It’s been more than five years since I first drove the Defender First Edition, and I remember coming away impressed by how successfully Land Rover had reimagined the iconic nameplate. The new Defender managed to keep its rugged DNA while becoming far more comfortable and usable as an everyday vehicle.
Fast forward to today, and the Defender continues to evolve. One of the latest developments sees the Defender 110 (not to be confused with the longer 130) V8 now available in a seven-seat configuration for the first time, combining the practicality of a refined family haulier with the character and performance of a proper V8-powered SUV.
On paper, it sounds like an unusual combination. A V8 performance SUV that can carry seven people. In reality, it actually makes quite a lot of sense.
A Proper V8 With a Proper Soundtrack
Under the bonnet sits a supercharged V8 producing 425 PS and 550 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough to launch the Defender from 0–100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, which is rather impressive for something this large and square.
Press the start button, and the quad outboard-mounted exhaust pipes immediately come to life with a deep, creamy growl. It’s not overly loud or dramatic, but it has a rich, muscular tone that suits the Defender’s character perfectly. Lean into the throttle, and the V8 note becomes even more satisfying.
Helping to keep everything composed is electronic air suspension with Adaptive Dynamics, along with an open differential with torque vectoring by braking, ensuring the Defender remains stable and confident whether you’re cruising on the highway or tackling rougher terrain.
Not the Wild OCTA, But Still Plenty of Muscle
It’s also worth clarifying something here. This is NOT the widebody Defender OCTA, which comes with a far more extreme setup and significantly more power from the BMW-sourced 4.4-litre V8.
Yes, this Defender still packs a V8, but it’s the more restrained version of the formula. With 425 PS from a 5.0-litre supercharged unit, it’s only marginally (why though?) more powerful than the 3.0-litre six-cylinder variant, which produces around 394 bhp.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What the V8 really adds is character. The sound, the smooth delivery of power and that effortless surge of acceleration all give the Defender a personality that the six-cylinder simply can’t replicate.
Looks That Match the Attitude
The particular car I drove came finished in a gorgeous Woolstone Green paintwork paired with a Black Contrast Roof, a combination specific to this V8 model that gives the Defender a striking presence.
It sits on 22-inch Style 5098 gloss-black rims, which further emphasise the SUV’s wide, planted stance. Subtle touches like the Extended Black Exterior Pack help give the V8 variant a more aggressive look.
Modern Tech, Defender Style
Inside, Land Rover has made a number of refinements to improve the overall driving experience.
Dominating the dashboard is the new 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, paired with an interactive driver display and head-up display. The system is smooth, responsive and intuitive, while features like the Online Pack with data connectivity and wireless device charging help keep everything connected.
Comfort is also well taken care of. The Defender comes equipped with 14-way heated and cooled electric memory front seats, while passengers in the second and even third rows also get heated seats. A three-zone climate control system with rear cooling assist and air quality sensors, together with Cabin Air Purification Plus, ensures everyone travels comfortably.
And if you enjoy music on the road, the Meridian Surround Sound System provides a suitably rich soundtrack to accompany the V8.
Plenty of Space and Clever Storage
One of the things I’ve always liked about the Defender is how practical it feels inside.
There are cubby holes, straps, compartments and clever storage areas everywhere, making it easy to stash travel gear, bags or everyday items. It feels like a vehicle that was genuinely designed for people who actually use their cars.
Charging devices are also well covered with USB-C ports on the front, rear, and even in the third row.
Speaking of the third row, while the addition of seven seats is certainly welcome, the third row itself is quite tight. Adults will likely find it best suited for shorter journeys, while children will be much happier there on longer drives.
Still, having the option of two extra seats adds useful versatility for families.
Technology That Builds Confidence
The Defender continues to offer a full suite of driver assistance and off-road technologies.
Features like the 3D Surround Camera with ClearSight Ground View make manoeuvring such a large SUV surprisingly easy, while the ClearSight digital rear-view mirror improves visibility even when the cabin is fully loaded.
Off-road capability remains a key part of the Defender’s DNA with systems like Wade Sensing, while driver assistance technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Monitoring, help make long journeys safer and more relaxing.
A Lifestyle SUV That Can Still Get Muddy
The Defender 110 V8 ultimately feels like a vehicle that tries to do many things at once. A family SUV, a luxury cruiser, a performance machine and a capable off-roader.
The surprising thing is that it manages to balance all of those roles rather well.
With its commanding design, versatile cabin and that addictive V8 soundtrack, the Defender 110 V8 remains one of the most compelling lifestyle SUVs around.
And now, with the option of seven seats, it’s even easier to bring a few more people along for the (short) adventure.
Technical Specifications
Land Rover Defender P425 X-Dynamic HSE 7 Seat (A)
Engine: 5-litre V8 Supercharged
Powertrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 420 bhp
Torque: 550 Nm
Gearbox: 8-speed Automatic
0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds
Top Speed: 191 km/h
Weight (unladen): 2,481 kg
Fuel Consumption: 14.5 litres/100 km (claimed)
Price: POA
Photo Credits: Joel Tam
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