Land Rover recently unveiled its most powerful and focused Defender model to date, the Land Rover Defender Octa, at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. This new model, priced at £145,300, is named after the octahedral shape of diamonds and features a BMW-derived 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 engine producing an impressive 626bhp and 553lb ft of torque. With a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 155mph, the Defender Octa promises exhilarating performance both on and off-road.
Unique to the Defender Octa are bespoke bodywork elements such as widened track, extended arches, and 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires, giving it a more aggressive and purposeful appearance. The Octa also boasts the highest wading depth of any Defender at up to one meter, making it a capable off-road machine.
During a passenger ride at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, evo experienced the Octa’s dynamic capabilities firsthand. Chief engineer Shaun Birch highlighted the car’s 6D interconnected suspension system, tailored springs and dampers, and enhanced wheel articulation for improved off-road performance. The Octa’s chassis and suspension underwent an 18-month development process to ensure it can handle extreme usage scenarios while maintaining on-road refinement.
In terms of driving modes, the Octa features an Octa mode designed for loose surfaces, allowing for playful handling and increased wheel articulation. The car’s torque is biased rearwards in this mode, providing a softer suspension setup for rough terrain. Despite its off-road focus, the Octa remains stable and predictable on tarmac, offering a versatile driving experience.
Underneath the Octa, subtle enhancements like a 28mm increase in ride height and an aluminum alloy engine protection plate contribute to its off-road capability. Land Rover’s new 6D Dynamics suspension system, similar to that found in modern McLarens, minimizes pitch and body roll on the road while offering exceptional flexibility off-road. Additionally, the Octa features upgraded chassis components, larger front brake discs, and a dedicated anti-lock braking calibration for loose surfaces.
Inside, the Octa’s cabin sports a rugged design with new Performance seats for improved support and comfort. The Edition One variant offers exclusive features such as ‘3D Knit’ materials, chopped carbonfibre trim, and Khaki and Ebony Ultrafabric upholstery, along with a set of 20-inch forged wheels.
Overall, the Land Rover Defender Octa represents the pinnacle of the Defender lineup, combining unmatched power, agility, and off-road capability in a stylish and luxurious package. Scheduled for customer deliveries in the latter half of 2025, the Octa is set to redefine the boundaries of performance SUVs.