JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover) in 2022 launched a Defender equipped with a V-8, but a more hardcore V-8 option is still in the works for the rugged SUV.
The Defender is expected to have at least two V-8 grades: the regular Defender V8 already on sale, plus a more capable version possibly wearing an SVX badge and targeting the likes of the Ford Bronco Raptor and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, but with a luxury twist.
Prototypes for the potential Defender SVX have been spotted, revealing a number of key details. The prototype features a titanium exhaust with quad tips, along with widened wheel arches, a 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 isn’t clear what engine is under the hood. While the Defender V8 features Jaguar Land Rover’s 518-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V-8, it’s possible this Defender SVX is fitted with a version of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 that’s already made its way into the latest Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The BMW V-8 is rated up to 626 hp in the Range Rover Sport SV, though a lower output will likely be used for the hardcore Defender.
We expect the Defender SVX to be revealed late this year or early next, likely as a 2025 model. JLR has already announced the 2024 Defender lineup.
JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations came close to launching a Discovery SVX a few years back. It was going to be powered by a V-8 and fitted with off-road upgrades. It would have established a new off-roading range for SVO, similar to the division’s SVR track-focused range and SVAutobiography ultra-luxury range. While the Discovery SVX was ultimately canceled, JLR never ruled out a future SVX vehicle.
