Land Rover Defender Octa blends off-road capability with high-performance luxury
Land Rover has introduced the most powerful and off-road-focused version of its iconic SUV in India — the Defender Octa. Priced from Rs. 2.59 crores (ex-showroom), the Octa sits at the top of the Defender line-up and brings a host of enhancements in performance, design and capability. A limited-run Edition One variant, featuring additional off-road upgrades, is also on offer at Rs. 2.79 crores, available only during the model’s first year of production.
Design and Exterior Highlights
The Defender Octa is offered exclusively in the long-wheelbase 110 body style and carries a more aggressive appearance compared to standard versions. Wider wheel arches, a redesigned front fascia, a larger grille and gloss-black elements on the roof and tailgate contribute to its distinctive presence. Standard 22-inch wheels wrapped in all-season tyres add to its road-focused stance, while the Edition One trim opts for 20-inch wheels with more rugged off-road tyres.
Four exclusive exterior colours — Carpathian Grey, Charente Grey, Faroe Green and Petra Copper — are available, each of which can be optioned with a matte protective finish for added durability and style.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Octa retains much of the familiar Defender layout but introduces several unique elements. These include an upgraded 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, semi-aniline Burnt Sienna leather upholstery, and a centre console mini-fridge.
The most notable interior update is the addition of new performance seats with integrated headrests, enhanced bolstering and a 3D-knit fabric. These seats also incorporate Land Rover’s Body and Soul Seat audio system, which vibrates in sync with the vehicle’s audio output to enhance the sensory experience.
Off-Road Enhancements
Engineered to be the most capable Defender ever built, the Octa debuts Land Rover’s new 6D Dynamics suspension system. This advanced setup uses hydraulically linked dampers to improve wheel articulation off-road and reduce body roll and pitch during on-road driving, removing the need for traditional anti-roll bars.
Further upgrades include longer and more robust wishbones, enhanced underbody protection and increased ground clearance — now up to 319 mm. A bespoke drive mode with off-road launch control is also featured. As a result, approach, departure and breakover angles have all been improved, as have the SUV’s wading depth and articulation limits.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Defender Octa houses a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mild-hybrid engine, shared with the Range Rover but tuned for higher output. It delivers 635 HP and 750 Nm of torque in standard conditions, which can climb to 800 Nm in off-road launch mode. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system.
With this setup, the Defender Octa can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hr in just 3.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs in its class. Top speed is rated at 250 km/hr, while the Edition One, focused more on off-road capability, has a limited top speed of 160 km/hr.
Competition and Positioning
With its blend of luxury, performance and extreme off-road readiness, the Defender Octa positions itself as a direct rival to the Mercedes-AMG G63. It targets buyers looking for a capable yet premium SUV that doesn’t compromise on either refinement or ruggedness.
