Luxury SUVs taking on the R2.3-million Land Rover Defender V8

The Land Rover Defender range recently gained new models, which are powered by a monstrous V8 engine.

The V8 option is available in both the three-door (90) and five-door (110) body styles, and it delivers higher levels of performance and driver engagement than the rest of the range.

Its 5.0-litre, supercharged engine generates 386kW and 625Nm, and manages drive via an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels.

0-100km/h is done in 5.2 seconds, while a top speed of 240km/h is achieved.

This specific model also receives further suspension and transmission tuning, along with bespoke springs and dampers connected to a new electronic active rear differential.

These mechanical improvements works in conjunction with a new terrain response program, which makes this Defender the fastest and most engaging production model yet, said the company.

It’s then treated to a firmer anti-roll bar, a new “Yaw Controller”, and a V8-exclusive exhaust system – all for a starting price of R2.27 million.

Exclusive design

Apart from the new engine, the Defender V8 gets exclusive exterior additions that make it stand out.

This includes a quad-exhaust outlet, 22-inch alloy wheels with blue brake calipers, a Narvik Black roof, and three exterior colours: Carpathian Grey, Yulong White, and Santorini Black.

Inside, it features Ebony leather seats with an Alcantara multifunction steering wheel, chrome gear shift paddles, hard-wearing rubber flooring, and premium soft-touch finishes.

The entire range also boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP safety score.

Pricing

The South African starting price for the new Land Rover Defender V8 range is R2,270,310 for the Defender 90 V8.

This goes up to R2,439,310 for the range-topping Defender 110 V8 Carpathian Edition.

Every model is sold with a 5-year/100,000km Land Rover Care Plan.

The market

Thanks to its price tag, the Land Rover Defender V8 competes at the top-end of the SUV market in South Africa.

Using TopAuto Car Prices, we found the Defender V8’s competition in South Africa – listed below.

Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S Coupe 4Matic+

• Price – R2,140,480
• Power – 375kW/700Nm
• 0-100km/h – 3.8 seconds

BMW X7 M50i

• Price – R2,191,560
• Power – 390kW/750Nm
• 0-100km/h – 4.7 seconds

Range Rover Vogue TDV6

• Price – R2,286,256
• Power – 190kW/600Nm
• 0-100km/h – 7.9 seconds

Audi RSQ8 Quattro

• Price – R2,354,500
• Power – 441kW/800Nm
• 0-100km/h – 3.8 seconds

Maserati Levante S GranSport

• Price – R2,423,000
• Power – 316kW/580Nm
• 0-100km/h – 5.2 seconds

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

• Price – R2,498,000
• Power – 404kW/770Nm
• 0-100km/h – 4.1 seconds