Land Rover has unveiled a new version of its classic Defender V8 – a nod to the rugged original but with a modern twist. This one comes with a fabric roof, which, although it sounds quaint, adds a level of charm and a hint of vulnerability to an otherwise bombproof vehicle.
The new Defender V8 Soft Top (let’s call it the CDV8ST for brevity) is a factory-restored tribute to the soft-top Defenders from the 1990s. Its roots trace back to the North American Spec (NAS) Defender 90, which is still held in high regard by collectors. Land Rover’s Classic division has taken one of the final Defenders built between 2012 and 2016, then upgraded it with a 5.0-litre V8 from JLR’s current line-up – minus the usual supercharger. The result? A rather healthy 399 bhp and 515Nm of torque, transmitted through a modern eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Despite the power cut from the supercharger, the CDV8ST doesn’t miss a beat, reaching 100 km/h in a swift 5.6 seconds. Top speed? A respectable 170 km/h. Now, considering this is all happening with a soft top and the original Defender’s ladder-frame chassis, you can imagine the feeling of wind in your hair at those speeds. It’s certainly going to feel like double that in an open-topped Defender.
This version of the Defender, though, is much more than just an open-air driving experience. Land Rover has ensured that it keeps pace with modern standards by fitting it with Eibach springs, Bilstein dampers, and Alcon four-pot disc brakes all around. These enhancements address the original’s somewhat dated suspension setup, offering more comfort and control on the road while still maintaining that distinctive Defender ruggedness.
The roof, of course, is the star of the show. You can choose between a full fabric hood with roll-up side and rear sections, or the ‘bikini hood,’ which covers just the front seats – ideal if you're not too concerned about your passengers getting sunburned. A word of warning: this is a very sunny-car-friendly option, so unless you live in the Mediterranean, you might want to think twice.
But perhaps what will really set this Defender apart from any other is the sheer level of personalisation. You can choose from 49 standard paint finishes, or – if you’re feeling particularly extravagant – opt for the Works Bespoke service to paint it any colour you like. Inside, there’s a choice of 13 standard leather options, plus a chance to go even further with bespoke touches. A surfboard rack or an onboard wine cooler, anyone? It’s the little things that count.
All this luxury, however, comes at a price. The Defender V8 Soft Top starts at a hefty £234,000, or about ₹2.36 crore. That’s the baseline before you start making it your own with all the bespoke options. Is it worth the premium over a regular Defender ragtop? Well, that’s for you to decide.
For those who want the nostalgic charm of the old Defender with a dash of modern performance and luxury, the CDV8ST could be the perfect mix. Just don’t expect to take it off-roading in the usual sense – after all, that fabric roof might not hold up in a full-on mud fest.
