A Look At The 626BHP Defender Octa

£145,300 might seem like a lot of money for a Defender, but the new Defender Octa is the most powerful, extreme and capable version to date in the Land Rover brand. With a limited run of 1070 being produced and exclusively 110 size, it’s not a vehicle you’ll come across too often and bodes well for maintaining it’s value.

The power plant is the same 4.4 litre BMW derived V8 that can be found in the Range Rover, however it’s been tweaked up to 626bhp and 590lb ft of torque, eye wateringly fast for an SUV off road vehicle! No, really, 0-60mph takes just 3.8 seconds and the vehicle continues to pull right up to the 155mph limiter. Not bad considering the kerb weight of 2510kg.

However, all of these on road figures are irrelevant, the Defender Octa is a seriously capable off road vehicle. The engineers involved in this project have rigorously tested it’s durability around the world, tackling the harshest of conditions. From ice circuits and sand dunes, to the Nurburgring and Dakar Rally stages.

The intention of the project was to build a vehicle that takes any scenario in it’s stride. Re-imagining the original Defender concept ‘a vehicle that can go anywhere’. However to accompany this, the Octa has blistering on road performance, cutting edge technology and comfort features.

Defender Octa New Features

Suspension

The Octa is fitted with the 6D Dynamics suspension system that is found in the Range Rover Sport SV. This hydraulically links the dampers in all directions to actively keep the cabin stable without an anti roll bar. An perfect example of how technology has helped pushed the capabilities of off road vehicles.

Body & Appearance

New front and rear bumpers mean the Defender has an improved approach angle, without the risk of bottoming out. For similar reasons the ride height has increased by 28mm over the existing Defender 110 V8, leaving a max ground clearance of 319mm. The new flared arches not only give a super aggressive stance to the vehicle, they also allow more room within the arch when tackling uneven terrain.

Wading

With the higher ride height and a few clever changes the wading depth of the Defender Octa is now an impressive 100cm.

Wheels & Tyres

Here at Midlands LR we always prefer the look of an all terrain tyre on a Defender. The new Defender Octa comes with a freshly developed off-road tyre. When fitted to the 20 inch rims shown in the vehicles launch images, it’s the perfect set up. The only down side is the tyres are limited to 99mph top speed.

Many will opt for the less extreme alternative, which has better on road performance and compromises some of the off road ability. However we are betting it’s still very capable! This tyre is also capable of 130mph.

The most hardcore version of the Defender Octa will be the £158,000 Year One edition, this will come with 20-inch wheels, top-rung tyres, a roof box and rear ladder. It will feature more carbon fibre, Faroe Green paint and khaki interior features.

It will be nice to see some Defenders in more colours, with the release of the Defender Octa we can expect to see colours such as, Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey. Of course, there will be satin finishes too, which is factory applied PPF, however we can apply satin PPF here at Midlands LR if you prefer! We also offer Defender Wraps for a cheaper alternative.

The first deliveries of the Defender Octa are due later this year with orders commencing 31st July. An exciting year for the Defender brand!

What do we think?

Being petrol heads we really appreciate the V8 power plant that has been assigned to this ultimate off road vehicle. With electrification in the industry becoming the new norm, it’s nice to have these special edition vehicles utilising what may be the final years of the internal combustion engine. Not to mention, one with such a great soundtrack!

The original Defender pioneered the ‘go anywhere’ and ‘adventure’ style vehicle, we feel this new Defender Octa carries the same philosophy but in a far more sophisticated way. With JLR trying to differentiate their brands Defender, Discovery and Range Rover, the Octa reminds us when the Defender badge really means.

It’s a shame Defenders are used for school runs or a weekend supermarket dash, they are really capable vehicles. We understand if you’re spending thousands on a vehicle, not everyone wants to go and drive it over rocks and through bushes! However, if you ever have the chance to do a Land Rover experience day we thoroughly encourage you too. Experiencing the capability of these vehicles is fascinating, as soon as an Octa experience is available, we’ll be the first to sign up!

Visually the Defender Octa is pretty awesome, enough wide arches and lift appease anyones inner child, especially when you see it climbing the trickiest of terrains or spitting sand out the back whilst conquering a dune.

We look forward to seeing this beautiful new vehicle at Goodwood Festival of Speed this coming weekend. Following the first batch of deliveries later in the year we hope to have one through our doors to get a closer look and what promises to be an awesome machine.