2023 Land Rover Defender SVR Kicks In With 600+HP

The most powerful version of Land Rover's tough-as-nails Defender is currently one of the most popular SUVs on the market. Land Rover is still struggling to keep up with demand. Our 2021 SUV of the year, as attractive as the off-roader is, is only getting warmed up, especially if you're a lover of massively powerful SUVs.

Defender V8 seen below already has four-cylinder, V-6, and V-8 models, but the upcoming SVR will add more horsepower, sharper styling elements, and special suspension tuning to provide the best street appearance.
Of course, both the 110 and 90 variants will be capable off-road.

It will be the first sporty Defender ever, and keeping interested in its superb 4x4 alive by producing more and more profitable variants will guarantee cash flow while Jaguar Land Rover converts to an all-electric future during the next decades. Its engine should also serve as a precursor to the Range Rover's planned highest-level powertrain.

2023 Defender SVR will be built on the same Modular Longitudinal Architecture as its smaller siblings, but we've heard it'll be powered by a different engine than the V8 in the non-SVR models. That model employs Land Rover's long-serving 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 to produce 518 hp, but the SVR might use BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 to provide 600+ hp (it delivers 617 hp in the BMW M5 Competition), a significant increase above the ordinary V-8.

ZF's eight-speed automatic gearbox is used by both BMW and JLR, which should make total powertrain adjustment easier, while BMW's more advanced motor will enable JLR to meet today's carbon emissions rules.
To get into the standard 2023 Defender 90 SVR, you'll most certainly have to pay $125,000. Estimate $130K for the 110, with choices and accessories pushing the sticker price much higher.

Land Rover is also planning a longer Defender 130, but it's unclear whether it will receive the SVR treatment. On a G63, it will still provide a $30,000 savings.