2027 Land Rover Defender Arrives in Australia: V8 Survives Amidst Price Hikes and New Vertex Grade

Crucially for local performance enthusiasts, the Australian market will retain the brand's powerhouse V8 engines, completely bypassing the strict emission regulations that are forcing their removal in Europe.

The updated Defender arrives as the dominant force in its segment; recent sales data highlights it as Australia's best-selling luxury large SUV with 1911 units sold year-to-date, comfortably outpacing the BMW X5, Lexus RX, and Porsche Cayenne.

The New Defender Vertex

Leading the 2027 updates is the introduction of a new design-focused grade: the Defender Vertex. Available in both the 90 and 110 body styles, the Vertex sits alongside the existing X specification, sharing the exact same price point.

Visually, the Vertex distinguishes itself with a more muscular stance, featuring extended front and rear bumpers finished in Shadow Atlas Matte, a larger profiled grille, and body-coloured lower cladding. The exterior package is completed with 22-inch Satin Dark Grey alloy wheels as standard, contrasting yellow front brake calipers, and a Gloss Black tail door spoiler.

V8 Powertrains and The Mighty OCTA

While European customers will face a power reduction and the loss of the 5.0-litre supercharged V8, the Australian lineup remains uncompromised. Buyers can still opt for the supercharged V8, while the flagship Defender OCTA retains its phenomenal 467kW output from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8.

The top-tier OCTA Black variant receives the smallest price adjustment for the new model year, increasing by just $500 to $314,300 before on-road costs, and can now be optioned with a Chopped Carbon Fibre Exterior Pack.

Enhanced Interior Comfort and Smart Technology

Addressing the needs of larger families, Land Rover has introduced a new six-seat configuration exclusively for the Defender 110. This 2+2+2 layout replaces the middle bench with two luxurious Captain's Chairs, providing individual armrests, extra contouring, and significantly improved access to the third row.

In the cabin, the 2027 model integrates a next-generation connected speech service powered by artificial intelligence. Triggered by the command "Hey Land Rover," the system uses conversational intelligence to allow for more natural, intuitive voice interactions without the need to repeat specific commands. Furthermore, a new Technology Pack—available on S, X-Dynamic SE, and X-Dynamic HSE grades—bundles a head-up display, Meridian surround-sound system, digital rear-view mirror, and a domestic plug socket.

Full 2027 Australian Pricing

Price adjustments across the range see increases starting from $500 and climbing up to $8400. Customer deliveries for the 2027 Defender are expected to commence later this year.

(Note: All prices below exclude on-road costs.)

Defender 90

• Defender 90 S D250 – $102,800 (up $4400)
• Defender 90 X-Dynamic SE P425 – $130,400 (up $6100)
• Defender 90 X P425 – $176,800 (up $7500)
• Defender 90 Vertex P425 – $176,800 (new)

Defender Hard Top 110

• Defender Hard Top 110 S D250 – $103,700 (up $4200)

Defender 110

• Defender 110 S D250 – $105,400 (up $4500)
• Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE D350 – $119,300 (up $4800)
• Defender 110 Trophy Edition Deep Sandglow D350 – $124,700 (up $5800)
• Defender 110 Trophy Edition Santorini Black D350 – $124,700 (up $5800)
• Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE P425 – $132,400 (up $5300)
• Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE D350 – $135,500 (up $5300)
• Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE P300e PHEV – $136,800 (up $5700)
• Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE P425 – $147,800 (up $5700)
• Defender 110 X-Dynamic HSE P300e PHEV – $149,000 (up $5800)
• Defender 110 X D350 – $171,800 (up $6700)
• Defender 110 Vertex D350 – $171,800 (new)
• Defender 110 X P425 – $181,000 (up $8400)
• Defender 110 Vertex P425 – $181,000 (new)

Defender 130

• Defender 130 X-Dynamic SE D350 – $141,600 (up $5600)
• Defender 130 Outbound D350 five-seat – $147,400 (up $5800)
• Defender 130 V8 P500 – $235,600 (up $9100)

Defender OCTA

• Defender 110 Octa P635 – $305,200 (up $700)
• Defender 110 Octa Black P635 – $314,300 (up $500)