The Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) 5.0 V8 P425 AWD Automatic represents the pinnacle of performance within the latest Defender 90 lineup, introduced in May 2024. This variant, built on the D7x aluminum-intensive monocoque platform, signifies a substantial departure from the traditional body-on-frame Defenders of the past. Positioned as the premium offering, the P425 combines a potent supercharged V8 engine with a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission and Land Rover’s renowned all-wheel-drive system. It caters to buyers seeking a blend of off-road capability, on-road refinement, and exhilarating performance in a compact, three-door package. The L663 generation marked a significant modernization of the Defender, bringing it into the 21st century with advanced technology and a focus on comfort without sacrificing its legendary go-anywhere ability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 90 (L663) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 V8 P425 (426 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | May, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 13.6-14.5 l/100 km (17.3 – 16.2 US mpg, 20.8 – 19.5 UK mpg, 7.4 – 6.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 307-328 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191-209 km/h (118.68 – 129.87 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6e |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.2 kg/Hp, 191.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm, 247.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 426 Hp @ 5500-6600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 85.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 550 Nm @ 1800-5000 rpm (405.66 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | AJ133 SC |
| Engine displacement | 5000 cm3 (305.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.5 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2225 kg (4905.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3040 kg (6702.05 lbs.) |
| Max load | 815 kg (1796.77 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 397 l (14.02 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1563 l (55.2 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 118 kg (260.15 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Length | 4583 mm (180.43 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2008 mm (79.06 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2105 mm (82.87 in.) |
| Height | 1969 mm (77.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2587 mm (101.85 in.) |
| Front track | 1706 mm (67.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1702 mm (67.01 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216-295 mm (8.5 – 11.61 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 30.1-37.4° |
| Departure angle | 33.5-39.8° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 24.2-30.7° |
| Wading depth | 900 mm (35.43 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 255/60 R20; 275/45 R22 |
| Wheel rims size | 8.5J x 20; 9.0J x 22 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Defender 90 P425 is Land Rover’s AJ133 SC 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine. This engine, a long-running design within the Jaguar Land Rover stable, benefits from continuous refinement over the years. It features direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and a Roots-type supercharger providing instant throttle response. The engine produces 426 horsepower at 5500-6600 rpm and 405.66 lb-ft of torque between 1800-5000 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is a crucial component, offering smooth and rapid gear changes. It’s programmed for both on-road comfort and off-road control, with features like intelligent shift patterns and a manual mode. The transmission is paired with Land Rover’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer box and Terrain Response 2 technology, allowing the driver to optimize the vehicle’s settings for various surfaces.
Driving Characteristics
The P425 delivers a markedly different driving experience compared to the four-cylinder or six-cylinder Defenders. The supercharged V8 provides effortless acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 5.3 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission complements the engine well, providing quick shifts and keeping the engine in its optimal power band. While the Defender 90 is not a sports car, the P425 variant offers a level of performance that is genuinely surprising for a vehicle of its size and capability. The gear ratios are tuned to balance acceleration with fuel efficiency, though the latter remains relatively low due to the engine’s displacement and power output. Compared to the more economical variants, the P425 prioritizes driver engagement and a more visceral experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Defender 90 P425 typically comes standard with a high level of equipment. This includes premium leather upholstery, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a digital instrument cluster, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Optional extras often include a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, a premium audio system (Meridian), and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. Trim levels beyond the base P425 often add cosmetic enhancements, such as unique exterior styling packages and interior trim options.
Chassis & Braking
The Defender 90 P425 utilizes a double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride both on and off-road. The suspension is tuned to handle the increased weight and power of the V8 engine. Braking is handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The electronic stability control system is integrated with the Terrain Response system to optimize braking performance on various surfaces. The vehicle’s robust chassis and advanced suspension contribute to its exceptional off-road capability, allowing it to tackle challenging terrain with confidence.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 90 P425 has been generally well-received by automotive critics, who praise its powerful engine, refined ride, and impressive off-road capability. However, its high price tag and relatively poor fuel economy are often cited as drawbacks. Compared to the four-cylinder and six-cylinder Defenders, the P425 offers significantly more performance but at a considerable cost. It appeals to buyers who prioritize power and refinement over fuel efficiency and value. Reliability reports are still emerging for the L663 generation, but the AJ133 engine has a generally good track record when properly maintained.
Legacy
The Land Rover Defender 90 P425 represents a new chapter in the Defender’s storied history. While it departs from the traditional design and construction of its predecessors, it retains the core values of capability and durability. The combination of a powerful V8 engine and a modern chassis makes it a compelling option for those seeking a versatile and capable SUV. As a relatively new model, its long-term reliability remains to be fully assessed, but the robust engineering and high-quality components suggest it will hold its value well in the used car market. The P425 is likely to become a sought-after variant among Defender enthusiasts, representing the pinnacle of performance in the latest generation.
