SUV enthusiasts eagerly awaiting a retro-style Defender will be pleased to hear that Land Rover Classic revived the Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top after nearly a decade. However, the excitement is tempered by its price of 195,000 GBP (approximately 258,000 USD). This price is even higher than that of the Bentley Bentayga and nearly 100,000 GBP (approximately 133,000 USD) more than Land Rover’s latest flagship, the Defender Octa.
This model is based on the Defender 90, which was produced from 2012 to 2016. While it emphasizes retro aesthetics and incorporates the latest technology and convenience features, making it a resto-mod vehicle. It is positioned as the ultimate beach SUV with a newly designed canvas roof and a high-performance V8 engine. However, given the high price, it may remain out of reach for most consumers.
Retro Design with High Price Tag
The Defender V8 Soft Top offers four canvas roof color options: Black, Dark Khaki, Navy, and Sand, with side and rear sections that can be opened via zippers. Additional securing devices prevent the roof from shaking at high speeds. There’s also an option for a bikini roof that covers only the front seats, catering to those who prefer a more minimalist style.
The customization options are extensive, with 49 exterior colors available and a custom color matching service. The grille, door handles, and bonnet script can all be individually configured. Inside are 13 leather color options, and customers can choose extras like a surfboard rack and a wine cooler. The standard wheels are 16-inch steel, with an upgrade option to 18-inch alloys.
The performance is also solid. The 5.0L V8 engine produces 405 horsepower and 52.5 kg·m (approximately 380 lb-ft) of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of just 5.6 seconds. Suspension upgrades include Alcon brakes, an Eibach anti-roll bar, and Bilstein dampers. However, despite these advantages, the 1-year warranty raises concerns about the practicality of the price.
Can’t Afford It, Even If You Want To: Mixed Reactions from Consumers
The news of the Defender’s revival has stirred strong consumer reactions, with many praising its design and nostalgic appeal. The combination of suicide doors and a classic silhouette evokes a retro charm that appeals to enthusiasts. However, some consumers have raised concerns about the high price, questioning the practicality of spending such a large amount for a vehicle with only a one-year warranty. Opinions are divided, with some seeing it as a symbol of classic SUV elegance and others viewing it as an impractical luxury item.
In an era where cars are consumed not only as modes of transportation but also as cultural symbols, this Defender may become a symbolic model of that trend. Its retro design especially stirs nostalgia for those who admired the original Defender. However, given the high price, the market for those who can actually afford it is expected to be limited.
