Overview
The 2024 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 takes one of the most iconic off-road vehicles ever made and infuses it with supercharged V8 performance and modern luxury. At its heart is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing around 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, giving the compact two-door Defender explosive acceleration for its size — with 0-60 mph times in the mid-4-second range, while still maintaining off-road capability that the Defender nameplate is built on.
Interior
Inside, the Defender 90 V8 combines utilitarian heritage with modern premium feel. Standard Ebony Windsor leather seats and Kvadrat-woven textile materials balance comfort and durability, while 14-way heated and cooled front seats with memory functions make long journeys or city drives equally enjoyable.
The cabin layout keeps a rugged yet refined character, with large controls and easy-to-reach buttons that reinforce Defender’s utilitarian ethos - but don’t be mistaken, it still feels luxurious compared with traditional off-road vehicles. High-quality materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and features like Meridian surround sound and a Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen add modern convenience and connectivity.
Alexander
REV car expert
Spaciousness is surprisingly generous for a compact two-door SUV; tall rooflines and big windows provide excellent visibility and a relaxed feel up front, though the rear space is tighter than its longer Defender 110 sibling.
Exterior
The Defender 90 V8 looks every bit the rugged, go-anywhere SUV it is, but with sporty design cues that highlight its performance intent. Bold lines and a boxy silhouette pay homage to decades of Defender heritage, while features like quad outboard-mounted exhaust pipes, a V8 badge in Narvik Black, and 22-inch wheels signal its potent capabilities.
LED headlights with signature daytime running lights, a sliding panoramic roof, and a robust stance give the Defender 90 an authoritative presence on and off the pavement. Its short wheelbase not only enhances agility on trails but also gives it an unmistakable compact profile that stands out in a sea of modern SUVs.
Specs
For those who want the 2024 Defender 90 V8 to look as formidable as it performs, opting for a fully all-black exterior with extended black detailing transforms the rugged SUV into a stealthy statement piece. When equipped with the Extended Black Exterior Pack - which blacks out elements like the grille bar, skid pans, badging, and exposed rear recovery eyes - alongside glossy black 22″ wheels and Narvik Black accents, the Defender 90 V8 exudes a purposeful, almost military-spec presence that turns heads without saying a word. The contrast of the rich ebony paint with satin black trim gives the Defender an aggressive and cohesive look, while features like black brake calipers and darkened exhaust tips further enhance its visual impact. This monochrome exterior not only looks striking on pavement but also underscores the vehicle’s adventurous spirit in any setting.
Total MSRP
€160000
Drive Type
All wheel drive
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Fuel type
Premium Gasoline E98
Engine
5.0l Supercharged V8
Engine Type
Supercharged
Torque
625 Nm / 461 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Horsepower
518 hp @ 6500 rpm
Summary
The 2024 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 is a fascinating blend of heritage ruggedness and modern performance. Its supercharged V8 propels this short-wheelbase SUV with surprising agility, while Land Rover’s signature off-road systems mean it’s never out of its element — whether crawling trails or cruising highways. Luxurious interior appointments and cutting-edge tech keep everyday usability high, though cargo space is understandably less than larger Defenders. The Defender 90 V8 isn’t for everyone — its fuel economy and premium price reflect its performance focus — but for those who want iconic design, unmatched capability, and genuine thrills from behind the wheel, it’s one of the most compelling compact luxury SUVs on the market today.
4.2
Based on extensive review and experience with this vehicle.
The Good
- Brutal V8 power and character - Legendary off-road capability with modern polish - Premium materials and tech in the cabin
The Bad
- Tight rear space and cargo compared with longer Defender models - Fuel economy typical for a high-performance SUV
