JLR has introduced the new Land Rover Defender OCTA – the toughest and most powerful version of the Defender to date. The SUV will make its public world premiere and debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Story by Mayank Singh. A first look at the Defender Octa was conducted in an exclusive media event in the United Arab Emirates.

Powered by a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine it offers 635PS and up to 750Nm of torque enabling 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds), the OCTA takes the capability of Defender 110 to the next level.

The Defender OCTA derives its name from the toughest and most desirable mineral on earth – a diamond – and its signature eight-sided shape. This inspiration is evident in its signature diamond shape graphic, which denotes it as the flagship Defender – strong and resilient, yet striking, rare and desirable.

Dynamic capability

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

Defender OCTA sits 28mm higher and has a stance widened by 68mm, for superior ground clearance and stability. To ensure unparalleled confidence and control on any 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 400mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for immediate, precise, responses.

The full capabilities of New Defender OCTA – which can automatically detect which surface it is being driven on and optimise 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 and 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 first ever dedicated Defender off-road driving mode with a performance focus. This has been specially developed to ensure ultimate control and driver confidence. OCTA Mode also enables an Off-Road Launch mode for optimum acceleration on loose surfaces. Moreover, when combined with the lowest traction control settings (TracDSC or DSC off) it engages a unique Off-Road ABS calibration for optimum braking performance on loose surfaces too.

Distinct character

Stylistically, the 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.

In addition, it wades through up to one metre of water – deeper than any Defender before.

The Defender OCTA is poised to redefine what is possible from a luxury off-roader, offering an unparalleled blend of performance, capability, and style.

*Stay tuned for the full coverage in the July Edition of Oman Economic Review magazine.