Hi All
I am new here and working in a 110 Defender build. I am trying to learn if there are any downsides to the V8 except for gas consumption? While I will do a bit of off roading in North Carolina on forest service roads, I doubt I will be rock crawling. My real goal for the car is for long distance road trips through any type of weather such as snow or and heavy rain without problems.

I had a 2013 Cayenne GTS that was great on the road and prior models could be ordered with off road abilities such as locking diff but the new Cayennes do not have much in the way of off road abilities. My thought is that the V8 Defender will lose some off road ability compared to the P400 model but will be better as a road car on the highway and secondary roads with more power, revised roll bars and suspension change. The ability to climb up mountains and passing will be much better.

Porsche and Ford offer corporate extended warranties that you can buy at time of purchase of the vehicle. It allows the warranty to be extended to 6 or 7 years. Just wondered if LR had a program like this? I do not like the 3rd party programs for many reasons but had good luck with the manufacturer programs.

Please share your thoughts on the new V8.

Thank you

 

I think you’re better off test driving all the engine options as only you can decide if the differences between them are ones you care about as you progress from the P300 through P400 through to the V8.

Pretty much every owner will tell you their specific engine choice is the best one, it happens in every engine thread. And it may well be, for them, which is why you need to drive them if you haven’t already.

 

I own a Defender 90 with the 6cyl. I was going for the V8 but after taking back to back test drives on the hwy I felt the 6 cyl had better throttle response, so I saved $30k and have no regrets..

 

100% agree with all of swajames' response.

 

As soon as you ask "is it worth it?" you have to look inward, as "worth" is up to you.

I've driven all three but haven't lived with any of them. I liked the V8 for the sweet rumble it made. It turned the V8 D90 I drove into a junior G-wagon. However, the P400 is surprisingly close in terms of power and pickup, and I thought it actually felt stronger down low, as the V8 doesn't really wake up properly until higher revs.

I don't believe that the V8 is somehow necessary for the driving you propose, including over mountain passes. The other engines are all forced induction too, and so shouldn't suffer excessively at altitude. They are lighter, and the P300 in particular is likely the most economical choice for maintenance and repairs (no 48V battery system, no supercharger on top of a turbo, etc.).

I felt tempted by the V8, but it's definitely a "want" not a "need." Especially for a 90, it's kind of silly - but fun silly. I'd recommend the P400 for a 110 or 130. The P300 is fine for a 90. Get the V8 if you "want" it, but don't expect to actually "need" it.

 

V8 is overpriced in my opinion. Agree P400 has a surprising amount of kick.

 

Agree with everyone's thoughts here. Test drive them both and decide; I left a Cayenne GTS for a D90 P400 and am incredibly happy with my choice. I will say unlocking Dynamic mode using a GAP IID tool and being able to run Dynamic and Sport mode concurrently helps a lot.

One more thing, I can't imagine having passed on the Windsor leather option. It makes a huge difference to the interior, especially coming out of the Alcantara that I was quite fond of.

 

Something else to consider other than powertrain performance, I think the V8 is somewhat limited in terms of cargo capacity. For example, I don’t think you can option the roof rack. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 

Thank you all for your comments. From the comments, I don’t see any downside such as mechanical or drive issues. Just higher cost and more Gas usage. I’m leaning toward the V8.

 

I traded from a P300 to a V8. The P300 is a great truck - 18” rims, steel suspension; perfectly adequate on the highway, cruises at 75 mph no problem. Never had any issues with it. But I thought I should get a V8 before they were phased out. The V8 is loaded, every option that is extra on the other models seems to be included. Mileage is not horrible, went on a 2 hour drive yesterday and got 22.2 mpg on the highway. Have taken it on a couple of 800 mile road trips and it is fast and comfortable. Only complaint is the ACC is crap, but that would be true for every trim level. I have to drive in the snow in the mountains of North Carolina and have no worries. When the original tires are shot, I may look for something more aggressive than the Conti Cross Contacts, might have to go to 20” wheels.
Truck is a keeper. FWIW I have had a Cayenne S, MB 550 GLS, 450 GLS, Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi, Macan GTS, Jeep Wrangler and Ford F150; the Defender V8 is staying in the garage. Good luck with your decision!