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So please explain to me specifically why it is so unreasonable to think that a V8 Defender shouldn't be any more than the mid $80s to $90k?
The percentage of V8s that will be manufactured is limited due to CAFE regulations. The weighted average fuel economy needs to meet a certain minimum, so for every V8 sold, they probably have to sell 20 four-cylinder turbos. Given that production is effectively capped by the government, they are free to charge whatever price customers will fork out for the V8. It has nothing to do with manufacturing costs, it's about exclusivity.
Make sense, I think that point also further supports that the actual pricing of the V8 (or future OCTA for that matter) doesn't align with the value/product delivered.
I sold my G550 and bought a Defender V8. Both great cars but I like my Defender more. However the G was 8 years old. I understand comparing them new but, at least around here, the G550 is a lot more than a Defender V8. And a G63 is more than than the OCTA.
So Defender wins in pricing comparison even at the V8 level.
I think you can make an argument that the G is better built but we had a few issues with ours over the years, it’s not bullet proof.
The Defender feels more approachable too. Easier to work on and not nervous cutting a hole in something to modify it. I don’t know of videos like Powerful UK’s for the G. Not sure many owners turn a wrench. The Land Rover club is full of outdoor enthusiasts and families while I’ve never heard of a Mercedes owners club. Not saying there isn’t one but in 8 years of ownership I was never compelled to research. I did take my G off-road but never saw any others off road in person and think I was in the minority.
The way auto technology is changing, I would wager it doesn’t make sense to invest in new V8 engines. Hence the BMW tie up. I would also guess BMW is wringing everything they can get for their engine. Good engine poor pricing for us. Many of us are eager get our hands on what is likely to be the end of line. I’m not anti-EV just think we are at least one tech generation away for me to jump in.
How can you compare a base defender to a V8 and just mention the “fake suede” as the only difference? I have owned:
2022 D90 XD
2023 D110 X
2023 D110 V8
2023 D110 XD
2023 D110 CE V8
The V8 comes pretty much with every option available. Compare it to the X at $90k and then we can have a discussion. Both have most all the expensive options like larger screen, HUD, surround sound, clear sight, towing, both off road packs, air suspension, etc etc. So is the V8 worth $21k more than the X? To me it’s worth every penny. It’s also in line with the upgrade you will pay with other premium brands like BMW. The X5 40i is around $80k loaded. The M60i is around $100k fully loaded. You are going to pay a premium for a high performance engine and a tuned and better suspension. I also think the transmission shifts much faster.
Bottom line is that the V8 is a completely different experience. Comparing it to a base defender?
I've tested out a 110 with the 2.0L gas engine, and then (later) the 110 that had the 3.0L gas engine + mild hybrid. The 2.0L drove really, really smooth - gentle and easy driving. The 3.0L by comparison felt truck like: it was grunty and when I approached a stop sign, I had to give it distance for braking in a way I didn't seem to recall on the 2.0L. I also found the acceleration was also a bit more lumpy with the 3.0L, but once it got the speed, it was solid. I won't test the V8 (because I don't care about acceleration anyways), but I can only imagine the higher hp/torque is going to make the defender even more like a truck. Not that that's bad, it's just not what I had recalled from the 2.0L. That drove way more like a nice SUV. The problem on the 2.0L is that given Defender's size, the little engine is probably sweating buckets just on a run to the grocery store. I also would suspect the V8 may be better for folks towing a boat regularly? Even if the tow weight is similar, won't the larger V8 just have a more comfortable time handling the load?
I'm actually curious about what interior modifications are being made. This is billed as the "most luxurious" Defender ever. No more exposed screw-heads? Full leather dash instead of just the strip across the front ?
The percentage of V8s that will be manufactured is limited due to CAFE regulations. The weighted average fuel economy needs to meet a certain minimum, so for every V8 sold, they probably have to sell 20 four-cylinder turbos. Given that production is effectively capped by the government, they are free to charge whatever price customers will fork out for the V8. It has nothing to do with manufacturing costs, it's about exclusivity.
... except they are selling very few 4 cylinder turbos. the most available for sale (i looked at cargurus.com) is the 3.0L 6 cylinder. seems to be the most popular choice. not that 2.0L is bad, it's just that a 3.0L seems more likely capable of moving the 5,000 lbs over a period of long-term ownership. I have no idea, but i'm guessing the 2.0L engine is working really hard, so I'd worry the weight could shorten it's lifespan.
I've tested out a 110 with the 2.0L gas engine, and then (later) the 110 that had the 3.0L gas engine + mild hybrid. The 2.0L drove really, really smooth - gentle and easy driving. The 3.0L by comparison felt truck like: it was grunty and when I approached a stop sign, I had to give it distance for braking in a way I didn't seem to recall on the 2.0L. I also found the acceleration was also a bit more lumpy with the 3.0L, but once it got the speed, it was solid. I won't test the V8 (because I don't care about acceleration anyways), but I can only imagine the higher hp/torque is going to make the defender even more like a truck. Not that that's bad, it's just not what I had recalled from the 2.0L. That drove way more like a nice SUV. The problem on the 2.0L is that given Defender's size, the little engine is probably sweating buckets just on a run to the grocery store. I also would suspect the V8 may be better for folks towing a boat regularly? Even if the tow weight is similar, won't the larger V8 just have a more comfortable time handling the load?
I have never driven a 2.0 so I can’t comment on it. The V8 in dynamic mode is a lot more sporty feeling than the V6 and definitely loses the “truck” feel. The V8 tows well but so does the V6. The V8 shines in the 40-100+mph category and blistering torque. I would buy the V8 again just for the sound of it. We are all different. I like unique things and while the defender itself is pretty unique the V8 is a unicorn in my area.
... except they are selling very few 4 cylinder turbos. the most available for sale (i looked at cargurus.com) is the 3.0L 6 cylinder. seems to be the most popular choice.
Most of the Evoques and Velars are 2.0. The regulations are across every JLR vehicle
Interior modifications are curiously limited but also varied - I sat in the cabin and took a good five minutes to notice all the changes. The additional leather is nice (especially on the steering wheel), the black chrome accents are nice and the new center console slide away storage bin is a nice touch given how wasteful I find that center lower cubby hole.
The in seat speakers sound amazing. The seats themselves are nice but don't seem that 'sporty' compared to other bucket seats on similar performance SUV's (RRS/X5 Comp/G63 etc). Paddle shifters and Octa mode steering wheel button will be fun to use if youre caught in drag race with an X5 Competition or if youre dumb enough to go off roading in a $170K SUV (I will not be doing that). The two new interior colors are very nice - I currently have the Khaki Resist interior on my 23' P400X and the light green interior is a nice contrast against the carpathian grey exterior - but the Burnt Sienna interior on the Charente Grey exterior I just ordered is going took killer (IMO). Ultimately, to me, it felt like a more premium version of my existing interior, but the overall structure of the interior has not changed.
In summary, yeah its a LOT of money for a few upgrades but I agree with what was said earlier in this chat, the price may not reflect the amount it actually cost to add the extra parts, but it does reflect a price that is trying to set an exclusive, limited edition version apart from other models - I for one will be buying one and the order was placed this week, with a delivery date on 1/31/25. If it doesn't live up to expectations, I'll sell it for a profit (hopefully) after 2000 miles, and go back to an X or the regular V8. No harm no foul. I get there are people on here that don't agree with the car at all but I'm not one of them - I want to experience the most powerful Defender ever made and I'll fun with it while I can afford it. Just like I would NEVER buy a G63 - that car is amazing im sure, and is much more luxurious than the Octa but it makes a statement about the owner - in my opinion, its the douchiest SUV on the road today. Each to their own.
