The New Defender Is Charming—but Its Price Is Shocking: Fans Will Appreciate This SUV

Land Rover Classic has recently unveiled what it calls the perfect vehicle: the Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top. Despite the very long name, it radiates old-school charm. This SUV is the first soft-top Defender in the past ten years and is based on the Defender 90 produced between 2012 and 2016. Once a donor vehicle is sourced, it is “fully rebuilt.” That said, because this is a light retro-style conversion, there aren’t many radical changes worth highlighting.

The model features a canvas soft top available in black, dark brown, dark blue, or sand. Land Rover says the side and rear sections can be unfastened and rolled up for open-air driving while still offering some protection from the elements. Additional mounting points were added to ensure the roof stays secure at higher speeds. Buyers looking for a more minimalist setup can opt for a “Bikini” top, offered in the same colors, which covers only the front occupants.

When it comes to choice, customers are spoiled. There are 49 (!) factory paint options available, and if none of them fit the bill, the Works Bespoke program allows for fully custom colors. A wide range of details can also be personalized, including the grille, door handles, and hood badging.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in off-road tires, though 18-inch alloy wheels are available in black or white. Customization extends to the interior as well, with five single-tone and eight two-tone leather upholstery options. Buyers can even order bespoke accessories such as a dedicated surfboard rack or an onboard wine cooler.

Power comes from a 5.0-liter V8 producing 405 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque (515 Nm). It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. This setup allows the Defender to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 106 mph (170 km/h). Land Rover Classic also upgraded the driving dynamics with larger Alcon brakes and a revised suspension featuring Eibach anti-roll bars, Bilstein dampers, and uprated springs.

As for pricing, the Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top starts at £195,000 in the UK—about $259,000 at current exchange rates. That’s roughly £50,000 (around $66,500) more than the new range-topping Defender OCTA. Buyers get a one-year warranty, albeit with unlimited mileage.