2022 Land Rover Defender arrives with a 518bhp supercharged V8

The fastest, most powerful production Defender model to date can smash the 100km/h mark in just 5.2 seconds.  

We'd been hearing rumours of a V8-powered Land Rover Defender in the works for a while now and today, the British marque has officially unveiled the production-spec Defender V8 in both its body forms – 90 (three-door) and 110 (five-door). 

Largely, the Defender V8 looks pretty much identical to its six- and four-cylinder siblings. But for that distinct visual edge, the Defender V8 does get a number of unique exterior enhancements, in the form of bespoke 'V8' exterior badging, quad-tip exhausts and massive 22-inch alloy wheels finished in Satin Dark Grey. Xenon Blue front brake callipers further add to the Defender V8's distinct appeal.

Powering the behemoth is Land Rover’s 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 that sends out a staggering 518bhp and 625Nm of torque via an eight-speed automatic transmission. With this much power on tap, the three-door Defender V8 90 can reach a top speed of 240km/h, while dismissing the 0-100km/h mark in just 5.2 seconds.

Of course, to harness all this power effectively, the Defender V8 features some mechanical tweaks as well. Larger-diameter and solid anti-roll bars, combined with bespoke spring & damper rates and a new electronic 'Active Rear Differential' with an integrated Yaw Controller help reduce body roll in extreme cornering. Plus, the introduction of a new 'Dynamic' mode in the Terrain Response 2 system (exclusive to the Defender V8) allows the driver to enjoy sharper throttle response and stiffer suspension for better high-speed handling. The Dynamic mode can also enhance the tuned acoustic note of the induction and exhaust systems.

Inside, the bits exclusive to the Defender V8 models include an Alcantara-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel, satin chrome-finished gearshift paddles and illuminated treadplates with bespoke 'V8' inscription. 

New to the 2022 Defender range is the upgraded Pivi Pro infotainment system that now offers a larger, optional 11.4-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging with signal boosting tech. A new Defender XS Edition replaces the erstwhile First Edition and is perched above the SE variants.

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