Land Rover introduces the mighty Defender Octa
Land Rover unveiled the new Defender Octa, boasting it as the most powerful and capable version of their iconic 4×4 yet. Limited to the 110 body style, the Defender Octa starts at Rs 2.65 crore in India. For the first year of production, a special Edition One will be available for Rs 2.85 crore (ex-showroom).
The Land Rover Defender Octa boasts the heart of a beast: a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 borrowed from its cousin, the Range Rover Sport SV. But Land Rover has dialed things up a notch, squeezing out 635 horsepower and 750Nm of torque. This puts the 2.5-ton SUV in league with the mighty Mercedes-AMG G63.
With this much muscle, the Defender Octa rockets from 0-to-60 mph in a scorching 3.8 seconds, reaching a top speed of 155 mph. That puts it neck-and-neck with the Range Rover Sport SV in terms of pure speed and leaves the standard Defender V8 (powered by an older JLR unit) in the dust by a whopping 108 horsepower.
Don’t let the on-road fireworks fool you, though. Land Rover prioritized off-road prowess above all else with the Defender Octa. To ensure its legendary toughness and adaptability, engineers subjected it to a grueling gauntlet of 13,960 tests and clocked over a million kilometers in brutal terrains across the globe. From the scorching sands of Dubai to the icy wastes of Sweden, the Nürburgring race track to the unforgiving Dakar Rally proving grounds, the Defender Octa has been pushed to its limits and beyond.
The secret sauce behind Defender Octa’s impressive on and off-road handling lies in its cutting-edge chassis. Borrowing the 6D Dynamics suspension system from the Range Rover Sport SV, the Octa utilizes hydraulically linked dampers that connect front to rear and side to side. This smart setup keeps the cabin remarkably stable without needing a traditional anti-roll bar.
Further enhancing its capabilities, the Octa boasts longer, more robust wishbones and reinforced underbody protection. The steering rack is the quickest ever offered on a Defender, ensuring sharp reflexes when navigating challenging terrain or the racetrack.
Land Rover hasn’t stopped there. In addition to the standard drive modes, the flagship Defender boasts a brand new “Octa” setting specifically designed for conquering the toughest off-road trails. This mode even includes a dedicated off-road launch control feature for those situations where a powerful getaway is crucial.
Defender Octa Conquers Any Terrain
The Defender Octa isn’t just about brute power; it’s a master of off-roading with stats to prove it. New bumpers enhance approach (40 degrees), departure (42 degrees), and breakover (29 degrees) angles for tackling steeper inclines and descents. Compared to the Defender 110 V8, the ride height is lifted by 28mm, maxing out ground clearance at 319mm. Wading depth also sees a 100mm improvement, allowing you to navigate deeper water crossings with confidence.
Articulation, the key to a vehicle’s ability to maintain grip on uneven terrain, is significantly increased to a whopping 569mm, compared to the standard 110’s 430mm. Land Rover has developed bespoke off-road tires specifically for the Octa. These all-terrain beasts, designed in collaboration with Goodyear and wrapped around 20-inch rims, feature a unique tread pattern for optimal off-road performance. However, with this focus on conquering tough terrain, the top speed with these tires is limited to 160 kph.
For those who prioritize a balance between off-road capability and high-speed runs, a less extreme all-terrain tire option is available. This compromise allows the Defender Octa to reach speeds of up to 210 kph.
Design Cues for the Off-Road King
The Defender Octa isn’t shy about its intentions. Flared wheel arches, exclusive alloy wheels, and a lifted stance make a bold statement. A new, more open grille design adds a touch of aggression, and a diamond-shaped Octa badge on the C-pillar proudly announces its pedigree. All models come with a sleek gloss black roof and tailgate, completing the rugged yet sophisticated look.
The interior continues the theme of performance and luxury. New performance seats boast a 3D-knit texture, integrated headrests, and a seamless finish – a design element soon to be seen in other JLR vehicles. Standard features include the top-of-the-line 11.4-inch infotainment screen, a center console fridge for keeping provisions cool on adventures, and luxurious Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather upholstery.
Going Beyond Off-Road: The Defender Octa Edition One
The range-topping Defender Octa Edition One isn’t just powerful, it’s the most hardcore variant built to dominate any terrain. It boasts the most capable tires wrapped around exclusive 20-inch wheels, a roof box for extra storage on expeditions, and a rear ladder for easy access to the roof. Carbon fiber accents throughout the vehicle add a touch of sporty refinement, while the special Faroe Green paint job and khaki interior create a unique look.
For those who prefer a balance between off-road prowess and road comfort, the standard Defender Octa offers a more road-focused setup. This includes larger 22-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires and retractable side steps for easier entry and exit.
Also read : Mercedes-Benz EQA: India Launch Imminent
Striking a Pose: Color Options and Availability
The Defender Octa will be available in a range of eye-catching colors, including Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Carpathian Grey, and Charente Grey. For those who want an even bolder statement, matte finishes with a protective film will also be available, a feature planned to trickle down to the standard Defender range in the future.
The public will get its first glimpse of the Defender Octa at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. Order books open on July 31st, and deliveries are expected to begin later this year.
