I was super excited to get one of the new V-8 Defenders, but all the materials indicate that you can’t even get it with roof rails and it has no load rating for the roof. I don’t understand why they would create that vehicle then handicap it for it’s intended use. I am sure that there is some safety constraints that are driving this, but other fast SUVs were able to solve this, so it seems more a design flaw or laziness by Land Rover.

I understand that not everyone needs to overland and there is a big market for mall cruisers, but I don’t know who would (a) be looking to drop 100k on a burly looking suv that, (b) doesn’t expect to (or at least envision themselves needing to) be able to put skis/bikes/storage box/kayak/surfboard/roof rack on top at some point and (c) wouldn’t just get a faster/more fancy RRS or something instead to pick up the kids in. Is it just to race your buddy in the G550 or drift in a muddy field like the video? Seems like a very tiny market opportunity. And they want a premium over sticker for the first batch coming off the line for the opportunity to drive one? I don’t get it.

 

For the same reason MY22 offers the S, SE, XDynamic SE, XDynamic HSE, XS, X. It's mind boggling.

 

To be fair, I dunno if the V8 is intended for overlanding or off-road. I’d stick with the 4-banger for most stuff off the pavement, honestly... lighter weight and more than enough power for whatever, assuming you’re not towing. If you’re mostly dirt-road/fire-trail overlanding and towing a trailer, than the V6 is perfect, and again, has power to spare for such activities.

To me, the V8 seems more about hot-rodding a truck. The power is way overkill for anything off-road or towing. Again, this is just my opinion, and I don’t want to ruffle any feathers (being well-aware that the majority of D2’s purchased are V6s)... But unless I was towing, I’d rather take the more-than-adequate power of the 4c than the 6c and the weight penalty it comes with. To compound that weight penalty with a V8 that is just overkill for, well, everything... it just seems kind of silly to me.

The upcoming V8’s competition is the AMG-spec’d G-Wagens and to a lesser extent, the Wrangler 392 and the fire-breathing versions of the upcoming Bronco. One man’s opinion? These are cafe trucks, not trail trucks. YMMV.

 

Maybe I can give some perspective why I would get a V8…

I need a “practical” daily driver that can wear a few different hats. The defender fits the bill. I would chose to get the V8 because who knows if it will still be around in 10 years. In addition, I am looking to get something “special”. I also intend to keep this car for the next 5-7 years, so getting something unique is important to me. And finally, Yes, I will also be going off-roading, but I doubt it will be anything too crazy, so the deficiencies of the V8 is fine.

 

Dropping $100,000 on a new Defender would be your first mistake.

 

How so? Basic Range Rovers are at this price. Not to mention “base” G-Class starting at $130K. Guess it all depends on what you’re looking for.

 

you can always add roof rails to the v8 and then go from there. i can’t believe LR spent extra funds to redesign the frame to be least capable

they prob don’t want you going 130 with a roof top tent

my dealer confirmed the roof is the same and can accept the roof rails

 

Again, to each their own, but I don’t see the practicality in buying the hot-rodded version of an otherwise capable and fairly fuel efficient SUV. The V8 will feel nose-heavy for even light off-roading, and while they claim 15 city/19 highway, I’m sorry, there’s just no way. There are physics to consider… a truck shaped like a brick with a V8 is getting 10/15 or I’ll eat my hat.

I do get the uniqueness factor, and if that’s important enough to justify the added cost and performance deficits (with the exception of straight line acceleration) then the V8 is certainly a contender. Otherwise, have you considered a 4 cylinder and a well-kept 997? Last of the “dangerous” 911s before they became larger computer-aided grand tourers. Both might come out around the same money as a V8… get your practicality as well as a better go-fast fix…

 

A fairly WHAT?!?

 

Thats right. The dealers weren’t able to confirm that when they first came out and I was placing my order. I went with a 110 X instead and already driving it. Super happy with it.