Land Rover Defender V8: the new flagship with 525 hp

The Defender line-up continues to evolve, and it now gains a new range-topping model: the Land Rover Defender V8.

It uses the same 5.0-litre V8 found in, for instance, the most powerful versions of the Range Rover Sport and the Jaguar F‑Type. In the Defender V8, it delivers 525 hp and 625 Nm, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Those figures make it the most powerful and fastest production Land Rover Defender ever. In short-wheelbase 90 form, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2s and reaches a 240 km/h (!) top speed.

Enhanced dynamic capability

As you would expect, Land Rover has done more than simply add power to create the Defender V8. The chassis hardware and calibration have been upgraded so its road holding and agility better match what 525 hp allows.

To begin with, the well-known “Terrain Response” system gains an additional setting called “Dynamic”, designed to sharpen throttle response and increase the firmness of the continuously variable dampers.

At the same time, Land Rover fits the Defender V8 with thicker anti-roll bars, stiffer suspension bushes, 20” brake discs and a new electronic active rear differential. The latter includes a system called “Yaw Controller”, which enables more accurate control of the Defender V8’s behaviour through corners.

Looks to match

By now, it will be clear that the new Land Rover Defender V8 is not identical to its “siblings” in the range.

Alongside model-specific badges, it features four exhaust outlets, 22” wheels finished in “Satin Dark Grey”, and the front brake calipers are painted “Xenon Blue”.

Body colour choices are also restricted to just three options: “Carpathian Grey”, “Yulong White” and “Santorini Black”, all paired with a “Narvik Black” roof. Inside, the main changes are chrome gearshift paddles and an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel rather than the usual leather.

Updates for the whole range

As well as unveiling the Defender V8, Land Rover has taken the opportunity to give its most adventure-focused model a light update. The Defender now offers an 11.4” display (60% larger than the standard item) for the Pivi Pro system, and it gains inductive charging for a smartphone.

Turning back to the Land Rover Defender V8, the British brand has not yet said when it will reach the market. As for pricing, Autocar reports that UK prices start at 98 505 pounds (113 874 euros) for the 90 and 101 150 pounds (116 932 euros) for the 110.

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