Latest news with #LandRover
The Sun
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Land Rover revamps Defender for 2025
LAND ROVER has unveiled a comprehensive refresh of its Defender range for 2025, introducing significant powertrain upgrades, enhanced off-road technology, and subtle design revisions aimed at solidifying its position as the go-to SUV for adventurous motorists. The headline update is the introduction of the new P425 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, which produces 425hp and 550Nm of torque. This powerhouse replaces the P400 inline-six petrol variant and is now available in both the Defender 90 and 110. The addition marks a substantial performance boost for both models. Also joining the Defender family is the D250 mild-hybrid diesel, which delivers 245hp and a robust 570Nm of torque. In the updated line-up, the Defender 90 can now be specified with either the new V8 or the D250 diesel, while the larger Defender 110 finally gains access to both. A new trim, dubbed S D250, adds electronic air suspension and 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 18-inch steel wheels offered as a no-cost option for those preferring a more utilitarian setup. These new additions supplement an already diverse Defender powertrain line-up, which includes the D350 mild-hybrid diesel, the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant, and the performance-oriented Defender OCTA, which is powered by a twin-turbocharged P635 V8 mild-hybrid engine. Styling updates for 2025 include revised headlight and taillight designs and the introduction of new exterior colours such as Woolstone Green, Borasco Grey, and Sargasso Blue–the latter reserved exclusively for the OCTA. Land Rover has also added striking 22-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, finished in Gloss Black with Defender-branded centre caps. Inside the cabin, the Defender gains a larger 13.1-inch touchscreen interface, part of a broader effort to improve user interaction and support tech-driven journeys. Storage areas have also been reconfigured to enhance practicality for touring and off-road escapades. Land Rover has added new technologies to boost off-road capability and safety. A notable innovation is the Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, designed to automatically maintain a preset level of comfort when traversing uneven terrain. Additionally, the Defender 130 variant now features an integrated air compressor, allowing drivers to adjust tyre pressures on demand. Safety has also been given attention with the introduction of a new Driver Attention Monitor that uses a driver-facing camera to detect and alert for lapses in concentration. From commercial-focused Hard-Top models to the high-performance OCTA flagship, the 2025 Defender range represents Land Rover's most complete and capable SUV offering yet.
Daily Mail
11 hours 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.
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Land Rover Defender updated to bolster JLR's best-selling car - but can you spot what's changed?
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. Side-by-side with a 2020 model (left), it's difficult to tell the new 26MY version (right) 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. Mark Cameron, managing director of Defender, said: 'More than five years after its introduction, Defender has become an enduring success. '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 4X4 is better than ever.' 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. However, it restarted exports to the US at the beginning of this month. Announcing the company's highest full-year profits in a decade earlier in May, chief executive Adrian Mardell said he 'cannot discount' launching production operations in America, despite the UK-US trade deal.
Auto Express
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Car hunter: Help! I need a rugged off-road 4x4 for £25,000
Dear Auto Express, I'm looking for a smart-looking, rugged 4x4 estate or SUV with room for a dog. What do you recommend for £25,000? - Richard Newman, E-mail In days gone by, few cars combined genuine off-road ability with polished on road manners. But in the current used car market there are a number of well-rounded options that perform on and off the beaten track. Advertisement - Article continues below Anything wearing a Land Rover badge is unlikely to get stuck – take the tough Land Rover Discovery Sport, for instance. However, if you're willing to sacrifice a degree of all-terrain ability for sleeker looks and tighter dynamics, Volvo, Skoda and others offer jacked-up 4x4 estate cars. The Audi A4 Allroad is sharply styled with a beautifully built cabin, and uses the firm's quattro system to find grip on slippery surfaces. Then there's the Subaru Outback, which trades the Audi's luxuries for more off-road credentials. With this in mind, here are the best versatile 4x4s and off-road cars you can buy for £25,000. Here's our expert pick of the three best used 4x4 and off-road cars available for a budget of £25,000, together with links to buy one through our Find a Car service... For: Comfortable ride, build quality, interior tech Against: Dull to drive, not unstoppable off-road Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The Audi A4 Allroad retains the same sharp lines as the standard A4 estate, but adds chunky plastic wheelarch extensions and a raised ride height. It's more capable than a typical estate, but can break traction more easily than its rivals here. It's refined and cosseting, though. The entry-level A4 Allroad is powered by a 187bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel, which offers plenty of poke and official fuel economy of up to 57.6mpg. It's our pick of the bunch – £23,500 buys a 48,000-mile 2020 model with LED headlights, Audi's Virtual Cockpit and Exterior off road aluminium package. Advertisement - Article continues below The four-wheel-drive Audi A4 Allroad's biggest draw is its interior. The minimalist design, modern infotainment tech and exceptional quality are only matched by its Mercedes C-Class rival in this segment, but this isn't offered in an off-road body style. The optional Technology Pack adds an 8.3-inch infotainment screen, and some models feature Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display – worth shopping around for if you're a tech lover. The Allroad is the same size as the standard A4 Avant estate, with plenty of rear legroom and a generous 505-litre boot – big enough for a furry friend. Used Audi A4 Allroad deals For: Off-road prowess, seven seats, strong refinement Against: Dated infotainment, expensive to run Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below While lesser Land Rover Discovery Sports are front-driven, the bulk of the range gets four-wheel drive and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. It offers a pleasant ride and a well isolated cabin, too. Efficiency isn't the Discovery Sport's strong suit, though – the TD4 has a 178bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel motor that doesn't achieve its claimed 53.3mpg. Low-thirties are more achievable in the real world. For just over £20,000, we found a 19-plate, 47,000-mile car, equipped with Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, sat-nav and a reversing camera. Advertisement - Article continues below As with the full-size Discovery, the Sport offers seven seats, although the third-row is more suited to children than adults. Fold them away and the resulting 981-litre boot (measured to the roofline, rather than the load cover) is cavernous, and there are plenty of storage areas littered around the cabin, too. Build quality is strong, and should hold up against an excitable dog. The Discovery Sport received a much-improved and optional 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen in late 2016. Unless you find a car specified with it, the standard system isn't the snappiest on the market. Used Land Rover Discovery Sport deals For: Great off-road, tough and highly practical Against: Boring design, cabin feels cheap in places Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Few rivals tackle tricky terrain as well as the Subaru Outback, thanks to its advanced four-wheel drive system. The Outback's 200mm ground clearance and extensive body cladding make it ideal for off-road tracks. However, the Subaru doesn't look particularly upmarket, and its road manners aren't stellar – the A4 Allroad is quieter and more composed on the move. The torquey 2.5-litre boxer petrol produces 175bhp and returns around 33mpg in automatic guise. We found a 2019 car with 51,000 miles on the clock for just over £16,500. Standard equipment includes cruise control, a reversing camera, heated leather seats, keyless go, sat-nav and Bluetooth. The Outback comes with Subaru's Starlink seven-inch infotainment system, too, making it a viable contender here. Some of the plastics around the interior feel rather cheap, and the design is quite dated on the whole, but the cabin is at least roomy. There's plenty of space for four adults, and the boot is bigger than the A4 Allroad's at 559 litres. Self-levelling rear suspension is a useful touch, because it gives the Outback particularly strong towing capabilities. Used Subaru Outback deals Now you can buy a car through our network of top dealers around the UK. Search for the latest deals… Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data Slow death of the manual car revealed in exclusive new data There are now very few manual cars available to buy, a trend that's been exacerbated by the rise of EVs Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
Motor Trend
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR Restomod First Drive: Cooler than a Lambo?
Everyone loves a restomod Land Rover Defender SUV. So much so that reinventing Land Rover's world-famous 4x4 workhorse has become a profitable niche industry with a global reach. Even Land Rover itself has jumped on the bandwagon as its Classic Works Bespoke operation rebuilds classic Defender 90 and 110 models with new luxury interiors, reworked suspension and brakes, and punchy V-8 engines. The entire scene has reached a point where a restomod Defender often walks a fine line between caricature and cliché—which is precisely what makes the Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR an interesting alternative. 0:00 / 0:00 The Background While the Jeep Wagoneer of the 1960s invented the idea of a luxury 4x4, Land Rover's original Range Rover perfected it, although the early 1970s versions were relatively spartan with vinyl seats and rubber mats on the floor. However, the Range Rover's magic carpet ride is what made it special from the outset. It was a fearsomely capable off-roader that was as comfy as a Cadillac, on and off the road. When wood, leather, carpet and air conditioning arrived later, they seemed logical, perfectly in character with the rest of the vehicle rather than looking like lipstick on a rough-riding pig. British-based Kingsley Re-Engineered has been in the business of restoring and restomodding Range Rovers and Land Rovers since 2001, though the company has been under new management for the past 14 months. The KSR is a new addition to the Kingsley Range Rover Classic lineup, which includes the KC, a full nuts-and-bolts restoration, and the KR, which is a restomod with leather wrapped over much of the original Range Rover interior. The Details Available in either two- or four-door configuration, the Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR is based on pre-1993 Range Rover Classic donor cars, what enthusiasts call the 'hard-dash' models. The later 'soft-dash' cars have a rounded, more integrated instrument binnacle that was a major improvement at the time but is now much more difficult to restore or retrim. Beyond that, says Kingsley managing director James Sawbridge, the soft-dash models are much more prone to severe body-rust problems, to the point where cars that look good from 30 feet away have bodies that are so catastrophically rusted out under their carpet and other trim pieces that they must be junked. Fortunately, the chassis is much more durable. 'It's very rare we have to throw a chassis away,' Sawbridge said. The KSR shares much of its mechanical hardware with the KR. Under the hood is Kingsley's 'High Torque' 4.6-liter V-8, an upgrade of the original Rover 3.9-liter unit that now develops 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Driving all four wheels through the standard four-speed automatic transmission, that's enough grunt to propel the KSR from 0 to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds and to a top speed of more than 120 mph. That's not earth shattering in the context of rocketship-modern SUVs such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT or Ferrari Purosangue, or even today's Range Rover P530, which packs a 523-hp, 553-lb-ft punch and is a full 5.2 seconds quicker to 60 mph. But it's worth remembering the original Rangie took about 11 seconds to get to 60 from a standstill and topped out at 110 mph. This is why the Kingsley Ranger Rover Classic KSR, though retaining the standard Range Rover Classic spring and roll bar rates, uses TracTive adjustable adaptive shocks to better control the body motions and has bigger disc brakes front and rear. Spot the Differences The interiors are the big difference between the Kingsley KR and KSR models, with the latter featuring a redesigned dash, a digital instrument panel, and a new center console with upgraded switchgear and an inbuilt digital display. The redesigned interior makes the KSR easier to build to a higher quality. Wrapping the original Range Rover dash and doors and other hardware sounds simple enough in concept but is difficult to execute as it involves retrimming substrate structures that are not always in good condition or robust enough. The interior redesign also improves its functionality: The Range Rover' Classic's notoriously poor windshield demisting is notably better courtesy of larger vents at the top of the dash, and the upgraded air conditioning system is activated more easily via improved switchgear on the center console, which now has cupholders and USB and USB-C connection points. The software powering the digital screen supports Apple CarPlay, thus delivering up-to-date navigation and audio functionality. Make It Yours Customers can choose almost any color and trim combination they desire. Our test SUV, the first KSR out of the shop, features Brewster Green paint over a Chestnut leather interior and Boxweave carpets, with Black Watch Weathered tartan accents in the seats. It rolls on 18-inch multispoke wheels finished in gloss black and fitted with 255/55 Avon Zx7 tires. Wheels apart, color and trim combinations don't come much more classically British. And they suit the crisp, clean lines of the Range Rover Classic, a car so highly regarded as a paragon of industrial design that one was exhibited at the Louvre back in 1971. How It Drives Sliding behind the wheel of the Kingsley KSR is to be reminded that ever-tougher crash-safety regulations have turned modern SUVs into pillboxes on wheels, with heavy rooflines and slits for windows. With its low cowl and beltline—the side windows come down to elbow height—and ultra-thin pillars, the Range Rover Classic cabin is a light and airy place to be, offering superb visibility for all occupants. The tuned V-8 is a rumbly, grumbly thing, amplified by a sport exhaust system that's in truth a little too sporty, even at idle, for an SUV that by modern standards is a relatively relaxed performer. Worse, the exhaust note gets boomy under load, with an annoying resonance at 2,500 rpm. Kingsley's Sawbridge agrees the exhaust tuning needs finessing to give the car a more dignified soundtrack that's more in keeping with the Range Rover's refined character. The suspension presents a similar story. We began our drive with the TracTive shocks in their middle setting, and the low-speed ride was just a touch too firm, too sporty. The softest setting—the different ones can be activated via the rotary controller on the center console—was the most comfortable, not quite the magic carpet of the original Range Rover but still plusher than many modern SUVs. It's a decent compromise: The original Range Rover required care and anticipation when driven fast on the road to allow for its prodigious roll rates during rapid changes of direction; the TracTive shocks keep a much tighter rein on the Kingsley KSR through the twisties. Sawbridge says Kingsley is looking at offering 16- or 17-inch aluminum wheels that will allow a taller-sidewall tire to add a little more syrup to the low-speed ride. That's an option we'd definitely explore. A different wheel/tire setup would also help the steering, which is too heavy, especially at low speeds—a characteristic amplified by the Nardo steering wheel that's much smaller in diameter than that of the original Range Rover Classic. If it sounds like we're harping on the low-speed refinement, you're correct. That's because the reality is the Kingsley KSR is a vehicle that will spend most of its life woofling around town or along country roads at modest velocities rather than being hammered along on a fast cross-country drive. It's not even meant for heavy-duty off-road action: The redesigned center console eliminates the stubby lever that enables drivers to shift between high and low range and to lock the center differential. 'KSR customers don't want extreme off-road capability,' Sawbridge said of the decision to remove the transfer-case shifter. (The transfer case is still present; you just can't use it). 'They want the old-school style of the original Range Rover. The only off-roading they do is driving across a grassy field to watch polo or go shooting.' How Much? With a starting price of about $300,000 (based on today's exchange rates) plus tax and shipping, the Kingsley Range Rover Classic KSR restomod isn't cheap, costing more than an Aston Martin DBX 707 or a Lamborghini Urus. But it offers character and charisma few modern SUVs can match, and it can be built exactly the way you want it, not just in terms of color and trim but also in terms of a quieter exhaust, softer shocks, and a more comfortable wheel/tire combination. And if you want both performance and refinement, Kingsley will soon offer the KSR with a punchy 6.2-liter GM LS3 V-8 under the hood that drives through a six-speed automatic transmission.
