Land Rover Defender V8 to return to India in 2025

Jaguar Land Rover isn’t just bringing V8 engines back to India in the Defender. They bring back a feeling. Memories of the open road and indomitable strength.

• The V8 engine in the Defender, which was discontinued in 2024, is back.
• The price of the new Defender starts at Rs 1.39 lakh.
• The SUV arrives in India fully assembled (CBU)

Defender is worn in various styles: 90, 110 and 130. There’s no sign of a full price list yet, but curiosity has been piqued.

Land Rover Defender in India: A journey from grit to elegance

It started out as a machine with a purpose. No frills. No decoration. Just raw, unyielding strength. The story of the Land Rover Defender’s entry into India is not one of fanfare but of quiet resilience. A vehicle built to survive, thrive and carry the country’s terrain.

• 1948 Amsterdam saw the birth of Series I. A prototype, a promise, a vehicle that inspires a lineage.
• 1950s: They arrived in India. Farmers trust them. Industry depends on them. The military went with them. They’re durable, adaptable, and unstoppable.
• 1983 brought about evolution. Ten appeared. Then came Ninety in 1984. New name, better skeleton. Coil spring suspension. Permanent four-wheel drive.
• go through 1990they accepted a new identity and were renamed Defender 110 and Defender 90. These names later became legendary.
• then came 2009. Jaguar Land Rover officially enters India. They are no longer just imported CBUs but have their own space.
• 2011: Set up factory in Pune. The dream is pieced together piece by piece. Pricing becomes realistic. This wish begins to become achievable.
• 2016 Bittersweet. The original back line stopped rolling. The world says goodbye. India pauses to recall the courage it symbolizes.
• exist 2020Defender returns with 90 and 110 models. Off-road capability meets technology. Rugged becomes refined.
• 2024 Push the limits. Guard Octagon launches. Twin-turbocharged V8. Power, but not just for the sake of power. Purpose driven. A true beast for the brave.
• And now, 2025. The V8 engine in the Defender is finally back in India. Performance, luxury and timeless spirit.

What’s the deal for the Defender in 2025?

For years, V8 engines were reserved for fully loaded Defenders. Now, it has launched X-Dynamic HSE and X trims. Under the hood lies a 5.0-liter V8 engine that develops 426 hp and 610 Nm of torque. All three body styles come standard with the same muscle, Terrain Response system and air suspension. It rolls on rugged 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tires.

518 horsepower version? Gone. But the 2.0-liter petrol engine is still available in the 110-inch X-Dynamic HSE trim. There’s also a reliable 3.0-liter diesel available in various styles, with trims such as X-Dynamic HSE, X and Sedona Edition.

Inside the Beast: Explore the Inside

The Defender isn’t just rugged; This is a space for indulgence. Heated and cooled 14-way power front seats remember your preferred sitting position. The 11.4-inch touchscreen keeps you connected. A panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and 360-degree cameras ensure every drive feels premium. Want more? Add options like a Meridian sound system, a center console refrigerator, or packages like “Cold Weather” or “Premium Off-Road.”

Big 130: A roomy beast

For family travelers, the Defender 130 is available in 7- and 8-seat layouts. One features center-row captain’s chairs that ventilate and hug you on long drives. another? Classic 2+3+3 setup, balancing space and practicality.

It’s not just a car, it’s a decision. An unapologetic tribute to adventure, strength and comfort. You don’t buy a Defender to blend in. You buy it to stand out, maybe to remind yourself what freedom feels like.