‘The new Land Rover Defender V8 is the fastest ever’, reports Land Rover proudly. But speed seems completely irrelevant to us in such a hardcore all-terrain vehicle. That is why we are so curious: what is the added value of that eight-cylinder? Because in the Netherlands, the block only makes the Defender screamingly expensive.
Land Rover supplies the new Defender with a bizarre number of engines. The price list includes the petrol variants P300 and P400, the plug-in hybrid P400e, and the diesels D200, D240, D250 and D300. They all have all four-wheel drive. Only the loafers P300 and D200 do not have mild hybrid support.
READ ALSO: TOP AND FLOP: WEEK 8’S GOOD AND BAD CAR NEWS
BPM PENALTY FOR THE LAND ROVER DEFENDER V8 MAKES THE LAND ROVER
The plug-in hybrid P400e is the most affordable Land Rover Defender, with a starting price of 81,958 euros. And that is mainly due to the low BPM, due to the modest CO2 emissions (74 g/km) of the plug model. The Defender V8 is being punished. His CO2 emissions of 327 g/km result in a hefty BPM fine, bringing the starting price to at least 201,485 euros for the three-doors and 206,895 euros for the five-doors.
FUEL CONSUMPTION IS DRAMATIC
Because the Land Rover Defender V8 is also available in two body variants: the 90 (three-door) and 110 (five-door). It is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with supercharger, which delivers 525 hp and 625 Nm. The stated fuel consumption is dramatic. On paper, the Defender V8 has to reach 1 in 6.9, so in practice the consumption is even more dramatic.
IN 5.2 SECONDS TO 100 KM/H
According to Land Rover, the suspension and the eight-speed automatic are optimized for better performance. If you kick the gas firmly, not only does a vortex form in the tank, but the Defender V8 also goes to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. The top speed of the British 4×4 is 240 km/h.
EXHALES THROUGH FOUR EXHAUST PIPES V8 MAKES THE LAND ROVER
Can you distinguish the Land Rover Defender V8 from other Defender models? Yes. It exhales through four exhaust pipes, stands on special 22-inch alloy wheels and has bright blue calipers on 20-inch brake discs. New for all Defenders is the optionally larger screen (11.4 inches) of the infotainment system.