I Drove John Deere's New 8R 540 (600+ HP)

This is an early-access reveal event video, not a solo owner review: Spencer Hilbert drives the brand-new 8R 540 and 8RX at a John Deere R&D facility in Austin, alongside a 24-row planter demo, a ride-along in an autonomous 9RX with a disc ripper, and a walkaround of a new X9/S7 combine. It covers engine, transmission, hydraulics, ILS suspension, cab tech, and 56V electric off-board power, but skips pricing and long-term field testing. Best for shoppers wanting a first look at new features straight from Deere's launch event rather than independent hands-on impressions.

Spencer Hilbert is a farmer who runs older 8000-series Deere tractors on his own operation, but this particular video is an invited manufacturer press event, so expect an enthusiastic first-look rather than independent critique.