The Land Rover Defender Octa is a bold statement in the luxury SUV market: a high-performance machine designed not just for comfort, but for serious off-road capability. This isn’t just an upgrade to the standard Defender; it’s a reimagining of what a Land Rover can be, blending supercar engineering with rugged adventure readiness.
Power and Performance
At the heart of the Octa is a modified BMW 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. This power isn’t just about straight-line speed—the Octa hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds despite its substantial weight. More importantly, the torque is available early in the rev range, providing the necessary grunt for navigating challenging terrain.
The key to this performance isn’t just the engine, but how it’s integrated with the vehicle’s chassis. Land Rover has equipped the Octa with a 6D Dynamic suspension system—a setup borrowed from McLaren that eliminates traditional anti-roll bars. This hydraulic system delivers exceptional on-road handling while retaining incredible articulation for off-road obstacles. The result is a vehicle that can both carve corners on pavement and crawl over rocks without breaking a sweat.
Engineering Details
The Octa receives significant upgrades beyond the suspension. Massive six-piston Brembo brakes with 15.7-inch rotors provide stopping power to match the engine’s output. While the standard 22-inch wheels are adequate, opting for the 20-inch wheels unlocks the availability of all-terrain tires, maximizing off-road grip.
A dedicated “Octa” mode sharpens handling, reduces body roll, and improves impact absorption for aggressive driving. This translates to a confident experience both on winding roads and rough trails. Land Rover also refined the steering ratio, providing better feedback and control.
The Competition
The Defender Octa stands out in a crowded field of high-end off-roaders. The Mercedes-AMG G63 is its closest competitor, but the G63 starts at a higher price point and requires an additional upgrade to match the Octa’s suspension capabilities. Other contenders, like the Ford Bronco Raptor and Jeep Wrangler 392, offer impressive off-road performance but lack the Octa’s blend of luxury and refinement.
Price and Drawbacks
The Octa does not come cheap. Starting at around $160,000, the First Edition model tested here exceeds $170,000. While expensive, the Octa offers more capability for the price compared to competitors like the G63. Reliability remains a question mark, as with any high-performance vehicle, but the Octa’s engineering prioritizes performance over long-term dependability.
The Octa has 12.7 inches of ground clearance, can ford 39.4 inches of water, and boasts approach and departure angles exceeding 40 degrees. This is a vehicle designed to tackle almost any environment.
The Defender Octa isn’t just a car; it’s an invitation to explore. Whether you’re crossing continents or simply seeking a more capable daily driver, this SUV delivers on its promise of adventure. The Land Rover Defender Octa is the ultimate expression of off-road luxury, a machine that redefines what an SUV can be.
