Land Rover has unveiled the new Defender Octa, set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Touted as the most powerful and capable version of the 4×4, this model is exclusively available in the 110 body style. In India, the Defender Octa’s price starts at Rs 2.65 crore, with the Edition One, available only in the first year of production, starting at Rs 2.85 crore (both prices ex-showroom).
Engine and Performance of the Defender Octa
The Defender Octa, the inaugural model of the new Octa sub-brand for special-edition Defenders, boasts a 4.4-litre BMW-derived V8 engine. With an increased output of 635hp and 750Nm, it rivals the Mercedes-AMG G63. This powerhouse propels the 2,510kg SUV from 0-96 KpH in just 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 KpH. This performance nearly matches the Range Rover Sport SV and significantly outstrips the standard Defender V8, which uses an older supercharged engine, by 108hp.
Advanced Chassis Setup
Despite its impressive on-road capabilities, the Defender Octa primarily focuses on enhanced off-road performance. Engineers subjected the Octa to 13,960 tests to demonstrate its durability and versatility, covering over 10 lakh km in diverse and challenging environments worldwide. These tests included the sand dunes of Dubai, Sweden’s snow and ice circuits, the Nürburgring track, and the demanding Dakar Rally proving ground in southern France.
Central to this flexibility is the Octa’s sophisticated chassis setup. The model features the 6D Dynamics Suspension system from the Range Rover Sport SV, which hydraulically links the dampers to maintain cabin stability without a physical anti-roll bar. Additionally, the Octa is equipped with longer, tougher wishbones, enhanced underbody protection, and the quickest steering rack of any Defender, improving reaction times on extreme terrain and the track. It also includes a unique Octa setting that primes the SUV for challenging trails and features a dedicated off-road launch mode.
Defender Octa Off-Road Capabilities
The Defender Octa’s new front and rear bumpers enhance its maximum approach angle to 40 degrees (up from 37.5 degrees), departure angle to 42 degrees (up from 40 degrees), and breakover angle to 29 degrees (up from 27.9 degrees). Its ride height is 28mm higher than the Defender 110 V8, offering a maximum ground clearance of 319mm. The water wading capacity has increased by 100mm to one metre, and the maximum articulation has risen significantly to 569mm from the standard 110’s 430mm.
Octa Design and Features
The Defender Octa distinguishes itself from the standard model with flared arches, exclusive alloy wheels, and a higher ride. It features a new, more open grille design and a diamond-shaped Octa badge on its C-pillar. All Octa models come with a gloss black roof and tailgate. Inside, the Octa boasts new performance seats with a 3D-knit texture, integrated headrests, and a seamless finish, which will soon be available in other JLR vehicles. The Octa includes a top-tier 11.4-inch infotainment screen, a centre-console fridge, and standard Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather.
Variants
The Edition One, the most hardcore variant, features top-tier tyres, 20-inch wheels, a roof box, and a rear ladder. It includes carbon-fibre detailing, Faroe Green paint, and khaki interior upholstery. To maximize the flagship SUV’s performance, engineers developed a bespoke off-road tyre in partnership with Goodyear. These tyres, mounted on specially designed 20-inch rims, feature a unique tread pattern, though they limit the top speed to 160kph.
The more road-focused Octa variant comes with 22-inch alloys, all-season tyres, and retractable side steps. A less extreme alternative tyre balances the bespoke All-Terrains and standard road-focused all-seasons, enabling a top speed of 210kph.
Special colours such as Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Carpathian Grey, and Charente Grey will be available on the Octa. Matte finishes, including a protective film in all colours, will also be offered and will eventually be available for the standard Defender range.
The Octa will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Order bookings open on July 31 and the deliveries commencing later this year.
