Have owned both P400 and V8. Go for the V8. It’s absolutely worth it, and even the gas mileage is similar when driven normally! If you have a lead foot that’s another story

Also, my v8 has been more reliable, not less. The AJ V8 has been around a long time. The P400 is a relatively new design, at least in 2020 they hadn’t worked out all the kinks.

 

I currently drive the 110 with the V8 engine. Used to have the same engine in my previous Range Rover Sport.
I love the engine, but it doesn't really show its full potential until you hit higher speeds (starting at 100 mph). As you live in the U.S., I would go for the P400. Plenty of power for low speeds.

 

Always better to have the power avail and not need it than other way around. Don’t compromise.

 

Check out the top end on the autobahn in this video - ridiculous

 

if it's worth it to you, it's worth it.

 

i have had both p400 and v8. traded the p400 for the v8. The v8 will come fully spec where your p400 will have a ton of options you can add and the price difference from a highly spec p400 will bridge the gap.

the p400 feels more torquey due to it have turbos but it loses power really quickly at higher rpm’s.

i have no regrets of the v8 purchase. Not sure what the plans are for the current v8 engine but the new v8 twin turbo bmw engine in all other Range Rover models is much superior engine. We have a new Sport First Edition v8 in the garage and that thing is a beast. feels so much faster than my defender

if there is any confirmation that they will be heading that route i would wait for that but not sure the likelyhood of that happening. you can only get the v8 in the sport now with the SV trim and starting price above 170k.

 

BMW motor will be put into the Defender SV in 110 spec only. Supposedly will develop > 600 hp

 

that’s what i’m hearing. a good way to control emissions by limiting the amount of v8’s they produce and jacking up prices. i would imagine eventually the only v8’s on anything beside the full size will come with the SV trim

i can tell you the 600 HP rating is severely underrated. i have had several M’s with the same engine and its a beast

 

I went the V8 route and am happy that I did. I love horsepower and this thing has plenty of it! I got it in August and have 16,000 miles on it. It's been on several long trips. It cruises effortlessly on the highways, passes whatever it needs to with ease. I like the suggestion of driving all the models to get a sense. For me it was the V8.

FWIW, YMMV

 

You have so much experience with 600hp truck motors that you can tell this one far exceeds that? I’m impressed.