Land Rover has just revealed the most powerful Defender in history, the Defender OCTA. Presented as the toughest and most durable model in the Defender family, this new release is also set to be the most luxurious and performance-focused vehicle in the lineup.
Since 1948, Land Rover has been one of the most renowned off-road vehicle producers in the world. Introducing the Land Rover 90 and 110 in 1983, these models were renamed Defender in 1990 and would quickly become one of the most recognizable vehicles on the planet. After a short sabbatical in 2016 when the short-lived ‘Last Defender’ rolled off the production line, in 2020 an all-new model was released, the first complete redesign in the model’s history.
The brand new Defender OCTA continues the 41-year lineage of Defender but brings all the benefits of the modernized 2020 version, all wrapped in a brand new high-performance package. Inspired by diamond – one of the toughest but also luxurious materials on the planet – Defender OCTA is set to re-establish the Defender brand as a signifier of quality.
The 2025 Model Year Defender OCTA starts at $152,000. Those looking to get this new vehicle sooner should look to the Defender Edition One, available during the first year of production and starting at $167,800.
“With New Defender OCTA we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender,” said managing director of Defender, Mark Cameron. “It is 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 6D Dynamics suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable.”
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Performance personified
One of the key takeaways from the new Defender OCTA is its performance, which reaches levels never before seen in a Defender. All this is thanks to its engine, a 625 HP 4.4-liter Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8, capable of producing impressive performance, even for a vehicle as large as this one.
This punchy engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that features both high and low-range gears, illustrating the Defender OCTA remains heavily committed to its off-road roots.
Capable of propelling the vehicle to 155 mp/h and producing 553 lb-ft of torque, this new release is confidently the most powerful Defender in history. It’s not just top speed and torque that are taking home all the medals. The car can travel from 0–60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, blisteringly fast acceleration for a vehicle of its stature.
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Enhanced capabilities
While the Defender OCTA’s ludicrous performance is more than impressive, it’s far from the only new highlight under the hood. This new model introduces hydraulically interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology to the Defender lineup for the first time.
Wildly complicated, this technology essentially detects what kind of surface you are driving on, and automatically makes adjustments so the vehicle is primed and prepared for the new terrain. On-road, that means firmed-up suspension and reduced roll, instilling the driver with confidence. While off-road, the suspension is softer and wheel articulation is increased, improving comfort and control on looser bumpy surfaces.
All these changes are made automatically in rapid fashion, however the full capabilities of Defender OCTA’s driver modes like OCTA Mode, the first performance-focused off-road driver mode in Defender’s history. This mode enables off-road launch, creating optimum acceleration on tricky surfaces, in addition to off-road ABS, optimizing breaking on loose material.
“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,” said director of special vehicle operations, Jamal Hameedi. “They have re-engineered components throughout the vehicle to ensure Defender OCTA is the perfect companion for epic adventures.”
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The looks
The ruggedness and off-road capabilities are often what draw people to Defender, but sometimes they stick around for the looks. Who can blame them, the Defender is one of the most iconic vehicles for a reason. The new Defender OCTA understands this and has made a few tweaks and styling upgrades.
Partly to improve its capabilities over rough terrain, partly just because it looks great, the new Defender’s ride height is raised (helping it clear larger objects), its stance has been widened, while the wheel arches are larger than ever, giving a truly aggressive presence. Larger wheel arches were essential to accommodate the 33-inch diameter tires, the largest ever fitted to a production Defender.
While the outside is all action, the interior is finished with a luxury touch. As standard the new Defender OCTA is fitted with burnt sienna semi-aniline leather, however, this can be upgraded to ultrafabrics options.
This superior model also features the finest audio system ever in a Defender, the immersive Body and Soul Seat. In collaboration with industry experts, this system has been tuned to ensure both driver and passenger hear and feel the music.
The new Defender OCTA starts at $152,000, while Defender OCTA Edition One begins at $167,800.
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