Land Rover has introduced a new flagship model for the Defender family, the New Defender Octa. The brand claims it is the strongest, most capable and most luxurious model in the 4×4 family.
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To cut to the chase, the Octa (as the name suggests) is powered by a 4.4-litre Twin-Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, which is billed as the most powerful Defender yet, producing 467kW and up to 750Nm of torque, enabling it to do 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with high and low range gears.
“With the new Defender Octa, we have unleashed the full potential of Defender. It is the definition of the breadth of capability and a testament to what we can achieve by harnessing the very best technologies and talents within our engineering department. With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D Dynamics suspension technology, beautiful finishes and unique details, it is rare, incredibly strong and inherently desirable,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.
The Defender Octa’s exterior is bolder and more rugged than ever, with a clear character. The ride height has been raised by 28mm, the stance has been widened by 68mm and the wheel arches have been extended for a more imposing presence. Redesigned bumpers have improved approach and departure angles, while sturdy underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. It can also wade through up to a metre of water, making it a true off-road champion.
Land Rover took inspiration from the strongest mineral on earth, the diamond, when designing the Octa. The name refers to the octahedral shape of a diamond, which contributes to its strength and durability. This inspiration is also reflected in the new signature graphic that adorns the Octa, marking its position as the pinnacle of the Defender range. Every Defender Octa features the graphic, which incorporates a gleaming black diamond into a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.
The interior of the Defender Octa has been designed to match the boldness of the exterior. Land Rover offers new performance seats with more supportive bolsters and integrated head restraints, and has also introduced the innovative Body and Soul Seat audio technology for the first time in a Defender, further enhancing the cabin experience. Developed in partnership with music industry experts SUBPAC and Coventry University, the technology allows the driver and front passenger to feel the music, not just hear it. Six wellness programmes are available to help occupants relax or improve cognitive function, depending on their needs.
Two highly durable Ultrafabrics PU options are offered, delivering a 30% weight reduction compared to traditional leather. The Defender Octa Edition One comes as standard with the material in a Khaki and Ebony duo-tone with a 3D knitted textile for a modern, seamless finish. The standard Defender Octa interior features new Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather with KvadratTM textile trim in Ebony. Customers can also choose from Light Cloud and Lunar UltrafabricsTM PU or Ebony semi-aniline leather.
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Only available in the first year of production, this special edition features a carefully curated selection of features. The exterior is finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green paint colour. Chopped Carbon Fibre details add a touch of refinement and 20-inch forged alloy wheels are wrapped in off-road tyres or specially developed Advanced All-Terrain Tyres for superior grip on unpaved roads.
Land Rover introduces the world’s first hydraulically linked 6D Dynamics suspension technology, along with extensive hardware and geometry changes, to take off-road performance to new heights. The OCTA sits 28mm higher than the standard Defender and has a 68mm wider stance, for superior ground clearance and stability. To ensure exceptional handling on all terrains, the suspension features revised components, including longer, stronger wishbones and unique active dampers with separate accumulators.
These enhancements ensure maximum wheel articulation for off-road driving, while minimising body roll on paved roads. The Octa also features uprated 400mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers and the quickest steering ratio ever offered in a Defender, ensuring direct and precise responses.
Land Rover engineers have developed a rigorous testing and development programme specifically for the Octa, involving over 13,960 additional tests, including high-speed off-road durability evaluations.
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