Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition revealed

Land Rover’s SV Bespoke team has created the ultimate James Bond-inspired Land Rover Defender ahead of the world premiere of the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die, in October.  

Sadly though, the 2021 Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is not on the agenda for Australia, with shipping delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic ruling out a launch before the new film is released.

Land Rover Australia said a late arrival would reduce the special-edition V8 Bond model’s relevance, despite hot demand for the new Defender and Aussie consumers’ love for both V8 engines and Bond thrillers.

So, what are we missing out on?

Limited to just 300 examples and available in both Land Rover Defender 90 and 110 guise, the 007-inspired V8 Bond Edition features a range of special features including a blacked-out exterior and a numbered plaque inside the cabin.

An Extended Black Pack is added, along with 22-inch gloss black alloy wheels, signature Xenon Blue front brake callipers, a ‘Defender 007’ rear badge and ‘007’ puddle lamp graphics.

Illuminated scuff plates are also emblazoned with ‘Defender 007’, while there’s a specially developed start-up animation on the Defender’s 11.4-inch Pivi Pro central touch-screen.

At its beating heart is the supercharged 386kW/650Nm 5.0-litre V8 engine that’s now available for order in Australia – for delivery in 2022 – and can send the Defender 90 from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.2 seconds. The larger-bodied 110 takes 0.2sec longer.

“Demand is high and build slots are scarce, but we are still accepting orders for the 90 and 110 [Defender] V8 models,” a Land Rover spokesperson told carsales.

In the UK, the special Bond Edition SUV is priced from £105,395 ($A197,085) for the 90 or £108,040 ($A202,030) for the 110.

“The Land Rover Defender V8 Bond Edition is an exclusive take on the most powerful production Defender ever made, inspired by vehicles on screen in No Time To Die,” said Land Rover brand director Finbar McFall.

“It represents a meeting of two great British brands and is a unique celebration of Land Rover’s 38-year association with James Bond.”