2023 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 Supercharged

Highlights

• 5.0 V8 supercharged petrol

• 525bhp

• Low mileage

• Main dealer history

• Superb overall condition

Overview

Replacing an icon is never easy, and although it’s now almost seven years since the new Defender rewrote the Land Rover rule book, a mere mention of the model still makes most people think of the workmanlike original, rather than the sophisticated, tech-laden car that it has since become. 

The Defender L663 made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019 and is a very different beast to its legendary forebear – a brand in its own right, but this time much softer, more useable and more luxurious than the utility Land Rovers of old. 

It retains the classic profile and uncompromising off-road capabilities of the original, but with cutting-edge technology and a more refined driving experience. It’s a car that combines luxury with function, but at the same time it does so with a truly iconic badge behind it, and a massive reputation to live up to. And it does.

This one is quite special. It’s a compact Defender 90 – the short-wheelbase model – and is finished in smart Carpathian Grey, with black 22-inch alloys and matching trim. It sports a stealthy but purposeful look.  

Of more interest, though, is the engine. It’s a 5.0-litre V8 – the supercharged flagship of the Defender range, with an astonishing 525bhp and 625Nm of torque. Big, punchy V8s like this will soon be dying out, so you should steal the opportunity to own one now, while you still can. 

Feeding that power to the road via an eight-speed automatic transmission, V8 models also have stiffer suspension, larger disc brakes and a few unique styling cues, such as quad exhaust pipes, distinctive V8 badges, and larger air intakes.

If you want the ultimate Defender, then this is a great chance to get your hands on a truly superb example of the breed – low mileage, a great colour and with the most PH engine of the lot.

History and documentation

• First registered on 8 March 2023

• UK registration document

• Two keys

• Original handbook and service book

• Service history is as follows: 5 miles, 2023 (main dealer PDI); 2,193 miles, 2023 (main dealer); 4,596 miles, 2024 (main dealer); 13,782 miles (incorrectly logged on the online database but supported by invoice), 2025 (main dealer)

• MOT valid until 7 March 2027 and passed with no advisory notices

• ULEZ compliant

• Mileage at time of photography: 20,670 

Interior

• Storm grey leather upholstery in excellent order with no obvious signs of wear

• Four-position memory driver’s seat

• Land Rover Pivi-Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

• Navigation and app functionality

• Alcantara steering wheel

• Opening glass sunroof

• Built-in dash Land Rover dashcam

• Heated front and rear seats

• Genuine Land Rover protective floor mats

• Dual-zone climate control

• Cruise control

• Parking camera

• USB-A and -C charging sockets

Exterior

• Special order Carpathian Grey metallic

• Paint finish is excellent all over

• Some small paint chips to the bonnet and one door

• Windscreen has had one small chip repair carried out by Autoglass

• Black factory 22-inch alloys in fabulous condition with no kerb marks

• Excellent Continental CrossContact tyres all-round

Mechanical

• 5.0-litre supercharged V8

• 525bhp

• Eight-speed automatic transmission

• 0-60mph in 5.4secs

• 155mph top speed

• Slightly overdue for its 36 month service so we recommend that a buyer budgets for it to be carried out

• Described by the vendor as driving without fault

Summary

There’ll come a time in the very near future where you won’t be able to buy a vehicle like this – big V8s are wonderful things, but car manufacturers can no longer afford to have them as part of their model ranges, due to emissions quotas. 

And that makes a car like this even more glorious – it’s one of the last of the breed, and a mighty-fine specimen it is, too – low mileage and a great colour, in lovely condition and with that engine… oh yes, that engine. Did we mention that it had a 5.0-litre supercharged V8? 

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This car is located in Retford, Notts.