Review: Defender 110 V8

There are some updates to the Defender, but the main story here is that JLR supercharged V8.

A magnificent stance.

I have driven a fair number of iterations of the current Defender, so I’ll fess up - I’m reviewing this Defender not for its updates but for its JLR supercharged V8. This glorious engine, codenamed the AJ-V8, has its roots in the mid-1990s and was developed even before Ford took over Jaguar. It’s amazing that despite increasing emissions regulations over the years, the engine is still serviceable in 2026. Soldiering on for almost 30 years, the version in this Defender - the AJ133S - has been modernised thoroughly but has lost none of its character. 

The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 is a rare gem in today's market.

Most other Land Rover products have already discontinued this engine in favour of BMW’s N63 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, including the high-performance Defender OCTA. So the days of the JLR V8 are likely numbered, although Land Rover would not confirm it at this time. While we have the chance to, why not savour the AJ133S before it goes out of service?

The larger infotainment screen is fairly easy to use, if a tad slow.

First, let’s get the hygiene things out of the way - the updated Defender now features a larger 13.1-inch infotainment screen, a Driver Attention Monitor and a 3D Surround Camera - small but useful improvements. On the outside, there are spruced up daytime running lights as well as darkened tail lamps, but to be honest, it’s all very subtle. It’s still the Defender we know and love, huge and looking like it’s ready for Jurassic Park. It looks particularly fetching in Woolstone Green. 

Woolstone Green is a fabulous hue on the Defender.

Starting up the charismatic V8 is an event in itself, with a longer than usual crank that quickly unleashes a bassy growl unique to the AJ-V8. You may recognise it if you grew up in the era of the Jaguar XJR and XKR. Perhaps the most effervescent exhaust note of this engine type is the one in the VH V8 Vantage. 

The Defender makes light work of going anywhere.

It slowly settles into a busy idle but it always makes its presence felt whether you are going slow or fast. Thanks to the supercharger, power delivery is astoundingly linear and even in something as heavy as the Defender, the engine pulls like a freight train. In this particular test car, the V8 isn’t tuned to its full potential, so the car feels urgent rather than absurdly fast, but it is a great match for the Defender’s character. 

The seating position makes you feel as if you're lording over others.

The redline is where the engine truly hypnotises though. At the upper echelons of the tachometer, the supercharger whine starts to become more pronounced, while power swells to a satisfying peak as the gearbox switches for an upper cog. It’s a thrilling experience, despite being in a high-riding SUV that’s probably better off-roading than on road, so much so that you would want to do it over and over again. 

Quad tailpipes let out a glorious symphony.

That would quickly swing your fuel gauge down. Fuel consumption is not the AJ-V8’s strong suit, as you might imagine. An average of around 5 km/l is what I managed to achieve, but it’s quite acceptable for what it is. 

Lots of heritage tucked beneath.

I can’t imagine the Defender 110 V8 finding many buyers in Singapore, especially when the BMW V8 is very likely just around the corner, and the fact that it’s a small market to begin with. But that’s OK. For the select few who see its value, it’s a piece of heritage that deserves many more years in the future. 

Photos by Sean Seah

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•