Jaguar Land Rover has brought back a V8 engine to the Defender lineup in India after it was discontinued briefly in 2024. Prices for the Defender V8 now start from Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom), and it is available in all three body styles – 90, 110 and 130. The complete price list is not yet out.
- Defender V8 can be had in new X-Dynamic HSE and X trims
- V8 engine in higher 518hp spec has been discontinued across the lineup
- The SUV comes to India as a full import
2025 Defender: what’s new?
So far, only the fully loaded Defenders had the V8 engine. Now, JLR is offering this engine on two trims – X-Dynamic HSE and X. Producing 426hp and 610Nm of torque, the 5.0-litre V8 continues to be offered across all three body styles – 90, 110 and 130. The Defender V8 gets the Terrain Response system and electronic air suspension as standard fitment and rides on 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres.
In 2024, the Defender was also available in a higher 518hp spec with the same 5.0-litre V8 engine, but that has now been discontinued. It, however, carries over the option of a 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is available only in the 110 body style in X-Dynamic HSE trim. There’s also a 3.0-litre diesel engine offered across all three body styles and in three trims: X-Dynamic HSE, X and Sedona Edition.
2025 Defender: features
Some noteworthy features on the Defender include 14-way powered, heated and cooled front seats with memory function, an 11.4-inch touchscreen, a digital driver’s display, configurable ambient lighting, 360-degree cameras and a panoramic sunroof. The optional extras include a Meridian Sound System, front centre console refrigerator compartment and soft close tailgate, along with several other packages with bundled features like the Cold Climate, Advanced Off-Road and Family Comfort Packs.
The Defender 130 gets both 7- and 8-seater layouts in 2+2+3 configuration and 2+3+3 configuration, respectively. The former gets middle-row captain chairs with ventilation function and winged headrests.
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