The Land Rover Defender 90 (L663) 5.0 V8 P525 is the high-performance variant of the third-generation Defender 90, launched in February 2021. Representing the pinnacle of the L663 90 lineup, this model combines the iconic Defender aesthetic with a potent supercharged V8 engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive technology. It’s positioned as a premium offering, appealing to buyers seeking both off-road capability and substantial on-road performance. The L663 generation marked a significant departure from the traditional body-on-frame construction of previous Defenders, adopting a modern monocoque chassis for improved refinement and handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 90 (L663) |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 V8 P525 (525 Hp) AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | February, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 14.5-14.8 l/100 km (16.2 – 15.9 US mpg, 19.5 – 19.1 UK mpg, 6.9 – 6.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 327-335 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 12.8 l/100 km (18.4 US mpg, 22.1 UK mpg, 7.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 290 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 191-240 km/h (118.68 – 149.13 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-F |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.7 kg/Hp, 212.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm, 252.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 525 Hp @ 6000-6500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 105 Hp/l |
| Torque | 625 Nm @ 2500-5500 rpm (460.98 lb.-ft. @ 2500-5500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | AJ133 |
| Engine displacement | 5000 cm3 (305.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.5 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2471 kg (5447.62 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) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4583 mm (180.43 in.) |
| Width | 1996 mm (78.58 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 | 1703-1706 mm (67.05 – 67.17 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1699-1702 mm (66.89 – 67.01 in.) |
| Front overhang | 845 mm (33.27 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1151 mm (45.31 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 216-291 mm (8.5 – 11.46 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.41 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 30.1-37.5° |
| Departure angle | 37.6-40.0° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 24.2-31.0° |
| Climb angle | 45° |
| 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, 380 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 365 mm |
| 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 P525 is Land Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, designated AJ133. This engine has roots in Jaguar Land Rover’s long-standing V8 family, but has been extensively updated for the L663 Defender. It utilizes direct fuel injection and features a twin-vortex supercharger for immediate throttle response and a broad torque curve. The engine produces 525 horsepower at 6,000-6,500 rpm and 625 Nm (460.98 lb-ft) of torque between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and relatively quick gear changes. The transmission is calibrated to balance performance with off-road usability, offering both automatic and manual shift modes.
Driving Characteristics
The Defender 90 P525 delivers a markedly different driving experience compared to lower-powered variants. The supercharged V8 provides effortless acceleration, achieving 0-60 mph in approximately 4.9 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission is well-matched to the engine’s power delivery, offering responsive shifts. While the Defender 90 is not a lightweight vehicle, the V8’s substantial torque mitigates any feeling of sluggishness. Compared to the four-cylinder or six-cylinder models, the P525 offers a more refined and engaging driving experience, particularly on the road. The suspension, while tuned for off-road capability, provides a reasonably comfortable ride, although it’s not as plush as some dedicated luxury SUVs.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The P525 trim typically comes standard with a high level of equipment. This includes premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, matrix LED headlights, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Optional extras include upgraded audio systems, configurable dynamics (allowing drivers to adjust suspension and throttle response), and various exterior styling packages. Interior trim options often include unique color combinations and finishes exclusive to the P525 model.
Chassis & Braking
The Defender 90 utilizes a D7x architecture, a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis. The suspension consists of a double-wishbone setup at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. The P525 model benefits from upgraded brakes compared to lower trims, featuring ventilated discs all around – 380mm at the front and 365mm at the rear – to handle the increased performance. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, along with electronic stability control and traction control systems.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 90 P525 received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. Praise was directed towards its powerful engine, impressive off-road capability, and luxurious interior. However, some reviewers noted the relatively high fuel consumption (14.5-14.8 l/100 km) and the vehicle’s substantial price tag. Compared to the six-cylinder Ingenium engines, the P525 offers significantly more power and a more refined driving experience, but at a considerable cost premium. The four-cylinder models provide better fuel economy and are more affordable, but lack the performance and prestige of the V8.
Legacy
The Land Rover Defender 90 P525 represents a bold step for the Defender lineage, blending iconic design with modern technology and a powerful engine. While the supercharged V8 may eventually be replaced by more fuel-efficient powertrains, the P525 is likely to become a sought-after model in the used car market, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate its unique combination of performance, capability, and luxury. The AJ133 engine, while known for its power, requires regular maintenance to ensure long-term reliability, and potential buyers should be aware of the costs associated with servicing a high-performance V8 engine.
