4.4 TDV8 diesel — AJD-V8 "Lion"

Last updated: 18 June 2012

The final and most capable L322 diesel: a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 making 313 hp and a huge 700 Nm from just 1,500 rpm, paired with the eight-speed ZF 8HP70. From 2011 its turbochargers were supplied by Honeywell to address reliability issues seen on the 3.6 setup. It is the strongest-pulling and most relaxed L322, and a favourite for towing.

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Photo: 4.4 TDV8 diesel engine bay

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ENGINE QUICK FACTS

Engine code	AJD-V8 'Lion'
Type	4.4 V8 twin-turbo diesel
Power	313 hp @ 4,000
Torque	700 Nm @ 1,500
0-60	7.8 s
Years	2011-2012
Gearbox	ZF 8HP70
Verdict	Best tow car; ~30 mpg

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

Strengths	Weaknesses
+ Massive 700 Nm; superb tow car	– Most expensive L322 to buy
+ 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	313 hp (230 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
Torque	700 Nm (516 lb-ft) @ 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

Manufacturer / period figures; real-world economy is typically lower. Petrols were often LPG-converted to cut fuel costs.

0-60 / 0-62 mph	7.8 sec
Top speed	124-131 mph
Economy	~30.0 mpg (combined)
CO₂ emissions	~253 g/km
Kerb weight	~2,505 kg (DIN)
Displacement	4,367 cc
Torque	700 Nm / 516 lb-ft @ 1,500-3,000
Real-world	owners report ~30+ mpg on a run

Power vs the L322 range

This engine	313 hp
Range span	177 hp (Td6) ——— 510 hp (5.0 S/C)

Design & technology

An enlarged development of the AJD-V8, the 4.4 keeps the twin-turbo V8 layout but raises capacity and output to 313 hp / 700 Nm. The big news for reliability was the switch to Honeywell turbochargers from 2011, addressing weaknesses of the 3.6's turbo setup. Mated to the new eight-speed ZF auto and the 2011 interior and 4x4 upgrades, it is the most modern and complete L322 powertrain.

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

The revised turbos improved on the 3.6, but this is still a complex twin-turbo diesel V8 that rewards diligent maintenance. The same preventive philosophy applies: fresh oil, cooling care and turbo cool-down — and the same caution about neglected examples.

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 ultimately want.

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