4.4 TDV8 diesel: AJD-V8 "Lion"

The 4.4-litre twin-turbo diesel V8 produces 230 kW and 700 Nm. The MY2012 specification pairs it with the ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic. Compare the exact car and its service history.

AJD-V8 'Lion' 4.4 TDV8 twin-turbo diesel engine in a Range Rover L322

AJD-V8 'Lion' 4.4 TDV8, the 2011-2012 diesel · engine photo

ENGINE QUICK FACTS

Engine code	AJD-V8 'Lion'
Type	4.4 V8 twin-turbo diesel
Power	230 kW @ 4,000
Torque	700 Nm @ 1,500
0-100 km/h (UK 2012)	7.8 s
Years	2011-2012
Gearbox	ZF 8HP70
Verdict	4.4-litre twin-turbo diesel

AT A GLANCE Torque: ●●●●● 700 Nm · Refinement: ●●●●● superb · Tech: 8-speed auto, newest interior

Strengths	Weaknesses
+ Massive 700 Nm; superb tow car	– Check the current asking price
+ Revised Honeywell turbos	– Still a complex twin-turbo V8 diesel
+ Slick 8-speed ZF; latest cabin	– Big repair bills if neglected

Specifications

Engine code	AJD-V8 ("Lion" V8), 4.4-litre
Configuration	90° V8, twin-turbo diesel
Displacement	4,367 cc
Power	230 kW @ 4,000 rpm
Torque	700 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
Turbos	Honeywell (from 2011)
Gearbox	ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic?ZF 8HP70: ZF's eight-speed automatic, known for smooth, quick shifts and efficiency; uses ZF Lifeguard 8 fluid (not interchangeable with the 6-speed's Lifeguard 6).
Years in L322	2011-2012

Performance & economy

For the 2012 UK specification, 0-100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds and maximum speed is 210 km/h. Other figures below need to be checked against the exact car and measurement definition; manufacturer fuel-consumption figures are not a guarantee of real-world economy.

0-100 km/h	7.8 sec
Top speed	210 km/h (UK 2012 manufacturer figure)
Economy	~9.4 l/100km (combined)
CO₂ emissions	~253 g/km
Kerb weight	~2,505 kg (DIN)
Displacement	4,367 cc
Torque	700 Nm @ 1,500-3,000
Real-world	owners report under ~9.4 l/100km on a run

Power vs the L322 range

This engine	230 kW
Range span	130 kW (Td6) to 375 kW (5.0 S/C)

Design & technology

The 4.4 TDV8 is an enlarged development of the AJD-V8 with 230 kW and 700 Nm. The MY2012 example uses the ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic; this does not establish a lower failure rate than the 3.6.

Performance

700 Nm from just 1,500 rpm makes the 4.4 TDV8 majestically effortless, it surges from low revs and tows heavy loads without strain, while the 8-speed auto keeps it quiet and economical at a cruise. It is the connoisseur's L322 diesel.

Reliability

This is a complex twin-turbo diesel. Review the service history, diagnostic findings and condition of the cooling and turbo systems; a revised specification is not proof of improved reliability.

Common faults to check

Issue	Symptom & notes
Turbochargers	Improved (Honeywell) but still costly; cool down after hard runs.
Cooling system	Keep coolant fresh; check for leaks/overheating.
Alternator / electrics	As 3.6, check charging and battery health.
8HP70 fluid	Don't treat "lifetime fill" literally; check by ~80,000 km. Uses Lifeguard 8.
Service history	Decisive on a complex diesel, insist on full records.

Maintenance notes

Early, regular oil changes to protect turbos and internals.
Allow turbo cool-down after hard or motorway driving.
Service the 8-speed ZF fluid (Lifeguard 8) despite the "lifetime" label.
Maintain cooling system and check alternator/battery condition.

Verdict

VERDICT The best all-round L322 powertrain: huge torque, superb refinement, the newest gearbox and cabin, and improved turbos. It commands the highest prices and still demands proper diesel-V8 care, but a well-kept 4.4 TDV8 is the L322 many enthusiasts want most.

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