Electric Cars

A Tribute to British Legacy: The Churchill Edition Defender

The Genesis of a Special Edition: Honoring Winston Churchill's Legacy

The Land Rover Defender, an emblem of British ruggedness, finds a compelling parallel in the persona of Winston Churchill, a titan of British history. Both figures are synonymous with national identity and, humorously, a certain fondness for spirits. This connection provides the perfect foundation for JLR's Classic Division to craft a bespoke V8-powered Defender, meticulously designed to honor the wartime Prime Minister. This unique vehicle, christened the Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition, draws its aesthetic and historical roots directly from a 1954 Series I Land Rover gifted to Churchill at his Kent estate. Experts from JLR Classic painstakingly studied the original vehicle, now preserved in a Swiss museum, to meticulously replicate its distinctive paintwork for this commemorative series.

Exterior Embellishments: A Nod to Authenticity and Heritage

The Churchill Edition's exterior boasts a striking Bronze Green finish, extending to its 16-inch steel wheels, faithfully mirroring the historical Series I. A minimalist galvanized steel bumper and a vintage-inspired metal mesh grille complete the classic look. A subtle yet ingenious detail is the unpainted matt black surround of one headlight, a deliberate design choice that pays tribute to the original placement of Sir Winston's Series I registration plate. Furthermore, the car's wings feature decals of 'UKE 80', the authentic registration number of Churchill's historic Land Rover, adding another layer of historical fidelity.

Interior Refinements: Luxury Meets Historical Detail

Inside the cabin, the Bronze Green accents continue, harmoniously paired with seats upholstered in luxurious Bridge of Weir leather, rendered in a sophisticated Bottle Green shade. A standout interior feature is the bespoke blue-faced clock, adorned with a red stripe, a direct inspiration from the label of a Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Champagne bottle, adding an elegant and personal touch.

Performance and Modern Integration: Powering a Classic Icon

Beyond its commemorative aesthetics, the Churchill Edition inherits the formidable performance characteristics of JLR's contemporary Classic Defender V8s. Based on late-model Defenders manufactured between 2012 and 2016, it is propelled by JLR's naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, generating 399bhp and 380lb ft of torque. This powertrain is seamlessly integrated with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, enabling the 90 version to achieve 60mph in just 5.9 seconds (6.1 seconds for the 110) and a top speed of 106mph. Underneath, modern enhancements include Eibach springs, Bilstein dampers, refined anti-roll bars, recirculating ball steering, and high-performance Alcon brakes. The interior also benefits from JLR Classic’s discreet yet advanced infotainment system, ensuring a blend of classic charm and modern convenience.

Exclusivity and Investment: A Limited Production Masterpiece

The Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition is an exceptionally rare offering, with production limited to a mere 10 units, available in three distinct body styles. The pricing reflects its exclusivity and bespoke craftsmanship: the short-wheelbase 90 Station Wagon starts at £232,500, the Soft Top variant is priced at £242,500, and the long-wheelbase 110 Station Wagon commands a starting price of £246,000. This limited run ensures its status as a collector's item, celebrating a unique intersection of British automotive excellence and historical reverence. It's a testament to the fact that few other British political figures will ever receive such a dedicated and finely crafted automotive tribute, marking this edition as truly unparalleled.

Lexus is strategically enhancing the appeal of its highly sought-after RX crossover for the 2026 model year, particularly focusing on its plug-in hybrid variant. By introducing a new, more accessible trim level, the automaker aims to broaden its market reach and solidify the RX's leading position in the luxury SUV segment. This development not only offers consumers a more budget-friendly entry point into electrified luxury but also sharpens the competitive edge against established European rivals.

Lexus Reinvents RX Plug-In Hybrid Offering with Accessible Premium Trim

In a significant development for the automotive market, Lexus has introduced a new, more affordable trim for its popular RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, the Premium variant, for the 2026 model year. Priced at a competitive $66,680, this new offering represents a substantial decrease of nearly $6,000 compared to the previous 2025 Luxury model, which began at $72,610. The 2026 Luxury trim, while still available, sees a slight increase to $73,310.

This strategic pricing adjustment, announced on August 25, 2025, from an unspecified Lexus headquarters, positions the RX 450h+ as a compelling option in the luxury plug-in hybrid crossover segment. The RX, having sold an impressive 52,888 units in the first half of the year, remains Lexus's best-selling model in the United States, celebrated for its opulent comfort, robust reliability, and diverse powertrain choices. The addition of the more economical Premium trim is poised to further accelerate the already surging sales of the plug-in hybrid, which saw a remarkable 93.3% increase in the first half of 2025, selling 3,449 units compared to 1,784 in the previous year.

Under the hood, the RX 450h+ combines a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a combined output of 304 horsepower. While not the fastest in the RX lineup, it achieves a respectable 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.2 seconds and boasts an impressive 85 MPGe combined fuel efficiency. Moreover, it offers an all-electric driving range of up to 38 miles, catering to eco-conscious consumers seeking sustainable mobility solutions.

The newly introduced Premium trim is far from basic, offering a suite of upscale features including heated and ventilated front seats, premium NuLuxe upholstery, a large 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, a high-fidelity 12-speaker sound system, and stylish 21-inch wheels. Those opting for the top-tier Luxury model will enjoy additional amenities such as heated second-row seats, semi-aniline leather, power-adjustable rear seating, and a panoramic glass roof.

Beyond the plug-in hybrid, Lexus has also rolled out minor enhancements across the entire RX lineup for 2026. Wireless phone charging is now a standard feature on all models, and a new Appearance Package has been introduced for F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance variants. This package, an evolution of the 2025 Black Line Special Edition, includes distinctive black exterior elements, 21-inch black wheels, and is available in a palette of five sophisticated colors: Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Incognito, and Caviar. The package is rounded off with vibrant orange brake calipers and a sleek black interior highlighted by gray accent stitching. Additionally, all plug-in hybrid models now come equipped with a versatile dual-voltage charging cable, compatible with both 120V and 240V outlets, along with a Type 1 socket for convenient home or public charging. The 2026 Lexus RX lineup starts at $51,175 for the RX 350 Standard FWD, with the RX 350h hybrid beginning at $53,475, and the potent RX 500h hybrid at $66,850.

This strategic move by Lexus demonstrates a clear understanding of the evolving automotive landscape, where efficiency and value are increasingly paramount. By democratizing access to its plug-in hybrid technology, Lexus is not only strengthening its market position but also setting a new benchmark for luxury and practicality. This forward-thinking approach, coupled with its renowned reliability, ensures that the RX will continue to be a dominant force in the luxury crossover segment for years to come.