2022 Defender enters dark side with V8 engine & more sinister looks

Say hello to the fastest, most powerful Defender 90 & 110 sporting big power, darker looks, and improved infotainment system.

For Land Rover Defender customers yearning for a burly V8 opposed to the SUV lineups’s current plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powered V6 options, well, that time has come. The classic off-roader was known for its proven eight cylinder engine, now Land Rover builds on this heritage with the 2022 Defender V8, including a pair exclusive models including the V8 Carpathian Edition and Defender V8 XS Edition in the mix. Plus a set of new exterior styling packs and improved Pivi Pro upgrade across the entire lineup.

If you’re still fan of the old-school 4×4, check out this recently released Defender Works V8 Trophy.

Fastest and most powerful production Defender

Both the 2022 Defender 90 and 110 will find a new 517-hp supercharged 5.0L V8 engine under the hood, propelling the 90 model from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds while hitting a top speed of 149mph. That solidifies the compact SUV as the  fastest and most powerful production Defender ever made.

2022 Defender V8 Carpathian Edition

Building on the 2022 Defender V8 is the new exclusive Carpathian Edition with a nice list of stealthy cosmetic tweaks, including:

Carpathian Grey exterior finished in Land Rover’s Satin Protective Film

Narvik Black contrast roof and hood

A new tail hood (a Defender first)

Bespoke V8 Carpathian Edition badging finishes

Satin Black towing eyes

Xenon Blue brake callipers

This special edition’s interior remains the same as the Defender V8 with an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, suede cloth seats, and illuminated treadplates. 

2022 Defender V8 XS Edition

2022 land rover defender v8 XS Edition
2022 Defender V8 XS Edition. Photo: Land Rover

Replacing the Defender First Edition, the new XS Edition also gets the V8, sits above the SE models, and comes in both 90 and 110 flavours. A clean-looking version with body-coloured lower cladding and lower wheel arches housing 20-inch grey wheels, the XS Edition will come in four exterior colours including two silver varieties, a stone colour, and classic black.

Some new additions to the 2022 Defender lineup

Also new for 2022 across the Defender lineup is an upgrade to Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment, most notably an improved WiFi setups with a better signal booster, and optional wireless device charging. 

Three new exterior packs also arrive for 2022, including:

The Bright Packadds chrome finishes and front and rear skid plates
Extended Bright Packadds silver to the lower body cladding and wheel arches
Extended Black Packadds gloss black finish front and rear skid plates, grille bar, bonnet chequer finisher, badging, lower body cladding and wheel arches
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