The teasing has come to an end. After months of speculation and meetings with tight-lipped executives, Land Rover has indeed launched a V8 version of the all-new Defender. The new 518 Horsepower Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a unique combination of performance and capability, setting the British SUV up as a direct competitor to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage – spanning the original Stage I V8 of the Seventies, North American Specification models of the Nineties and powerful Defender Works V8 – as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium petrol, diesel, and advanced Plug-in Hybrid Land Rover powertrains.
The V8 petrol engine isn’t the only introduction. There's also a new XS Edition, fresh exterior design packs that provide greater personalization, and an optional larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen.
The exclusive new Carpathian Edition is based on the Defender V8 and represents the ultimate expression of Defender design, performance, and capability, while a new XS Edition replaces the hugely successful First Edition and combines bespoke design and specification enhancements inside and out.
David Hemming, Chief Product Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. Fast and fun to drive, it represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it. We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender line-up with new derivatives, option packs, and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Power comes from Land Rover’s 5.0-liter V8 supercharged petrol engine, which produces 518 horsepower, 625Nm of torque, and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h and delivers fuel consumption of up to 14.5l/100km.
Iain Gray, Senior Manager, Powertrain Advanced Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The 5.0-liter V8 supercharged engine further enhances the unique character of the Defender. It sounds fantastic and delivers incredible performance – providing new levels of driver appeal. Our engineering focus has been to optimize powertrain calibration for Defender to deliver both responsive on-road performance and fine control off-road – all without compromising Defender’s unstoppable all-terrain capability and wading ability.”
Exceptional off-road capability is a Defender hallmark and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic program within the Terrain Response system – only available on V8-powered Defenders. It helps drivers to exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the 518 horsepower model on the tarmac and loose surfaces. Engineered to be the fastest and most engaging production Defender ever, it delivers unrivaled agility and driver appeal.
