Latest news with #JLR
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
2026 Land Rover Defender revealed: 5 major upgrades on the luxury off-roader
Here are the five major upgrades on the new Defender that you need to know about. The new Defender retains most of the design elements albeit for a subtle changes to the headlamps and taillights Check Offers Land Rover has updated the Defender SUV for the 2026 model year, bringing subtle upgrades to the luxury off-roader. The 2026 Land Rover Defender has received subtle styling tweaks on the exterior, while the cabin gets a host of other changes, including a bigger infotainment screen. Here are the five major upgrades on the new Defender that you need to know about. The headlamps gets a smaller centre for the LED DRL, the grille gets a gloss-black finished bar in the centre 1. 2026 Land Rover Defender: Styling Upgrades The updated Defender gets minimal changes to the exterior, with the design mostly retained as is. Look closer and you will find changes in the detailing, including the revised headlamps and taillights. The LED DRL gets a smaller centre section, while the taillights now get a smoked finish. The carmaker has made fog lamps standard, whereas the grille gets a gloss black-finished bar running across. The front and rear bumpers get painted in either silver or satin grey on the SUV. The 2026 Defender gets new alloy wheels, while the Octa and all V8 variants get a new colour option - Patagonia Matte White 2. 2026 Land Rover Defender: New Alloys & Colour The 2026 Defender also features a new textured finish on the bonnet and fender inserts. The wheel caps get the 'Defender' branding, instead of Land Rover, a shift towards JLR's 'House of Brands' strategy. The SUV now rides on new 22-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels. The new Octa and all V8 variants get a new colour option - Patagonia Matte White. The accessories pack has been upgraded with more equipment on the new Defender ,including a 4,500 kg winch on the Octa 3. 2026 Land Rover Defender: New Accessories The accessories package has been revised on the updated Defender. There's a new expedition roof rack, crossbars, and underbody protection. The Defender Octa also gets a 4,500 kg winch option with a carbon fibre cover. For the longer Defender 130, the SUV now comes with an integrated air compressor option that will help adjust the tyre pressure when going off-road. There's a larger 13.1-inch infotainment screen and a driver-facing infrared camera to monitor the driver's attention 4. 2026 Land Rover Defender: New Features The 2026 Defender is now equipped with a bigger 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, up from the 11.4-inch unit on the current model. The model also gets a new driver-facing infrared camera on the steering column that monitors driver attention. The new feature is in line with the European Union's GSR2 legislation, and will send audio or visual alerts in case the driver is being inattentive. Furthermore, the Defender packs a new off-road adaptive cruise control feature, which will be sold as an optional extra. The Defender currently arrives as a CBU in India and will continue in all three body styles - 90, 110, and 130 5. 2026 Land Rover Defender: Engines The Defender will continue to be sold in the 90 (3-door), 110 (5-door) and 130 (5-door long body) options. The powertrain lineup remains unchanged, with power coming from the 2.0-litre petrol, 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid (PHEV), 3.0-litre diesel, 5.0-litre V8 and 4.4-litre V8 engine options. JLR retails most of the Defender variants in India, which is likely to continue with the new iteration as well. The Defender presently arrives in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), and is the brand's top-selling offering. Prices currently start from ₹ 1.05 crore, going up to ₹ 2.79 crore (ex-showroom) for the new Defender Octa. Considering the model is a CBU, expect the updated version to land on Indian shores soon. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 31 May 2025, 15:49 PM IST
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Luxe just another car, big auto ups bling with Limited Editions
Luxury carmakers in India are sharpening their focus on exclusivity and personalisation to deepen their engagement with the lucrative and burgeoning pool of affluent buyers. By rolling out limited-edition variants and high-performance versions of core models, these automakers are not just seeking to unleash excitement and burnish brand prestige but also moving to unlock new, high-margin revenue streams in an intensely competitive marketplace. Overall, luxury cars-models priced at more than '50 lakh-scaled a record high of 51,500 units in FY25, according to industry estimates. However, at a 3.3% rise, it marked the slowest pace of growth in at least three years, largely due to economic uncertainties and stock market volatility. Sales had seen 16.7% growth in FY24 and 55.3% in the year before. With wealthy customers increasingly seeking cars that symbolise their identity and status, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz , BMW, Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ), and MINI are responding with a flurry of special editions and hyper-customised versions of existing models. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury car segment with a more than 45% share, followed by BMW, JLR and Audi. These innovations are spurred by the readiness of top-end customers to pay a premium for exclusivity. This March, Tata Motors-owned JLR unveiled Defender Octa - a special edition version of the standard Defender. Priced at ₹2.59 crore-nearly 50% more than the equivalent regular model-the Octa offers exclusive paint shades, tailored interiors, and performance upgrades. "These models combine high performance with finely crafted, bespoke interiors," said Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India. "These vehicles act as halo products that elevate the entire brand," Amba told ET. "The strategy of launching limited and special edition models is a win-win for both the company as well as customers," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility. While it helps companies stretch the name plate lifecycle, buyers, on their part, retain that exclusivity - be it in terms of the overall look and feel, interiors or performance, he noted. "The high margins with minimal investments ensure that the cash registers keep ringing at the companies," said Gupta. Luxury brands are also enthused by India's expanding base of high-net-worth individuals-those with over $10 million in assets. The number of HNIs increased 6% to 85,698 last year, according to Knight Frank. At Mercedes-Benz India , personalisation is fast becoming a core differentiator. "Hyper personalisation is an emerging trend among our top-end luxury customers and collectors," said Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "Our MANUFAKTUR range and special editions are witnessing unprecedented demand." All 25 units of the AMG G 63 Grand Edition, priced at ₹4 crore, sold out within minutes of launch, while the ₹4.2 crore Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series launched on March 17 this year, was fully booked the same evening it was announced. Later this month, the company is debuting an 'India Inspired' AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition.' BMW India is also leveraging limited editions to build emotional resonance with customers. "Limited editions fulfil bespoke aspirations perfectly. They celebrate heritage, milestones, and exclusivity," said Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India. "The BMW XM Label was limited to 500 units globally, with only one allocated to India-sold out on the day of launch," he said.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Luxe just another car, big auto ups bling with Limited Editions
Luxury carmakers in India are sharpening their focus on exclusivity and personalisation to deepen their engagement with the lucrative and burgeoning pool of affluent rolling out limited-edition variants and high-performance versions of core models, these automakers are not just seeking to unleash excitement and burnish brand prestige but also moving to unlock new, high-margin revenue streams in an intensely competitive luxury cars-models priced at more than '50 lakh-scaled a record high of 51,500 units in FY25, according to industry estimates. However, at a 3.3% rise, it marked the slowest pace of growth in at least three years, largely due to economic uncertainties and stock market volatility. Sales had seen 16.7% growth in FY24 and 55.3% in the year before. With wealthy customers increasingly seeking cars that symbolise their identity and status, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), and MINI are responding with a flurry of special editions and hyper-customised versions of existing models. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury car segment with a more than 45% share, followed by BMW, JLR and Audi. These innovations are spurred by the readiness of top-end customers to pay a premium for exclusivity. This March, Tata Motors-owned JLR unveiled Defender Octa - a special edition version of the standard Defender. Priced at ₹2.59 crore-nearly 50% more than the equivalent regular model-the Octa offers exclusive paint shades, tailored interiors, and performance upgrades."These models combine high performance with finely crafted, bespoke interiors," said Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India. "These vehicles act as halo products that elevate the entire brand," Amba told ET."The strategy of launching limited and special edition models is a win-win for both the company as well as customers," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility. While it helps companies stretch the name plate lifecycle, buyers, on their part, retain that exclusivity - be it in terms of the overall look and feel, interiors or performance, he noted. "The high margins with minimal investments ensure that the cash registers keep ringing at the companies," said brands are also enthused by India's expanding base of high-net-worth individuals-those with over $10 million in assets. The number of HNIs increased 6% to 85,698 last year, according to Knight Frank. At Mercedes-Benz India, personalisation is fast becoming a core differentiator. "Hyper personalisation is an emerging trend among our top-end luxury customers and collectors," said Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "Our MANUFAKTUR range and special editions are witnessing unprecedented demand." All 25 units of the AMG G 63 Grand Edition, priced at ₹4 crore, sold out within minutes of launch, while the ₹4.2 crore Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series launched on March 17 this year, was fully booked the same evening it was announced. Later this month, the company is debuting an 'India Inspired' AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition.'BMW India is also leveraging limited editions to build emotional resonance with customers. "Limited editions fulfil bespoke aspirations perfectly. They celebrate heritage, milestones, and exclusivity," said Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India. "The BMW XM Label was limited to 500 units globally, with only one allocated to India-sold out on the day of launch," he said.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Luxe just another car, big auto ups bling with Limited Editions
Luxury car companies in India are now focusing on unique and personalized features. They aim to attract wealthy buyers with limited-edition models. Mercedes-Benz and BMW are launching special versions of their cars. These exclusive cars cost more but offer unique designs and better performance. This strategy helps companies increase profits and satisfy customers who want something special. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Luxury carmakers in India are sharpening their focus on exclusivity and personalisation to deepen their engagement with the lucrative and burgeoning pool of affluent rolling out limited-edition variants and high-performance versions of core models, these automakers are not just seeking to unleash excitement and burnish brand prestige but also moving to unlock new, high-margin revenue streams in an intensely competitive luxury cars-models priced at more than '50 lakh-scaled a record high of 51,500 units in FY25, according to industry estimates. However, at a 3.3% rise, it marked the slowest pace of growth in at least three years, largely due to economic uncertainties and stock market volatility. Sales had seen 16.7% growth in FY24 and 55.3% in the year wealthy customers increasingly seeking cars that symbolise their identity and status, automakers such as Mercedes-Benz , BMW, Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ), and MINI are responding with a flurry of special editions and hyper-customised versions of existing models. Mercedes-Benz leads the luxury car segment with a more than 45% share, followed by BMW, JLR and innovations are spurred by the readiness of top-end customers to pay a premium for March, Tata Motors-owned JLR unveiled Defender Octa - a special edition version of the standard Defender. Priced at ₹2.59 crore-nearly 50% more than the equivalent regular model-the Octa offers exclusive paint shades, tailored interiors, and performance upgrades."These models combine high performance with finely crafted, bespoke interiors," said Rajan Amba, MD, JLR India. "These vehicles act as halo products that elevate the entire brand," Amba told ET."The strategy of launching limited and special edition models is a win-win for both the company as well as customers," said Puneet Gupta, director at S&P Global Mobility. While it helps companies stretch the name plate lifecycle, buyers, on their part, retain that exclusivity - be it in terms of the overall look and feel, interiors or performance, he noted. "The high margins with minimal investments ensure that the cash registers keep ringing at the companies," said brands are also enthused by India's expanding base of high-net-worth individuals-those with over $10 million in number of HNIs increased 6% to 85,698 last year, according to Knight Mercedes-Benz India , personalisation is fast becoming a core differentiator. "Hyper personalisation is an emerging trend among our top-end luxury customers and collectors," said Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. "Our MANUFAKTUR range and special editions are witnessing unprecedented demand."All 25 units of the AMG G 63 Grand Edition, priced at ₹4 crore, sold out within minutes of launch, while the ₹4.2 crore Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series launched on March 17 this year, was fully booked the same evening it was announced. Later this month, the company is debuting an 'India Inspired' AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition.'BMW India is also leveraging limited editions to build emotional resonance with customers. "Limited editions fulfil bespoke aspirations perfectly. They celebrate heritage, milestones, and exclusivity," said Vikram Pawah, president and CEO, BMW Group India."The BMW XM Label was limited to 500 units globally, with only one allocated to India-sold out on the day of launch," he said.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Land Rover Defender updated - here's what's different
Land Rover's Defender has been on sale in Britain for five years, so a significant mid-life facelift is overdue. This is especially the case with the luxury 4X4 becoming JLR's (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) best-selling product of all. Last year, it delivered 115,400 Defenders globally, dwarfing the sales figures for the Range Rover (77,000) and Range Rover Sport (79,800). With it selling Defenders as quickly as it can make them, JLR appears to have taken a 'less is more' approach to its '26MY' (model year) tweaks, which is far from the wholesale update most cars receive midway through their lifecycle. In fact, it's difficult to see what's changed at all... Here's what's different and how it will impact prices. It's fair to say that Land Rover has taken a subtle approach to upgrading its volume-selling product. Defender has been treated to a series of very minor styling tweaks and cabin updates. From the outside, there's no change to the familiar boxy silhouette that has proven a big hit with customers who've been snapping them up in record numbers since 2020. A new headlight design, fog lights as standard and smoke-tinted rear light clusters - combined with a gloss black grille bar - are the only minimal changes to the exterior. Instead, it's inside where arguably the biggest upgrade comes. The cabin is now dominated by a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen - an increase in display size over the outgoing 11.4-inch unit. Sitting above the gear selector and temperature control panel in the centre console, it uses the PiviPro system and should make the screen easier to tinker with on the move. There are other necessary update to the cabin, including the addition of an infrared camera behind the steering column, which powers the driver attention monitoring system. This triggers audio and visual alerts to the person behind the wheel when the camera detects their eyes are away from the road for dangerous periods of time as a part of a mandated safety requirement for new models under the European Union's latest GSR2 legislation. While the EU rules do not currently apply for UK-sold models, minsters recently suggested they will be adopted in Britain soon. A host of new paint options have also been launched and Defender - for the first time - will also benefit from adaptive off-road cruise control, though as an optional extra that customers will need to spec. There is a price increase for 2025 While Land Rover hasn't revealed information about powertrain options, it is likely to retain the combination of diesel, plug-in hybrid and supercharged V8 petrol engines. Customers will continue to be able to get their hands on the shorter Defender90 three-door, the five-door 110 and seven or eight-seat Defender 130. Prices for the updated Defender start from £57,135 thanks to the arrival of a new entry Defender90 S. However, pricing has increased over 25MY vehicle, with a like-for-like X-Dynamic SE rising by almost £2,000 from £59,790 to £61,740. Defender will continue to be produced exclusively at its Nitra plant in Slovakia, meaning it won't benefit from the trade agreement between the US and UK over reduced tariffs on imported vehicles. This is Money has asked JLR if it intends to increase the cost of Defender for the US market in preparation for the 27.5 per cent levies on EU-made vehicles scheduled for introduction on 9 July, but it refrained from commenting on the tariff impact on pricing. Shortly after the tariffs - which then included the UK - were originally announced on President Donald Trump's self-proclaimed Liberation Day back in April, JLR chose to pause shipments of cars to America.
