Alternatively, I won't blame you if you think it's named after the RMS Carpathia.
Photography by David S. Wallens
No, you don’t need to call anyone, Land Rover hasn’t embodied the spirit of Vigo the Carpathian into this Defender 90.
Instead, the Carpathian Edition is in reference to the mountain range of the same name that extends through parts of Central and Southeast Europe.
Exclusive to the V8-powered Defenders, the Carpathian Edition features a unique exterior shade of Carpathian Grey with a matte protective film as well as a tailgate, hood and roof finished in black.
While no trick off-road gear or additional power is included, it doesn’t hurt that the Defender 90 V8 packs a 518-horsepower, supercharged V8 under the hood. This powerplant, Land Rover says, can accelerate the over 5000-pound vehicle to 60 mph in just under five seconds–and keep accelerating to a top speed of 149 mph. (Watch out I-4.)
Fuel economy? The ratings are better than you’d probably think: 19 mpg on the highway and 15 mpg in the city for a combined 16 mpg. Whether this holds up in the world, however, is likely dependent on how disciplined the driver is with the gas pedal.
MSRP for the Defender 90 starts at $56,400. Upgrade to the V8 model and the sticker price nearly doubles to $108,200. But wait: To get the Carpathian Edition like the one we have here, you’ll have to shell out $155,300.
Our Defender 90 also comes fitted with a front undershield, off-road tires and WiFi. (Yes, really.) Final price, including destination and delivery? $118,285.
Questions? Comments? Drop them below, and follow along as we review this 2024 Land Rover Defender 90 Carpathian Edition.
Alternatively, I won't blame you if you think it's named after the RMS Carpathia.
Need to cross the Serengeti? Dive deep into the uncharted wilds of the West? Simply climb a gnarly slope?
Then this could be your huckleberry.
Highway driving and the usual daily grind in suburbia? Not so much.
The Land Rover Defender simply falls out of its element on the interstate. It wanders, it weaves. The short wheelbase and knobby tires don’t do it much favors there. Fuel economy in the teens.
Oddly, not as much wind noise as expected.
Yes, the back seat is that difficult to access. And the rear storage is comically small. The things we do for fashion–and, for the hardcore, perhaps to tackle serious approaches.
So, who’s this for? The select few willing and able to take a six-figure vehicle off the road or those who desire the latest fashion accessory.
Perhaps JG put it best: So, um, when are they delivering the rest of it?
How small is the way back?
About this small:
It does get a cover, though:
The trunk mat is beefy. Heavy. It has a liner or sorts, too.
Oh yeah, center console chiller. So the Defender is rough and tumble but has a softer side, too.
Plenty of power. No lag. No waiting.
The transmission offers crisp shifts in drive.
Solid brake pedal.
It’s all just matched with that short wheelbase and rather tall ride. Perfect for canyons, not bad around town, a little tiring on the highway. Let your (real) usage and checkbook be your guide. I guess you can say it’s like the off-road version of a Z06 or GT3 Porsche in that it’s not for everyone but aimed at a very targeted market.
I imagine the Defender 110 would be easier to live with, assuming you need more than a driver and passenger seat.
Of course, there's also the even-longer Defender 130.
David S. Wallens said:Need to cross the Serengeti? Dive deep into the uncharted wilds of the West? Simply climb a gnarly slope?
Then this could be your huckleberry.
Highway driving and the usual daily grind in suburbia? Not so much.
The Land Rover Defender simply falls out of its element on the interstate. It wanders, it weaves. The short wheelbase and knobby tires don’t do it much favors there. Fuel economy in the teens.
So basically a Wrangler in a three piece suit.
Puddy46 said:David S. Wallens said:Need to cross the Serengeti? Dive deep into the uncharted wilds of the West? Simply climb a gnarly slope?
Then this could be your huckleberry.
Highway driving and the usual daily grind in suburbia? Not so much.
The Land Rover Defender simply falls out of its element on the interstate. It wanders, it weaves. The short wheelbase and knobby tires don’t do it much favors there. Fuel economy in the teens.
So basically a Wrangler in a three piece suit.
Yeah. And one of those fancy suits.
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