2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA Is A 626HP Off-Roading Beast!

Introducing the all-new Defender OCTA, a new hero for the original British adventure brand Defender. The toughest, most capable and most luxurious model in the 4×4 family, the OCTA takes the capability of the Defender 110 to an unparalleled level.

Powered by a 4.4‑liter twin-turbo mild‑hybrid V8 engine, the OCTA model is the most powerful Defender ever, with 626 HP and 553 lb‑ft of torque, rocketing this luxo-SUV from 0‑60mph in just 3.8 seconds. Heavily revised chassis components with innovative technologies, including 6D Dynamics suspension, help ensure its dynamic capabilities are taken to new heights.

The OCTA’s exterior is bolder and tougher than ever, with a distinct character. The ride height is raised, its stance widened, and wheel arches extended for incredible presence. Redesigned bumpers give improved approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. And it will wade deeper than any production Defender vehicle before it too – through up to 3.3 ft of water.

“With New Defender OCTA we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender. It’s the very definition of breadth of capability, and a testament to what we can achieve utilizing the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division. With its powerful V8 engine, ground‑breaking suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough & inherently desirable” – Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender

The Defender OCTA name is derived from one of the toughest and most desirable minerals on earth (a diamond) and the octahedral shape that gives them their distinctive appearance and durability. This shape also inspired the new signature graphic, which denotes it as the flagship Defender vehicle – strong and resilient, yet striking, rare and desirable.

Every Defender OCTA wears a new encircled diamond graphic, including a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.

The tough luxury of Defender OCTA is epitomized by Defender OCTA Edition One, which is available in the first year of production. It features a curated specification, finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green paint color with a Khaki and Ebony Ultrafabrics and seam‑less 3D Knit interior, new Chopped Carbon Fiber detailing, and 20‑inch forged alloy wheels with a choice of all‑terrain or optional specially developed Advanced All‑Terrain Tires.

Unparalleled Performance

The new Defender OCTA brings unheard of performance to the Defender brand. Powered by a 626 horsepower 4.4‑liter twin-turbo mild‑hybrid V8 engine mated to an eight‑speed automatic transmission with high and low range gears, it is the most powerful Defender vehicle ever. New Defender OCTA will reach up to 155mph when fitted with 22‑inch lightweight alloy wheels and all‑season tires.

With 553 lb‑ft of torque (up to 590 lb‑ft with Dynamic Launch Mode selected) and tuned to suit the vehicle’s outstanding all‑terrain performance, the Defender OCTA accelerates from 0‑60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while peak torque is available from 1,800 rpm through to 6,000 rpm, for exceptional drivability.

Incredible Capability and Durability

The Land Rover Defender OCTA’s dynamic capabilities go well beyond what any Defender has achieved before, with the introduction of hydraulically‑interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology for the first time on a Defender, alongside extensive hardware and geometry changes. Uniquely, it’s designed to be as fun to drive on‑road as off‑road with no compromises.

The Defender OCTA sits 1.1 inches higher and has a stance widened by 2.7 inches for superior ground clearance and stability. To help ensure confidence and control on various terrain, with both maximum wheel articulation off‑road and reduced roll on‑road, revised suspension components include longer and tougher wishbones, and unique active dampers with separate accumulators. It also features uprated 15.7 in front brake discs with 6-Piston Brembo calipers and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for immediate, precise, responses.

A bespoke testing and development program with more than 13,960 additional tests, including high‑speed off‑road durability, as well as high‑speed on‑road durability, had to be created for Defender OCTA, as the team entered realms of capability and robustness that have never been explored before.

“Our high‑performance experts have achieved the impossible with Defender OCTA, working tirelessly over the past three years to create the most capable Defender ever made – regardless of which surface it is enjoyed on. They have re‑engineered components throughout the vehicle to ensure Defender OCTA is the perfect companion for epic adventures.” – Jamal Hameedi, Director of SVO, JLR

An advanced network of hydraulically‑interlinked continuously variable semi‑active dampers virtually eliminates pitch and body roll on‑road, the 6D Dynamics system also contributing to unprecedented comfort and refinement for Defender.

On rough terrain, 6D Dynamics enables greater wheel articulation meaning clients can take their adventures even further and in superior comfort.

The full capabilities of the Defender OCTA – which can automatically detect which surface it is being driven on and optimize its dynamic settings accordingly – are unlocked via its enhanced drive modes. In addition to the default Comfort Mode, Dynamic Mode provides the ultimate performance‑focused on‑road experience, tuning the vehicle’s steering, throttle & suspension settings with one press of the transparent signature logo button on the steering wheel.

A long press of the same button accesses OCTA Mode, the 1st ever dedicated Defender off‑road driving mode with a performance focus. This has been specially developed to help ensure control and driver confidence. OCTA Mode also enables an Off‑Road Launch mode designed for optimum acceleration on loose surfaces. And, when combined with the lowest traction control settings (TracDSC or DSC off) it also engages a unique Off‑Road ABS calibration designed for optimum braking performance on loose surfaces too.

For more technical off‑road maneuvers, a suite of familiar Terrain Response modes remain at the driver’s fingertips, with specific calibrations for Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass Gravel Snow, and Rock Crawl – assisted by off‑road driver aids such as ClearSight Ground View, which effectively makes the bonnet transparent for improved visibility.

Confident Exterior

The imposing presence and all‑terrain focus gives the Defender OCTA a bold new attitude. It features 33‑inch diameter tires, the largest ever fitted to a production Defender, including a Goodyear Advanced All‑Terrain Tire developed specifically for the OCTA model. This has required extended wheel arches, which complement off‑road‑optimized front bodywork with unique grille designs allowing greater under‑bonnet airflow, a new rear bumper incorporating a four‑exit active exhaust system, tough underbody protection including an aluminum alloy front under shield with graphite finish and exposed Phosphor Bronze‑finished front and rear recovery points.

The Defender OCTA color palette includes two exclusive new premium metallic finishes: Petra Copper and Faroe Green, alongside Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey, while all Defender OCTA models feature a contrast roof and tailgate in gloss Narvik Black. Clients can further personalize their vehicle with optional Matte Protective Film for added body protection in harsh environments, also adding a sophisticated appearance that showcases its distinctive silhouette and sophisticated surfacing.

Faroe Green is exclusively available on Defender OCTA Edition One, as is Chopped Carbon Fiber detailing. This highly distinctive finish, which includes recycled raw materials, features on the Defender bonnet script, fender vent surrounds and bonnet vent surrounds, plus the front seatbacks and center console trim inside.

Engaging, Immersive Interior

Inside, curated selections set the new Defender OCTA apart. Two highly durable Ultrafabrics options are available. This seat finish is standard on Defender OCTA Edition One, in duo‑tone Khaki and Ebony, with a 3D‑knit textile and reductive, seamless finish.

For the Defender OCTA, the standard interior is a new Burnt Sienna semi‑aniline leather, with Kvadrat textile trim in Ebony. The Defender OCTA can also be specified with Ultrafabrics in Light Cloud and Lunar, or semi‑aniline leather in Ebony.

The front row of the Defender OCTA features all‑new Performance Seats with more supportive bolsters (to keep you in place during spirited driving) and integrated headrests. The close association of Defender with music is brought to the fore with immersive Body and Soul Seat audio technology – available for the first time in a Defender vehicle.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA starts at $152,000, while the Defender OCTA Edition One, which is available through the first year of production, starts at $167,800. 

What do you think of the Land Rover Defender OCTA?