The Defender name has always been referred to as a vehicle that is the conqueror of all terrains. A vehicle that can take anything you throw at it (of course, apart from cheap quality engine oil). The Defender has been the pinnacle of off-roading SUVs, challenging the likes of the greats like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol.
We all know the BMW M5, a sedan that has been considered as one of the best high-performance saloon cars of all time, and has held that tagline for decades. The sheer power of the M5 was enough to help it be the roaring lion of the Autobahn, and with the F90 generation of the M5, some might even say the model truly reached its peak.
But, what if we take the best high-performance saloon car’s engine, and shove it into one of the best off-road SUVs of all time? The new Land Rover Defender OCTA. Housing the BMW M5’s S63 V8 engine, the Defender has taken another identity in off-road dominance.
Defender Octa – Bigger And Badder
The Land Rover Defender OCTA merges formidable off-road capabilities with distinctive design elements that would separate it from a regular 110. Exclusively available in the five-door Defender 110 body style, the OCTA model showcases a wider profile and a dramatically increased ground clearance, enhancing both its road presence and off-road performance. The vehicle is equipped with 33-inch diameter tyres, the largest ever fitted to a production Defender, mounted on bespoke 20-inch or 22-inch wheels, depending on the variant. These wheels are paired with extended wheel arches to accommodate the larger tyres, contributing to the vehicle’s aggressive and purposeful appearance, but also more suspension travel.
A key design feature is the new front grille, which is more open to facilitate improved under-bonnet airflow. This is complemented by a redesigned front bumper and rear bumper incorporating a four-exit active exhaust system, enhancing both aesthetics and performance. The OCTA model also boasts tough underbody protection, including an aluminium alloy front undershield with a graphite finish, safeguarding vital components during off-road excursions. A distinctive Phosphor Bronze-finished front and rear recovery points add a touch of luxury to the vehicle’s utilitarian design. The colour palette includes paint jobs such as Petra Copper and Faroe Green, with a contrasting roof and tailgate painted in gloss Narvik Black, allowing for personalisation. Additionally, optional Matte Protective Film can be applied to protect the bodywork in rough environments, proving OCTA’s readiness for adventure
Defender Octa – Interior
The interior of the Land Rover Defender OCTA matches its rugged exterior with a refined, high-tech, and functional design. It combines premium materials like grain leather, metal accents, and durable fabrics designed to handle the demands of off-road adventures without sacrificing the customer’s comfort. The cabin layout is spacious, especially given the wider body of the OCTA, offering plenty of headroom and legroom for all passengers.
Tech-wise, the OCTA is loaded with Land Rover’s latest infotainment system displayed on a large touchscreen, digital driver display, and plenty of connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll find practical features such as washable floor mats, rubberised surfaces in key areas, and optional heated seats to keep things comfortable in colder climates. The overall vibe is a beautiful mix of luxury and utility, a perfect fit for those who want a capable off-roader without giving up everyday comfort.
Defender Octa – The Engine
The Land Rover Defender OCTA is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with mild-hybrid assistance, sourced from BMW. This engine delivers 626 horsepower and 750 NM of torque, providing exceptional performance both on and off the road. Power is transmitted through an 8-speed automatic transmission with full-time all-wheel drive, featuring high and low-range gearing for optimal performance across various terrains. This setup enables the Defender OCTA to accelerate from 0 to 100 KM/H in just 4.0 seconds, with a claimed top speed of 250 KM/H when equipped with 22-inch wheels.
Defender Octa – Pricing In The UAE
The Defender OCTA costs AED 759,990 starting, while the Defender OCTA Edition One costs a massive AED 827,610. This pricing puts the Defender OCTA against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG and the Range Rover.
Verdict – Best SUV On Paper!
The sheet specs of this vehicle certainly put it up there in the hallmarks of SUVs. An SUV that could certainly be the most capable off-roader in the world. An engine so powerful it could beat sports cars, even in an SUV body. A design so intimidating that it scares other SUVs. But the concept of the best SUV doesn’t stick out to Emiratis. In the UAE, we love raw SUVs more than anything in the world, and a Nappa leather interior is not enough to make an impression. But in the dying age of ICE engines, this vehicle has a respectable status and a powertrain that certainly raises this vehicle to be one of the best in the world, on paper and in practicality.
