We love the new Land Rover Defender and now Land Rover has made it even more enticing for the 2022 model year with the introduction of a new V8-powered version, in addition to new special edition versions.
The Defender is no slouch with its turbocharged inline-six engine, but now it’s even better with a new supercharged V8. The Land Rover Defender gets a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that generates a healthy 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Defender 90 V8 can definitely pick up speed fast with a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph.
To help it perform even better off-road, the V8-powered Defender has an additional drive mode.
To help the V8 Defender models stand out, they get darkened Shadow Atlas exterior trim, quad exhaust tips, 22-inch wheels, Xenon blue brake calipers and unique badging. There are only three colors to choose from: Carpathian Grey, Santorini Black and Yulong White.
Inside the V8 Defender gets black leather seats, a suede-trimmed steering wheel, chrome paddle shifters and a Satin Black dashboard bar.
Lastly the 2022 Land Rover Defender gets a new XS trim level that replaces the First Edition and a new top of the line Carpathian Edition.
All 2022 Defender models also get an available upgraded infotainment system with a new 11.4-inch screen, if you want to upgrade from the standard 10-inch screen. Wireless charging has been added and a new Bright Pack is available that adds chrome trim to the grille and skid plates. The Extended Bright Pack adds silver trim to the wheel arches and body cladding and the Extended Black Pack adds black trim to the exterior.
Land Rover has not announced the pricing for the 2022 Land Rover Defender, but it’s scheduled to arrive this summer.