A more powerful Defender V8 with special editions joins the range
Is there anything better than a Defender, how about a more powerful V8 version? Yes, Land Rover has introduced an all-powerful Defender V8 and it will be accompanied by a flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition and Defender XS Edition. All three of these new editions will give the Defender a unique combination of performance and capability, promising a new level of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road.
New Defender V8
First, we kick things off with the latest Defender V8, which will be available in both 90 and 110 models. Powering this tank will be a 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, that will produce a power output of 386kW and 625Nm of torque. The Defender V8 90 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 240km/h. It will get paired with Land Rover’s incredible eight-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior of the Defender V8 will get featured with several enhanced features to distinguish itself from the rest. The Defender V8 will get bespoke exterior badging, quad exhausts with distinctive tailpipes, and unique 22-inch alloy wheels that get finish in Satin Dark Grey. It's Xenon Blue brake calipers and 20-inch brake discs will further set it apart from the rest of the range.
The cabin of the Defender V8 will come with seats trimmed in unique Ebony Windsor Leather with Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents, each being finished with a unique Ebony tag. The Defender’s four-spoke steering wheel will get an Alcantara rim and tactile satin chrome gearshift paddles. The interior will get leather covering the airbag housing and gear lever too.
In terms of colours the Defender V8 will come in three options – Carpathian Grey, Yulong White, and Santorini Black – Carpathian Grey and Yulong White which will get contrasted with Narvik Black roof.
Defender V8 Carpathian Edition
An exclusive new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition will be available too. It will come
finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey, which gets further contrasted with a Narvik Black roof, bonnet, and taildoor (a first for the Defender). Other additional exterior features include bespoke V8 Carpathian Edition badging finishes, Satin Black towing eyes, and distinctive Xenon Blue brake calipers.
The cabin’s feature will be similar to the Defender V8’s, with seats being exclusively finished in Miko Suedecloth and Robustec accents. The steering wheel will be wrapped in Alcantara and the treadplates being now illuminated.
Defender XS Edition
The very successful is now being replaced with a new XS Edition. It will be positioned above the SE models and will be available in both 90 and 110 bodies. The exterior will get bespoke body-coloured lower cladding as well as lower wheel arches. It will ride on distinctive 20-inch contrast diamond-turned alloy wheels that get finished in Satin Grey. The XS Edition will come available in four colours ranging from Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone, and Santorini Black.
The cabin of the XS Edition’s will get heated and electric memory seats which are finished in Grained Leather. The Cross Car Beam will now have a Light Grey powder coat brushed finish. Illuminated metal treadplates will further complete the interior.
The XS Edition will get offered in a choice of powerful and efficient powertrains. This will include its 2.0-litre D240 diesel and 3.0-litre P400 petrol.
Pivi Pro upgrade
Jaguar has also announced that in 2022, the Defender will come available with wireless device charging that will feature a signal booster that will offer better network reception and Wi-Fi signal. The Pivi Pro infotainment will now come available with an optional larger 11.4-inch touchscreen too. This new curved glass interface will be 60 percent larger than its standard screen making it even easier for drivers to follow navigation routes.
Also worth a look: the Range Rover SV Platinum Edition: A R6.2 Million Ode to South and the Land Rover Defender.
FAQ
Q: What does the Land Rover Defender V8 cost in South Africa?
The Land Rover Defender V8 90 starts at around R2,150,000 in South Africa, while the Defender V8 110 will set you back approximately R2,250,000, making it one of the most expensive SUVs in the local market.
Q: Is the Defender V8 worth buying over the regular Defender?
The Defender V8 is worth buying if you want serious performance with 386kW of power and 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds, but you'll pay nearly double the price of a standard Defender for that supercharged V8 experience.
Q: What's the difference between the Defender V8 and Defender V8 Carpathian Edition?
The Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is a flagship model with exclusive styling details, premium interior materials, and special badging, though both models share the same 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine producing 386kW and 625Nm.
Q: How fast is the Land Rover Defender V8?
The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-100kph in just 5.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 240kph, making it the fastest production Defender ever built by Land Rover.
Q: What fuel consumption does the Defender V8 have?
The Defender V8's 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine will likely consume around 13-15 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions, so expect hefty fuel bills to match the hefty price tag.
Should You Buy It?
The Land Rover Defender V8 at R2,150,000 is an absolute weapon if you've got the budget and want the ultimate off-road performance machine. With 386kW of supercharged V8 fury, 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds, and proper Land Rover capability, it's the best high-performance SUV for serious adventure seekers in South Africa. However, at more than double the price of a standard Defender, this V8 beast is only worth buying if money isn't a concern and you genuinely need that extra performance both on tar and in the bundu. For most buyers, the regular Defender offers 90% of the capability at half the price, but if you want bragging rights and serious grunt, the Defender V8 delivers like nothing else in the Land Rover range.
