Land Rover launches powerful V8 Defender

Land Rover has announced the addition of a powerful V8 to the Defender range

Reuben Van Niekerk
Land Rover
V8 Defender
Defender V8

Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its 4x4 family. The new 386kW Defender V8 flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road.

 

The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium petrol, diesel and advanced Plug-in Hybrid Land Rover powertrains.

Apart from the V8 petrol engine, there is also a new XS edition, fresh exterior design packs that provide greater personalisation potential and an optional larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen.

 

Power to the people

The Defender V8 offers new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining a powerful 5.0-litre supercharged engine with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet.

Power comes from Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, which produces 386kW and 625Nm, delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 240km/h.

 

The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body designs and delivers elevated performance and driver engagement without compromising Defender’s unstoppable capability. 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.

 

Exceptional off-road capability is par for the course and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic program within the Terrain Response system, exclusively available on the V8 model.

Exterior enhancements include bespoke exterior badging, quad exhausts with distinctive tailpipes and unique 22-inch alloy wheels with a satin dark grey finish that hide Xenon Blue brake calipers and 20-inch brake discs.

 

Inside, Defender V8 features seats trimmed in unique Ebony Windsor leather with Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, each finished with a unique Ebony tag, while the Defender’s exposed Cross Car beam has a special satin black finish. The four-spoke steering wheel is enhanced by an Alcantara rim and tactile satin chrome gearshift paddles, which are unique to the V8 models.

 

Carpathian cool

The exclusive new Carpathian Edition is based on the Defender V8 and represents the ultimate expression of Defender design, performance and durability, while the XS Edition replaces the hugely successful First Edition and combines bespoke design and specification enhancements inside and out.

 

Finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey, it is distinguished by a Navarik Black contrast roof, bonnet and tail door.

The unique exterior is finished with Land Rover’s Satin Protective film, applied to the external bodywork it gives a semi matte finish that also protects against everything from car park scratches too off-road bamble rash.

 

Special XS edition

The XS Edition replaces the hugely successful First Edition. Positioned above SE models it features a unique exterior and interior treatment and is available in both 90 and 110 body designs.

 

Externally, the XS Edition can be identified by its bespoke body-coloured lower cladding and lower wheel arches and distinctive 20-inch, contrast diamond-turned alloy wheels finished in Satin Grey. A choice of four colours include Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone and Santorini Black.

Inside, the seats are finished in grained leather, while the Cross Car Beam has a Light Grey powder coat brushed finish. Illuminated metal tread plates complete the interior.

 

Comprehensive standard specification includes Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics and Configurable Terrain Response. In addition, the XS Edition benefits from Matrix LED headlights with signature DRLs, ClearSight Rear View mirror technology and state-of-the-art Pivi Pro infotainment system with 10-speaker Meridian sound system.

 

The XS Edition is available with either the 2.0-litre D240 diesel or the 3.0-litre P400 petrol.

 

Expanded personalisation options

Defender’s personalisation potential has been expanded with the introduction of new exterior packs including the bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack, all featuring bespoke exterior trim that enhances the Defender’s silhouette.

 

Heightened connectivity

The state-of-the-art Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system is now available with a range of desirable new features, including the option of a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen display. Wireless device charging with integrated signal booster is now fitted as standard with the Comfort and Convenience Pack for improved convenience and call quality.