Land Rover introduces the Defender V8, the most powerful Defender ever made

Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its 4x4 family. The new Defender V8 and 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 - spanning the original Stage I V8 of the Seventies, North American Specification models of the Nineties and powerful Defender Works V8 - as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium petrol, diesel and advanced Plug-in Hybrid Land Rover powertrains.

The V8 petrol engine isn't the only introduction. There's 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.

The Defender V8 builds on the rugged 4x4's class-leading capability, delivering new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining a 518bhp 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet.

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

The new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 (two door) and 110 (four door) body designs and delivers elevated performance and driver engagement without compromising the 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.

Power comes from Land Rover's 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, which produces 518bhp and 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h.

Exceptional off-road capability is a Defender hallmark and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic mode within the Terrain Response system only available on V8-powered Defenders.

It helps drivers to exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the Defender V8 on tarmac and loose surfaces. Engineered to be the fastest and most engaging production Defender ever, it delivers unrivalled agility and driver appeal.

Larger-diameter and solid anti-roll bars help reduce body roll in extreme cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the Defender V8's cornering attitude as it reaches and exceeds the limit of grip.

Careful calibration of the new Dynamic mode in Terrain Response 2, gives Defender V8 a more agile, playful and responsive character. In this setting, a sharper throttle response and bespoke tuning for the Continuously Variable Damping combine with the stiffer suspension bushes for immediate steering responses. Careful acoustic tuning of the Defender V8's induction and exhaust systems provides a purposeful and authentic sound.

The Defender V8 features a number of unique exterior enhancements, including bespoke exterior badging, quad exhausts with distinctive tailpipes and unique 22-inch alloy wheels with a Satin Dark Grey finish combine to set the most powerful model in the lineup apart. The Defender V8 is further identified by its Xenon Blue brake calipers on the front.

There are three colour choices - Carpathian Grey, Yulong White and Santorini Black - with the grey and white options offering a contrast roof in Narvik Black. Shadow Atlas exterior detailing completes the Defender V8's distinctive exterior finish.

Inside, seats trimmed in unique Ebony Windsor Leather with Dinamica suedecloth and Robustec accents, while the 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 V8 models. Leather covers the airbag housing and gear lever, while illuminated treadplates are completed with a V8 script.

The exclusive new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey, and distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, bonnet and, for the first time on New Defender, taildoor. Additional visual highlights include Satin Black towing eyes and distinctive Xenon Blue front brake calipers.

Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Ebony Windsor leather with Dinamica suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates.

Also new for the 2022 model year, the Defender is available with wireless device charging, which features a signal booster for optimised network reception and Wi-Fi signal. Connectivity is also enhanced by the latest evolution of Pivi Pro infotainment, available with a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen.The new interface is 60% larger than the standard screen, making it even easier to follow navigation route guidance.