Opinion: My 2021 Stocking Filler, A V8 Land Rover Defender

The Land Rover Defender had its official launch earlier this year in Namibia. Photo: Land Rover

All my Christmases may literally have come at once! Car news sites around the world are reporting that the Land Rover Defender is going to have a flagship V8 version and this is the only vehicle that could possibly tempt me out of my Mercedes-AMG G63.

If rumours prove true, will likely make use of the 4.4-litre V8 turbocharged engine from BMW. The 5-litre supercharged that now sits in range topping variants of the Range Rover Vogue, Sport and Velar is due for retirement. However, there is also talk that the 5-litre version could still be retained, just in low volume numbers. 

The Defender has proved popular with buyers around the world. Photo: Land Rover

With the world set to change dramatically, around a fast push to electrification, Land Rover is very focused on hybrid models, so another thirsty V8 is counterintuitive to what we would expect to be launched. 

However, at the right price point, there is always a buyer and demand for the mainstream Defender is off the charts, so we are not surprised V8 Defender would launch late 2021. 

Look out for our feature this weekend on the Land Rover Defender, which is expected in New Zealand in the next few months.