Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has debuted the all-new Defender V8 in Malaysia, just in time to join the current P400 inline-six and high-performance Octa models. There are two body variants for the V8-powered “regular” Defender— the 110 and the longer, eight-seater 130. Prices start at RM998,000.
The Defender gets a gutsy 5.0-litre V8
The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, which produces 525 horsepower and 652 Nm of torque on the 110, is undoubtedly the highlight spec. Power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox with a two-speed transfer case, allowing for a zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.4 seconds.
This engine is actually a modified version of the powerplant that delivers a lesser 500 horsepower and 610 Nm of torque in the larger and heavier 130 V8, although we should keep in mind that this is still enough to generate a 5.7-second sprint from 0 to 100 km/h.
The Defender comes equipped with a wide range of off-road technologies, such as a Terrain Response system that adjusts the suspension and drivetrain to suit various driving conditions.
V8 models are fitted with a unique electronic limited-slip rear differential with yaw control, which works in tandem with the rear brake-powered torque vectoring to enable “more agile and engaging” handling. This model also employs a V8-specific adaptive dampers, stiffer suspension bushes, in addition to thicker solid anti-roll bars.
The 22-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, “V8” badges on the front doors, and quad outboard-mounted exhaust pipes set the V8-equipped Land Rover Defenders apart from the non-V8 models.
Along with the usual interior features, such as an interactive driver’s digital gauge cluster and a 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display, the Defender 110 V8 also comes with a center armrest and 40:20:40 heated back seats that can be split-folded.
In contrast, the Defender 130 V8 has 40:20:40 folding third-row seats that can accommodate eight passengers and 60:40 second-row seats that can be manually slid and reclined to increase the luggage area.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
This model is considered by many pundits to be the king of off-road SUVs. And thanks to its history, its unique chunky looks and gutsy powertrain, it stands the test of time, even though it was convincingly beaten by James Bond driving a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado J90 in No Time To Die.