It’s been over two years since the new Land Rover Defender came out, and the V8 model was only just launched late last year. It’s the engine to have, although it is very thirsty. The V8 unit is a 5 liter supercharged V8 from the Range Rover Sport and it produces 518hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. That’s quite a lot of power for a car that traditionally was a utilitarian vehicle.
The Defender hits 60 in around 5 seconds and flat out can do 149 mph. Not too shabby at all then for a box on wheels that weighs over 2 tonnes. This car and the current Range Rover Sport are the only two SUVs to still use the 5 liter V8 Supercharged. In the new Range Rover, this engine has been replaced with a 4.4 liter BMW twin-turbo unit.
It is quite an engine, and it sounds incredible. Very aggressive, almost like a dog grunting. However, it isn’t as loud as the bonkers SVR. The exhaust tips though are real, and they sit just under the bumper. On the SVR and Sport 525, they’re hidden away in the exhaust trim. The exhausts do look great on the V8 defender. They’re finished in chrome and they are angled downwards slightly to make them look a bit more subtle. They’re also angled downwards slightly which does somewhat improve the ground clearance at the rear.
You get two versions of the Defender. The 90 and the 110. The 90 is a smaller version of the Defender and features only 3 doors. The 110 has two extra doors at the back and it is also longer so legroom is largely improved.
So should you buy one of these big SUVs then? Let’s find out.
picture via: uk.motor1.com
Designed For Comfort, Not Speed.
picture via: youtube.com
The V8 Defender isn’t some G63 Mercedes AMG rival at all. It’s a more luxurious off-roader designed for people who want more presence. More luxury and more prestige. I’d say the V8 defender is more of a G550 rival if anything. On the outside, it looks like any normal Defender except, it does have larger alloys, a V8 badge, blue calipers, and dark chrome finishing.
Overall, this is a very aggressive car. However, it isn’t overly aggressive like other SUVs at this price point. It still looks quite classy and to the untrained eye, this is like any other normal Defender.
Inside, the interior is quite cool. James Bond-like if anything. The interior design looks quite bulky and strong as everything is chunky and well organized. I love how the gear selector is placed as close to the driver as possible with the climate controls next to it. The new screen is an 11.4-inch curved screen, and it is very easy to use. There’s plenty of space all around and the driving position is excellent.
You can opt for the interior to be trimmed in suede and leather. It is, in my opinion, a bit boring and basic looking, but everyone had their own opinions. Some people may love it as it makes the car feel sportier. The interior choice I would opt for is Vintage Tan and Ebony leather. I think it livens up the interior and makes the car feel so much more luxurious. If you don’t like any of these two options, you can always have black leather. The steering wheel on all interior specifications is finished in suede cloth though, which in my opinion isn’t a great idea. Suede isn’t as hard-wearing as leather, and the steering wheel is something you will touch a lot. Buy one of these cars used, and the wheel will feel like a used bath mat.
The 110 model is a lot more luxurious as it is larger. Though, if you are only buying the car for yourself, the 90 isn’t too bad at all.
A Brilliant Off-Roader.
Most SUVs these days, cannot go off-road. Put them on a slippery surface and they will fail. Not the V8 defender though. Everybody and their dog knows that the Defender is the must-have choice if you want to go offroad. The new Defender, even though it is more of a “road car” than the old Defender, is a better off-roader than the previous Defender. How?
The Defender features different terrain modes, locking differentials, low range gear ratios, adjustable ride height, crazy approach, and departure angles. The car can also go through 900mm of water which is insane. Furthermore, unlike the old Range Rover and current Range Rover Sport, you can just stick the off-road computer into auto-terrain and the car will just figure out which terrain mode or differential settings the car needs depending on where it is. Perfect for those who want an easier way of off-roading.
This is the car to have if you want to go off-road. The 90 is better off-road due to a shorter wheelbase, though the 110 is still exceptionally good off-road. It may just be the best off-roader on the market right now.
picture via robbreport.com
How Much Is It?
via: autocar.co.uk
This car is not cheap. A Defender 90 V8 starts at $104,000 whilst the larger 110 starts at $107,000. That’s before you look at the options list. The V8 as standard comes with things like leather, air suspension, adaptive dynamics, an electronic active differential, configurable terrain response, 22-inch alloys, LED headlights, heated and cooled seats, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, a Meridian audio system, and a 3d surround camera.
That’s quite a lot of toys as standard. So do you need to add any more options? Probably not in my opinion. The options list isn’t all that big, though the accessories list is. You can get different valve caps, mudflaps, decals, etc. It truly feels like an endless list.
The fuel bill isn’t also cheap. This car does an MPG of up to 19.5 which isn’t a lot at all. The fuel tank though is over 80 liters. This car then seriously isn’t one to get if you want to save the environment and go green. It also isn’t great for increasing gas prices either.
To Conclude:
via: topgear.com
This is a seriously good car. Hence why there are many pre-orders for this thing. It doesn’t exactly solve a problem or serves a purpose whatsoever. You can argue that the Defender V8 is useless, especially in 90 form where the trunk is non-existent with the rear seats up.
It isn’t a G63 rival by any means. It’s just too different. The power output is a lot less, the dynamics are not as sporty and the car isn’t as aggressive. It is though more of a G550 rival. The interior is very luxurious, especially when you opt for leather rather than suede cloth.
The SVO division of Land Rover will probably get their hands on the defender very soon, and that car will truly be a G63 rival. It will though have a 4.4 BMW V8 twin-turbo instead of the 5-liter supercharged engine. t probably won’t be very economical either.