New Land Rover Defender Launched - Unpacking New Tech and Design Enhancements

Abu Dhabi : These upgrades aim to boost sales of one of the most successful Land Rovers globally.

• The exterior highlights include small LED DRLs in the headlights, 22-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, and smoke-finished taillamps.
• The interiors now get a 13.1-inch touchscreen, a new infrared camera, and off-road adaptive cruise control.
• Engine options remain unchanged; however, the SUV gets a new set of accessories to boost its off-road prowess. 

The Land Rover Defender has gone through a few small updates for the 2025 model year. These include new tech features and slight changes to the design. There are also several new accessories available that help the Defender handle tougher terrains better. Let’s explore these updates in more detail.

Styling updates

The updates to the new Defender are subtle but noticeable. The most obvious changes are in the lighting department. The headlamps now have a smaller center LED daytime running light. The tail lamps feature a smoked finish, giving them a darker look. 

Fog lights are now included as standard equipment. A new gloss black bar has been added across the grille, adding a sportier touch. The front and rear bumpers are now painted in either silver or satin grey for a fresh look.

There are also new details on the exterior. The hood and fender insert now have a textured finish. Instead of Land Rover, the wheel center caps now say "Defender." Customers can now choose from new 22-inch 7-spoke alloy wheels. New color options are included, namely Borasco Grey, Sargasso Blue, Woolstone Green, Chopped Carbon Fibre (Octa), and Textured Graphite (Octa).

New Accessories

In terms of accessories, the Defender now offers crossbars, a new expedition roof rack, and an underbody guard. The Octa gets a new carbon-fibre-wrapped winch option weighing 4,500 kg. For the Defender 130, an inbuilt air compressor is available to help adjust tire pressure during off-road drives.

Interior Comfort and Tech updates

The main highlight this time around is the new 13.1-inch touchscreen, replacing the 11.4-inch screen from the previous Defender. This larger display now fills the space between the dashboard and the center console. 

A new infrared camera faces the driver on the steering column. It is used to track if the driver is paying attention, which is now required by the European Union’s GSR2 rule. If it senses the driver is distracted, it will trigger a sound or visual alert. You can turn off or change these alerts in the driver assistance menu on the infotainment system.

Another key upgrade is the new off-road adaptive cruise control. It is an optional feature, and the Defender is the first to get this. This feature adjusts the vehicle’s speed automatically over bumps and uneven ground. It helps keep the ride smooth and comfortable based on what the driver wants.

Body styles and powertrains

The 2025 Defender retains the same body styles: 90, 110, and 130. The engine options are also the same as before. Buyers can choose from five different engines, including a 2.0-liter petrol, a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid, a 3.0-liter diesel, a 4.4-liter V8, and a 5.0-liter V8.

Apart from these, a min-Defender all-electric is also under work and expected to be launched by 2027.

2025 Land Rover Defender – Launch in UAE

At present, the 2025 Defender is available for purchase in the UK. However, it will also be launched in other markets, including the Middle East by the end of 2025. Currently, Defender price in UAE starts at AED 273,210. Hence, expect an increase of AED 10,000 when the new model launches.