds. There is also a new 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine, called ‘P380’; developing 375bhp and can sprint to 60mph in 5.7 seconds.

If you opt for the ‘110’ bodystyle, this variant is available with a ‘P400e’ plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 19.2kWh battery pack that can take the car a claimed 27 miles on electric power.

Other updates in the Defender range include a new six-seater option on the ‘110’ bodystyle; bringing a ‘2+2+2’ layout with the second row featuring two Captain Chairs with extra contours, bolster cushions, individual armrests and twin floor cupholders behind the centre console.

The Land Rover Defender Vertex will make its public debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which runs from July 9 to July 12. Prices will start at £92,635 and rise to £104,440 for the ‘130’ model.