2026 defender octa feature

2026 Defender Price and Specs Revealed for Australia

Ben McKimm
By Ben McKimm - News

Published:

Readtime: 6 min

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  • Priced from AUD$111,053 drive-away ($98,400+ORCs)
  • Best-selling Land Rover gets exterior and interior upgrades
  • Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control has been introduced as an option
  • P425 Defender 90 and 110 now available with 313kW P425 5.0-litre Supercharged V8
  • Due to arrive in Australia from October 2025

If ever there was a vehicle that embodied the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” idiom, it would be the Defender. While it’s been introduced as the “new Defender” for a few years now, the hard-wearing off-road warrior has provided a platform of remarkable durability, innovative technology, and discerning styling that makes it as appealing off-road as it is on-road.

The Defender has seen monster sales figures worldwide, and you might find it surprising to know that the theme continues here in Australia. Sales figures through May 2025 are at 1,642 cars, which is more than a BMW X5 (1,578 sales) and Mercedes-Benz GLE (750 sales).

While the formula is working, some small upgrades, tweaks, and changes are in store for the 2026 model year. The brand believes these will bring the burly off-roader up-to-date with the latest tech in today’s highly competitive luxury SUV space. Yes, the small styling updates are not entirely noticeable at first glance, but a closer look reveals a new headlamp design, a new set of bumpers for the front and rear, plus rear tail-lamps with a smoked effect. Eagled-eyed fans may also spot a new textured pattern for the bonnet inserts as well as side vents. Elsewhere, there are now wheel caps with the Defender logo, and you can now opt for a new set of 22-inch alloys as well as new accessories like an ‘Expedition roof rack’ and cross bars.

2026 defender octa on hill
2026 Defender OCTA | Image: Supplied / Defender

How Much is the 2026 Defender?

The 2026 Defender 90 D250 S is priced from AUD$98,400 plus on-roads in Australia. However, the most popular models, the Defender 110 series, start at AUD$100,900 plus on-roads. If your pockets are deep enough, the flagship Defender P635 OCTA is priced from AUD$304,500 plus on-roads.

Here’s a list of all Defender model prices for Australia:

  • Defender 90
    • D250 S – $98,400 plus on-roads
    • P425 X-Dynamic SE – $124,300 plus on-roads
    • P425 X – $169,300 plus on-roads
  • Defender 110
    • D250 S – $100,900 plus on-roads
    • D250 Hard Top S – $99,500 plus on-roads
    • D350 X-Dynamic SE – $114,500 plus on-roads
    • D350 Trophy – $118,900 plus on-roads
    • D350 X-Dynamic HSE – $130,200 plus on-roads
    • D350 X – $165,100 plus on-roads
    • P300e X-Dynamic SE – $131,100 plus on-roads
    • P300e X-Dynamic HSE – $143,200 plus on-roads
    • P425 X-Dynamic SE – $127,100 plus on-roads
    • P425 X-Dynamic HSE – $142,100 plus on-roads
    • P425 X – $172,600 plus on-roads
    • P635 OCTA – $304,500 plus on-roads
  • Defender 130
    • D350 X-Dynamic SE – $136,000 plus on-roads
    • D350 Outbound – $141,400 plus on-roads
    • P500 V8 – $226,500 plus on-roads

Now, let’s take a closer look at what you get for your money.

What’s the Inside of the 2026 Defender Like?

Next to the addition of a 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 engine under the bonnet, the most significant upgrades are found on the inside.

Here, the technology suite has been upgraded with a larger 13.1-inch infotainment touchscreen as well as optional Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control that automatically adjusts the speed to maintain the desired level of comfort over undulating surfaces and a Driver Attention Monitor.

Practicality has also improved with a sliding section in the centre console that hides small items out of sight in a closed cubby, maintaining access to the deeper stowage area beneath. Choose the optional Signature Suite and you’ll add removable side pockets with cable routing for charging devices and an optional centre ‘jump’ seat. Overall, it’s a tidy list of upgrades to a cabin that was already practically perfect.

2026 defender 130 front bonnet
2026 Defender 130 | Image: Supplied / Defender

What Powers the 2026 Defender Line-up?

Here’s how the 2026 Defender lineup stacks up:

  • Defender D250 – 3.0L Inline-6 Mild-Hybrid Diesel
    • Output: 183kW / 570Nm
    • Available on: Defender 90, Defender 110 (including new S trim), Defender 110 Hard Top
    • Technology: Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)
    • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Defender D350 – 3.0L Inline-6 Mild-Hybrid Diesel
    • Output: Not specified in this release (previously ~258kW / 700Nm)
    • Available on: Defender 110 & Defender 130
    • Technology: Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV)
  • Defender P300e – Plug-In Hybrid Petrol
    • Available on: Defender 110 only
    • Type: Petrol-electric plug-in hybrid
  • Defender P425 – 5.0L Supercharged V8 Petrol
    • Output: 313kW / 550Nm
    • 0–100 km/h: ~5.6 seconds (Defender 90)
    • Replaces: P400 inline-6
    • Available on: Defender 90 and Defender 110
    • Transmission: Recalibrated 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
  • Defender P500 – 5.0L Supercharged V8 Petrol
    • Available on: Defender 130 V8
    • Output: Not specified, but previously put out ~386kW
  • Defender P635 – 4.4L Twin-Turbo Mild-Hybrid V8 Petrol (Defender OCTA only)
    • Output: 467kW / 635PS
    • Technology: Twin-turbo + MHEV with advanced 6D Dynamics suspension
    • Available on: Defender OCTA (performance flagship)

Gone is the P400 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine previously found in all models of the Defender. It’s been replaced by a punchier supercharged 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine, which develops 313kW of power and 500Nm of torque. Yes, we had to read this part of the press release twice!

The addition of the V8 to the middle of the 2026 Defender line-up means that you can now have an off-road SUV that will complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in under 6 seconds in Defender 90 form.

If you prefer to visit the petrol station every other week, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options have also been upgraded and added to the various model line-ups. The D250 six-cylinder mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbo-diesel is now available as the entry-level option on the two-door 90. Meanwhile, the 5-seater four-door 110 also cops it as a mid-spec option. Those who want power and sensibility should choose the D350 turbo-diesel, which is available on the Defender 130 and the 110 or the P400e plug-in hybrid in the Defender 110.

Of course, the most bonkers iteration of the Defender is the 110-based OCTA, which remains the flagship iteration with a thumping great BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8.

2026 Land Rover Defender OCTA | Image: Land Rover
2026 Land Rover Defender OCTA | Image: Land Rover

“More than five years after its introduction, Defender has become an enduring success. With a bloodline that can be traced back to the first Series I of 1948, Defender continues to capture the imagination of our clients,” Mark Cameron, managing director, Defender, said.

“The range now includes everything from a Hard-Top commercial to the epic Defender OCTA. With production at full capacity to meet demand, the latest changes are part of our continuous commitment to make adventures even more satisfying. Fresh design enhancements, new colours and an expanded range of accessories follow Defender’s comprehensive upgrade last year, ensuring our iconic 4×4 is better than ever.”

Pricing for the updated 2026 Defender starts from $98,400 plus on-roads, with Australian deliveries scheduled to start in October 2025.

2026 Land Rover Defender OCTA | Image: Land Rover
2026 Land Rover Defender OCTA | Image: Land Rover
2026 Land Rover Defender | Image: Land Rover
2026 Land Rover Defender | Image: Land Rover
2026 Land Rover Defender | Image: Land Rover
2026 Land Rover Defender | Image: Land Rover
Ben McKimm

Journalist - Automotive & Tech

Ben McKimm

Ben lives in Sydney, Australia. He has a Bachelor's Degree (Media, Technology and the Law) from Macquarie University (2020). Outside of his studies, he has spent the last decade heavily involved in the automotive, technology and fashion world. Turning his ...