Land Rover cuts Defender Octa power by 93 hp for 2027

Land Rover has announced a significant update to its flagship Defender Octa for the 2027 model year, headlined by a substantial reduction in engine power to meet stricter European emissions standards. The twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, sourced from BMW, now produces 533 horsepower, a decrease of 93 horsepower from the previous model's 626 horsepower.

The power reduction is a direct response to comply with the latest Euro 6e-bis emissions regulations in Europe and other affected markets. Despite the lower output, torque remains unchanged at 553 pound-feet. The vehicle's acceleration from zero to 62 miles per hour is now 4.2 seconds, a slight increase from the previous 3.8-second time. To counterbalance the performance decrease, engineers have reworked the exhaust system to deliver a deeper and more aggressive V8 soundtrack, a move the company frames as enhancing the driver's sensory experience.

The updated Defender Octa is part of a broader mid-cycle refresh for the entire Defender lineup. A major addition is the new Vertex trim, positioned as an urban-focused variant designed to expand the model's appeal beyond off-roading. The Vertex features a distinctive aesthetic with an...