JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) launched the V-8-powered Defender in 2022, but a more powerful V-8 option is still in the works for this rugged SUV. The Defender is expected to come in at least two V-8 versions: the standard V8 Defender already on sale, plus a higher-performance version that could wear an SVX badge and take aim at the likes of the Ford Bronco Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, but with a touch of luxury.
Prototype of a potential Defender SVX has been spotted, revealing some key details. The prototype features a quad titanium exhaust, widened wheel arches, raised suspension, mud flaps, and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The tires are wrapped around 20-inch wheels and measure 275/60 front and rear.It’s unclear exactly which engine is under the hood.
While the Defender V8 is equipped with Jaguar Land Rover’s 518 horsepower 5.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine, it is possible that this Defender SVX will be equipped with a version of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. Available on the latest Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The BMW V-8 is rated at up to 626 horsepower in the Range Rover Sport SV, although less power will likely be used in the heavy-duty Defender. We expect the Defender SVX to be revealed late this year or early next, perhaps as a 2025 model. JLR has announced the 2024 Defender lineup.
JLR Special Vehicle Operations launched the Discovery SVX a few last year. It will be powered by a V8 engine and equipped with off-road capability upgrades. This will create a new off-road product line for SVO, similar to the division’s track-focused SVR and ultra-luxury SV Autobiography lines. Although the Discovery SVX was eventually canceled, JLR has never ruled out the possibility of an SVX car in the future.
