The 448DT (also known as the 4.4 SDV8) is Land Rover's 4.4-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine, the most powerful and durable diesel in the range. This guide covers every Land Rover model it was fitted to, how to confirm whether your car has one, and what to check when buying a replacement.
The Land Rover 448DT / 4.4 SDV8 is a 4.4-litre V8 turbo-diesel engine fitted to top-tier Land Rover models from 2010 onwards. It powers the L405 Range Rover and L494 Range Rover Sport, offering exceptional refinement, torque, and durability. To confirm if your Land Rover has this engine, check the engine code on the timing cover or use the Land Rover VIN decoder.
If you're unsure which engine is in your Land Rover, this guide will walk you through the identification process step-by-step.
The table below lists every Land Rover model, generation, and variant that uses the 448DT engine. This V8 diesel is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and refined diesel engines Land Rover ever produced, with no catastrophic bottom-end design flaws.
| Land Rover Model | Chassis Code | Variant | Power Output | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range Rover (L405) | L405 | TDV8, SDV8 | 335–339 PS | 2010–2021 |
| Range Rover Sport (L494) | L494 | SDV8 | 339 PS | 2013–2021 |
Important: The 448DT is the internal engine code for what Land Rover markets as the 4.4-litre TDV8 or SDV8. It is a completely different engine from the earlier 3.6 TDV8 (368DT) and the later 4.4-litre Ingenium-based diesel (AJ20D6). The 448DT is a Ford-sourced "Lion" V8 engine, renowned for its durability when properly maintained. See the 448DT Knowledge Centre for full technical details.
There are three reliable ways to confirm whether your Land Rover is fitted with the 448DT / 4.4 SDV8 engine. Use the method that best suits your situation.
Open the bonnet and locate the engine code label on the timing cover or cylinder head. The code will be clearly stamped as 448DT or 4.4 SDV8. This is the most direct method.
Your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) can be decoded to reveal the engine type. The 8th character of the VIN indicates the engine. For the 448DT, this will be a specific letter (often 'G' or 'H' depending on the exact power output). You can verify this using a free online Land Rover VIN decoder.
The V5C logbook includes the engine number, which can be cross-referenced with Land Rover's engine list. While this is less direct than the other methods, it is a useful secondary check if the engine label is not accessible.
If you’re still unsure, the Engine Compatibility Checker can help you match your vehicle details to the correct engine.
Getting the engine code right is critical — especially if you are considering a replacement. Installing the wrong engine variant can lead to:
Always check the Engine Code Guide and consult a specialist before purchasing a used or reconditioned engine. The 448DT is generally robust, but cross-referencing the exact engine code with your vehicle's chassis ensures a smooth replacement.
For real-world cost guidance, see our replacement cost by engine code page. And if your 448DT has failed, the timing chain diagnosis guide provides insight into common issues (though the 448DT is far less prone to chain problems than earlier engines).
The 448DT / 4.4 SDV8 is frequently confused with other Land Rover diesel engines. Here's what to look out for to avoid a costly mistake.
The earlier 3.6-litre V8 diesel (368DT) is a completely different engine used in L322 Range Rover and early L320 Range Rover Sport. It has a known crankshaft fracture risk and a smaller displacement. The 448DT is a later, much more durable Ford-sourced unit. They are not interchangeable.
Read about the 368DT 3.6 TDV8The 508PS is also a 4.4-litre V8 diesel but with a different engine management system and higher power output (508 PS). It appears in some later L405 and L494 models. While related, the 508PS has different ECU mapping and emissions equipment. Always confirm the exact engine code.
Read about the 508PS SDV8The 3.0-litre V6 diesel (306DT) is a smaller engine used in Discovery 4, L405, and L494. It is a V6, not a V8, and has a completely different block, turbocharger setup, and ECU. The 448DT V8 is physically larger and requires different mounting points and ancillaries.
Read about the 306DT V6If you are still unsure, use the full Land Rover fitment matrix or contact a vetted Land Rover specialist to confirm the right engine for your car.
448DT is the internal engine code used by Land Rover and Ford (the engine family is Ford's Lion V8). 4.4 SDV8 is the marketing name. They refer to the same engine. The 448DT code is found on the engine block itself.
The easiest way is to check your VIN. The 8th character of the VIN indicates the engine type. For the 448DT, it will be a specific letter (often 'G' for TDV8 or 'H' for SDV8 in some markets). You can also use the Land Rover VIN decoder on this site.
Yes. The 448DT is widely considered one of the most reliable diesel V8s Land Rover ever used. Unlike the 3.6 TDV8, the 4.4 SDV8 does not have a catastrophic crankshaft bearing design flaw. Common issues are minor, such as oil cooler leaks in the valley of the V8 and coolant crossover pipe failures. For a detailed verdict, see the 448DT Knowledge Centre.
Yes, the engine block itself is interchangeable between L405 and L494 models that use the same platform, but you must check the ECU compatibility and ensure ancillary components (turbo, injectors, wiring loom) match the chassis. It is not a simple plug-and-play swap for most DIYers. Always consult a specialist.
Based on our internal quote data [EM-QUOTE], a reconditioned 448DT engine supply-only ranges from £6,000 to £9,000. Fitting costs (R&R labour) at an independent specialist are typically £1,170–£1,560 due to the V8 complexity. A used engine may be cheaper, but condition and provenance are critical. See the replacement cost guide for more detail.
The engine code is 448DT. You can find it on a label on the timing cover, or by decoding the VIN. The power output variant (TDV8 vs SDV8) does not change the base engine code.
The 448DT / 4.4 SDV8 is Land Rover's most durable and refined diesel V8. It offers exceptional performance, refinement, and—crucially—reliability, without the catastrophic bearing failure that plagued the earlier 3.6 TDV8. The biggest risk is misidentification — buying the wrong engine for your chassis is an expensive mistake that can be avoided by using the methods above.
If your 448DT has failed and the cost of replacement exceeds approximately 60% of your Land Rover's current market value, you may need to consider whether replacement is financially viable. However, given the high retained values of L405 and L494 examples, a reconditioned engine is often a sensible investment, especially if the rest of the vehicle is in good condition.
Always use a vetted Land Rover specialist for the work, and ensure the replacement engine is correctly coded to your vehicle's ECU.
Use the Repair vs. Replace CalculatorReady to check your engine or get a quote? Compare prices from vetted specialists.