When you think of the standard Land Rover Defender, rugged terrain and impressive capability come to mind. But what if you cranked that up to eleven? The new ‘Octa’ does just that. Named after the octahedron shape of a diamond, it is a high-performance SUV that takes everything great about the Defender and dials it up to off-road supercar levels.
With a monstrous engine, jaw-dropping off-road credentials, and enough exclusivity to make Range Rover owners jealous, the Defender Octa is here to rewrite the rulebook on off-road dominance. And it has just landed in India at a starting price of Rs 2.59 crore.
More Power, More Presence, More Everything
Land Rover isn’t playing around with the Octa. Under the hood is a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 sourced from BMW, churning out 626hp and 750Nm. If those numbers don’t make you grin, how about a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 4.0 seconds? That’s in the realm of serious supercars. Thanks to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, the Octa delivers blistering acceleration both on the tarmac and over treacherous terrain.
Unlike the older supercharged 5.0-litre V8 that powered the previous flagship Defenders, this new powerplant is leaner, meaner, and far more efficient. Land Rover claims a top speed of 250km/h (limited) when equipped with the right tires, and the quad-exhaust setup ensures it sounds every bit as aggressive as it looks.
Built To Conquer Anything
Land Rover claims to have subjected the Defender Octa to three years of brutal testing, covering everything from rally stages to the icy wastelands of Sweden. The result? An SUV that takes extreme conditions in its stride. The Octa sits 28mm higher than the standard Defender and flaunts a stance widened by 68mm, making it more planted than ever. This increased ground clearance, coupled with the ability to wade through up to a metre of water, ensures that no obstacle is too big.
To further cement its off-road credentials, the Defender Octa gets reworked suspension components, including longer wishbones, uprated dampers, and the revolutionary 6D Dynamics suspension. This hydraulically interlinked system adapts in real time, ensuring maximum traction and minimal body roll on any terrain.
The Nürburgring-Tuned Off-Roader
Yes, you read that right. Land Rover test drivers have been spotted thrashing Octa prototypes around the Nürburgring, defying physics as this boxy brute slides and squeals through tight corners. That level of dynamic performance doesn’t come easy. The Octa features the largest brakes ever fitted to a Defender, with 400mm front discs and six-piston calipers, ensuring stopping power matches its go-fast ability.
And then there’s Octa Mode — a brand-new performance-focused setting specifically tuned for high-speed off-roading. It tweaks the ABS, launch control, and gear shifts to maximize traction on loose surfaces. The result? Unparalleled confidence when pushing the Octa to its limits on sand, gravel, or rocky trails. Here’s the kicker: using Dynamic Launch mode temporarily boosts torque output to 800Nm for a stronger start off the line.
A Style Statement
The Defender Octa isn’t just about muscle; it’s got the looks to match. The stance is more aggressive, thanks to flared wheel arches and massive 20-inch or 22-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires. The front grille and bumpers have been redesigned, while the underbody now features a tough graphite spray.
Exclusive color options like Faroe Green and Petra Copper add a touch of sophistication. Every Defender Octa wears a special encircled diamond badge, a nod to its name, which is inspired by the toughest mineral on Earth — a diamond. This graphic is a mark of exclusivity, signaling that this isn’t just any Defender; it’s the flagship.
The Most Luxurious Defender Yet
Inside, the Defender Octa goes beyond utilitarian ruggedness. The Edition One variant showcases a stunning combination of Khaki and Ebony Ultrafabrics PU, which is 30% lighter than traditional leather. Chopped carbon fiber detailing adorns the cabin, reinforcing its high-performance character.
For audiophiles, Land Rover has introduced Body and Soul Seat technology, an immersive experience that integrates sound vibrations directly into the seats. Partnering with SUBPAC AI, the 700W Meridian Surround Sound System creates a multi-sensory experience that enhances the drive. And because luxury should never come at the expense of capability, the cabin remains highly functional with all-weather materials and a layout designed for adventure.
Ready For Indian Roads (And Beyond)
With an ex-showroom price tag of ₹2.59 crore for the standard Octa and ₹2.79 crore for the limited-run Edition One, this is the most expensive Defender ever. But for those seeking the ultimate go-anywhere, do-anything SUV, the Defender Octa is worth every rupee.
So, whether you’re tearing up dunes in Rajasthan, tackling the Himalayas, or just making a statement on the streets of Mumbai, the Defender Octa ensures you do it in style — and at breakneck speed.
