The Power Of Choice: New Land Rover Defender V8 Is The Most Powerful Production Defender Yet

For all the speed lovers, here’s some good news for you! Land Rover Defender has received its first upgrade since its reintroduction with the new 525PS Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition that provides a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road.

Photo Credit: Land Rover

The upcoming 2022 Defender V8 has both three-door 90 as well as five-door 110. The addition also features a new edition with new trim packages, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition that combines the power and capability of Defender V8 with a unique combination of design elements. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack feature bespoke exterior trim to enhance Defender’s unmistakable silhouette. Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates. . The recyclable PU-based wrap is applied to external bodywork giving the 4×4 a contemporary semi-matte finish that also protects against everything from car park scratches to off-road bramble rash.

Photo Credit: Land Rover

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.”

Photo Credit: Land Rover

Talking about the heart, this SUV is powered with a robust 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine – the fastest and most powerful production version for 4×4 yet, which produces 525PS, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph (240km/h). If you are concerned about the emissions and environmental aspects of the SUV, Land Rover offers a 2.0-litre Ingenium I4 or mild hybrid 3.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium I6 where the latter produces 395 horses and 406 ft-lbs of twist while the 2.0-litre one produces 296 horses and 295 ft-lbs of twist.

Photo Credit: Land Rover

The V8 petrol engine isn’t the only introduction. There’s also a new XS Edition which offers fresh exterior design packs that provide greater personalisation potential and an optional larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen that is 60 per cent larger than the standard screen. Customers can now choose from three new exterior design packs – the Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack further extend the personalisation potential of New Defender. The Pivi Pro system can be easily customised to suit the preferences of individual customers. Additional app ‘panels’ can be added, moved and removed, while swiping left or right of the screen quickly reveals the most relevant information at a glance, ensuring the driver’s concentration stays on the road. Consumers have a choice of three colours – Carpathian Grey, Yulong White and Santorini Black – Carpathian Grey and Yulong White with a contrast roof in Narvik Black.

Photo Credit: Land Rover

Prices for the New Defender V8 start at £98,505 for the 90 and £101,150 OTR for the 110 in the UK. For more information and to configure New Defender visit: www.landrover.com/Defender