Land Rover Defender Octa Revealed with 626bhp Twin-turbo V8; Prices Start at Rs 2.65 Crore in India

Land Rover has revealed its most extreme and powerful Defender – the Octa – days ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Defender Octa takes its name from the octahedron shape of a diamond – which is the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth. True to its name, the Octa has a 4.4-litre BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 engine that also powers the Range Rover. In the Octa, this engine cranks out 626bhp and 750Nm of torque (800Nm using launch mode), allowing the 3,230kg vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4 seconds before topping out at 250km/h. This puts the Octa in the same league as the Range Rover Sport SV. The powertrain also includes a mild-hybrid system (30bhp/180Nm) and a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The Land Rover Defender Octa comes in two variants: Octa and Edition One. In the Indian market, the former is priced at Rs 2.65 crore, while the latter (with carbon fibre elements inside and out) can be had at Rs 2.85 crore (both prices, ex-showroom). Bookings for the models will begin starting July 31.

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Land Rover Defender Octa: Chassis

Like the Range Rover Sport SV, the Defender Octa comes with Land Rover's 6D Dynamics suspension system, which is claimed to offer an unparalleled breadth of capability, comfort, and composure, whether on-road or off-road. The suspension system is a combination of hydraulic interlinked dampers, height-adjustable air springs, and pitch and roll control, allowing the Octa to 'maintain a near-level stance during acceleration, braking, and cornering on-road'. It additionally helps with independent wheel travel and articulation while off-roading. 

Hardware components also include longer and tougher wishbones, enhanced underbody protection, 400mm front disc brakes with Brembo callipers, as well as the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for quicker and more accurate responses both on the road and off the road. In addition to the standard driving modes, the vehicle gets a new Octa mode – the first-ever dedicated Defender off-road driving mode with a focus on performance. It has a built-in off-road launch mode for optimum acceleration on loose surfaces.

Land Rover Defender Octa: Exterior

Offered in a 110 body style, the Octa is 28mm taller and 68mm wider than the standard Defender 110 model, while the ground clearance stands at 319mm. Design-wise, the new vehicle stands out with a revised grille (with better under-bonnet airflow), extended wheel arches, a four-exit active exhaust system, and a new encircled diamond graphic on the signature graphic panel. The road-oriented Octa comes with 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped in all-season tyres, while the hardcore variant is distinguished by its 20-inch forged alloy wheels with a choice of advanced all-terrain tyres.  

Land Rover Defender Octa: Interior

On the inside, the Octa gets an 11.4-inch infotainment system, Body and Soul Seat audio technology, as well as all-new performance seats with more supportive bolsters, integrated headrests, and a seamless finish. The cabin of the standard Octa features a Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather with ebony Kvadrat fabric, while the Edition One comes with a dual-tone khaki and ebony seat upholstery. The latter, only available through the first year of production, also incorporates carbon fibre detailing.

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The Defender Octa's colour palette includes two new premium metallic finishes: Petra Copper and Faroe Green, alongside Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey, while all Octa models feature a contrast roof and tailgate in gloss Narvik Black.