Defender OCTA: Land Rover’s Most Powerful Twin-Turbo V8 SUV Unveiled
Overview
Land Rover has introduced the Defender OCTA, the most capable and performance-oriented Defender to date.
Developed by Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), the OCTA combines a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mild-hybrid engine with advanced chassis systems.
The result is a model that delivers supercar-level power while retaining the Defender’s core off-road DNA.
Built on the Defender 110 body, it features significant structural, drivetrain, and interior upgrades to meet both luxury and endurance standards.
Powertrain and Performance
- Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 MHEV
- Output: 635 PS (626 hp) and 750 Nm torque
- Dynamic Launch Torque Peak: 800 Nm (short bursts)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with high- and low-range transfer case
- Acceleration (0–100 km/h): 4.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
The twin-turbo V8 provides instant torque and sustained power, supported by an upgraded cooling system and reinforced driveline. Heavy-duty shafts ensure durability under the increased load, while the mild-hybrid system smooths response and efficiency.
Suspension and Dynamics
The OCTA introduces 6D Dynamics — a new suspension architecture using hydraulic interlinking between dampers.
This system minimizes body roll during acceleration, braking, and cornering, keeping the vehicle level without stiffening the ride.
Off-road, it allows independent wheel articulation for improved traction on uneven terrain.
Compared to the standard Defender 110:
- Ride height: +28 mm
- Track width: +68 mm
- Ground clearance: 323 mm
- Approach angle: 40.2°
- Departure angle: 42.8°
- Breakover angle: 29°
- Wading depth: 1 metre
These figures make the OCTA one of the most capable production off-roaders on the market, maintaining stability through deep water, mud, or rock.
Exterior Design
The OCTA features a distinct, performance-focused identity:
- Unique OCTA badging on grille and tailgate
- Gloss Black upper and lower grilles
- Graphite Atlas bumpers
- Phosphor Bronze detailing on lettering and recovery eyes
- 22-inch forged alloys (optional 23-inch)
- Matrix LED headlights with signature DRL
- Quad exhaust outlets with black ceramic finish
The wider stance, raised body, and aerodynamic detailing highlight function and power while retaining Defender’s recognizable proportions.
Interior and Features
Inside, the OCTA elevates the Defender’s utilitarian roots with refined materials and high-end comfort systems.
- 14-way heated and cooled front seats with memory
- Semi-aniline leather or Kvadrat™ textile upholstery
- Electrically adjustable steering column
- Illuminated metal treadplates with “DEFENDER” script
- Three-zone climate control
- Cabin Air Purification Plus
- Configurable ambient lighting
- Edge-illuminated paddle shifters
- Dynamic / OCTA Mode selector directly on steering wheel
The cabin reflects both craftsmanship and functional design — equally suited for performance driving or expedition use.
Technology and Driver Assistance
Standard systems include:
- 3D Surround Camera and 360° Parking Aid
- Wade Sensing
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Assist
- Lane Keep Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Hill Launch Assist
- Dynamic and Roll Stability Control
- All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC)
Infotainment is powered by Pivi Pro, with navigation, voice control, smartphone integration, and over-the-air updates.
Editions and Pricing
Two main specifications are available:
- Defender OCTA — standard model
- Defender OCTA Edition One — launch version featuring exclusive paints, trims, and wheel designs
Indicative European pricing starts from €163,000, depending on market and configuration.
Specification Summary
| Specification | Data |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 MHEV |
| Power | 635 PS (626 hp) |
| Torque | 750 Nm (800 Nm Dynamic Launch) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| 0–100 km/h | 4.0 s |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h |
| Ground Clearance | 323 mm |
| Wading Depth | 1 m |
| Starting Price (EU) | from €163,000 |
Conclusion
The Land Rover Defender OCTA merges the brand’s off-road heritage with modern performance engineering.
Its twin-turbo V8, widened chassis, and 6D Dynamics suspension make it the most powerful and composed Defender ever built.
By entering the high-performance off-road segment, Land Rover positions the OCTA as both a technical achievement and a statement of capability — combining luxury, strength, and precision engineering in one machine.
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