Land Rover Defender V8 review

I’m not quibbling over a price of just below £100k for a 90 and just over for a 110 because Land Rover is selling all it can make, but at first I was a touch underwhelmed for two reasons. First it sounds too civilised. It makes a tuneful far off roar but of the ground shaking thunder for which I’d hoped (and you get in a Benz) there was no sign. Also, it’s heavy – the 110 V8 is over 2600kg, more even than the enormous G-wagon.

Which means it feels pleasantly rapid when I’d been rather hoping for ridiculous. But just as you’re concluding you’d be better off waiting for the 567bhp version of this motor JLR will doubtless install in due course, it crawls right back under your skin. Because in short wheelbase form, it’s still properly fun to drive. It steers stunningly well for one so high and heavy, has a lovely balance and, should you ever find yourself on the loose, it will drift too.

Truth is this is a great toy without obvious rival in SWB form, the only configuration I’d consider. Because if you’re being sensible and need the space of the 110, you’d probably be better off with the new PHEV Defender which still has over 400bhp, does 27 miles on electricity alone, will cost a fraction to tax and run and is priced significantly lower. I didn’t enjoy it as much, but for most people most of the time, it is the better car.

Land Rover Defender 90 V8

Engine: 5000cc, V8, supercharged
Transmission: 8-speed auto, 4WD
Power: 518bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 461lb ft @ 2000rpm
Weight: 2471kg

Power-to-weight ratio: 210bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 149mph
Price: £98,505

Ti rating: 8/10