Land Rover Defender V8 goes on sale in South Africa

The Land Rover Defender V8 has gone on sale in South Africa at a starting price of R2,386,900.

This is R116,590 more than when the company initially listed the price of the Defender V8 in June.

Along with the Defender V8, the range-topping V8 Carpathian Edition has also gone on sale, the model that “represents the pinnacle of the Defender range” – said Land Rover.

V8 specs

The Land Rover Defender V8 boasts a 5.0-litre, V8, supercharged petrol engine that generates 386kW and 625Nm, allowing the heavy SUV to reach 100km/h in 5.2 seconds in the short-wheelbase “90” body style.

The four-door “110” body style achieves the landmark in 5.4 seconds, while both are capable of sprinting to a top speed of 240km/h.

Apart from the substantial engine, the Defender V8 gains unique transmission tuning and suspension – including bespoke springs and damper rates – as well as a new electronic active rear differential with a yaw controller that “allows fine control of cornering attitude”.

Additionally, these Land Rovers feature larger and solid anti-roll bars, and a new Dynamic drive mode.

“In this setting, a sharper throttle response and bespoke tuning for the Continuously Variable Damping combine with stiffer suspension bushes for more immediate steering responses,” said the company.

As with every Defender, drive is permanently sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox with high and low-range gears.

Carpathian Edition

The Defender V8 Carpathian Edition sits at the top of the Defender range and is set apart by a Narvik Black roof, bonnet, and taildoor; exclusive badging; Satin Black towing eyes; and Xenon Blue brake calipers.

As standard, the Carpathian Edition is also wrapped in a recyclable satin protective film.

Inside, these Defenders are equipped with Miko Suedecloth and Robustec seats and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.