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Land Rover has taken the wraps off its new Defender OCTA, which goes to the extremes with more on-road grunt and off-road capability all in one single package. Extra punch comes from a brand new, BMW-derived V8, and there are more off-road upgrades to boost this SUV's performance away from the grid. Aside from being the most powerful and most capable model, this new range-topping Defender will also be the most expensive––it sets you back $153,475 before options.
Starting under the hood, there's a new 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 626 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which far exceeds the 518 hp made by the old 5.0 liter supercharged V8 and makes this the most powerful Defender ever. The OCTA will have the ability to reach a top speed of 155 mph with the right tires, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is snappy enough to send power in time for a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.8 seconds. It's worth mentioning that this engine comes from BMW and is already available on a selection of current Range Rovers, which means the sweet V8 tune coming through the OCTA's quad exhaust system should be slightly familiar.
For optimal performance off the pavement, the OCTA boasts an extra 1.1 inches of ground clearance over the standard Defender, and its track is 2.7 inches wider. There's also a model-specific drive mode accessed through long-pressing a steering wheel button, and it's said to provide different tuning and an off-road launch control mode. A selection of wheels and tires range from 20 to 22 inches, and the front brakes have been enlarged. Aside from the proportional changes, this new top-of-the-line Defender looks properly mean with flared fenders, tweaks to the bumpers and grille, blacked-out wheel options, and a row of yellow marker lights donning the front end as part of a requirement related to the OCTA's extensive width.
Inside, there's a new set of hardcore-looking seats that can be upholstered in a broad range of materials, including semi-aniline leather, Ultrafabric, or Kvadrat textile. Land Rover has included a new feature that vibrates the seats to the beat of the music, and there are integrated speakers there as well. Aside from the seats, the rest of the cabin should look quite familiar, save for some different colors and trim options. The flagship OCTA Edition One, for example, is offered with dark green upholstery and forged carbon trim.
As for why Land Rover is calling this wild Defender the OCTA, that's because it's named after the distinct octahedron shape of a diamond. And much like how real diamonds are few and far between, the automaker is only building 300 OCTA units for now to keep demand strong, though we expect to see the model continue for a longer production run in the future. If not, Land Rover could at least offer a similar package with the same BMW V8 living in the engine bay.
For now, customers will be able to choose from either the base OCTA or the extra special Edition One package. The former opens things up at a pricey $153,475, while the Edition One adds unique 20-inch wheels and exclusive interior furnishings for an eye-watering $169,275. Options will include a tough-looking matte wrap, and the OCTA will be limited to the five-seater 110 configuration.
Order books for the initial 300 units are open now, and Land Rover will be giving the OCTA a proper in-person debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and its famed hill climb later this month.
Image Credits: Land Rover
Revealed
Jul 6, 2024
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Land Rover Defender OCTA Pulls Out All The Stops With More Power, Off-Road Cred
The 626-hp twin-turbo V8 from BMW makes this the most powerful Defender yet.
Land Rover has taken the wraps off its new Defender OCTA, which goes to the extremes with more on-road grunt and off-road capability all in one single package. Extra punch comes from a brand new, BMW-derived V8, and there are more off-road upgrades to boost this SUV's performance away from the grid. Aside from being the most powerful and most capable model, this new range-topping Defender will also be the most expensive––it sets you back $153,475 before options.
Starting under the hood, there's a new 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 626 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, which far exceeds the 518 hp made by the old 5.0 liter supercharged V8 and makes this the most powerful Defender ever. The OCTA will have the ability to reach a top speed of 155 mph with the right tires, and the eight-speed automatic transmission is snappy enough to send power in time for a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.8 seconds. It's worth mentioning that this engine comes from BMW and is already available on a selection of current Range Rovers, which means the sweet V8 tune coming through the OCTA's quad exhaust system should be slightly familiar.
For optimal performance off the pavement, the OCTA boasts an extra 1.1 inches of ground clearance over the standard Defender, and its track is 2.7 inches wider. There's also a model-specific drive mode accessed through long-pressing a steering wheel button, and it's said to provide different tuning and an off-road launch control mode. A selection of wheels and tires range from 20 to 22 inches, and the front brakes have been enlarged. Aside from the proportional changes, this new top-of-the-line Defender looks properly mean with flared fenders, tweaks to the bumpers and grille, blacked-out wheel options, and a row of yellow marker lights donning the front end as part of a requirement related to the OCTA's extensive width.
Inside, there's a new set of hardcore-looking seats that can be upholstered in a broad range of materials, including semi-aniline leather, Ultrafabric, or Kvadrat textile. Land Rover has included a new feature that vibrates the seats to the beat of the music, and there are integrated speakers there as well. Aside from the seats, the rest of the cabin should look quite familiar, save for some different colors and trim options. The flagship OCTA Edition One, for example, is offered with dark green upholstery and forged carbon trim.
As for why Land Rover is calling this wild Defender the OCTA, that's because it's named after the distinct octahedron shape of a diamond. And much like how real diamonds are few and far between, the automaker is only building 300 OCTA units for now to keep demand strong, though we expect to see the model continue for a longer production run in the future. If not, Land Rover could at least offer a similar package with the same BMW V8 living in the engine bay.
For now, customers will be able to choose from either the base OCTA or the extra special Edition One package. The former opens things up at a pricey $153,475, while the Edition One adds unique 20-inch wheels and exclusive interior furnishings for an eye-watering $169,275. Options will include a tough-looking matte wrap, and the OCTA will be limited to the five-seater 110 configuration.
Order books for the initial 300 units are open now, and Land Rover will be giving the OCTA a proper in-person debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and its famed hill climb later this month.
Image Credits: Land Rover
