Land Rover Defender Octa Launched

The Land Rover Defender Octa has arrived in India as the brand’s most powerful SUV, aiming to combine the Defender’s traditional ruggedness with uber-premium materials. It is positioned as a rival to the Range Rover & the Mercedes-Benz GLS Maybach.

Powertrain & Off-Road Hardware

Powering the Defender Octa is a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine, delivering 626 BHP and 750 Nm of torque. Coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it sprints from 0- 100 kmph in 4 seconds. Land Rover’s new 6D Dynamics suspension replaces conventional anti-roll bars with hydraulically linked dampers to balance both highway stability and off-road articulation. It also comes equipped with brembo brakes ensuring top-class braking performance.
Key off-road specifications include:

• 323mm ground clearance (28mm higher than standard Defender variants)
• 1,000mm wading depth (100mm more than standard Defender variants)
• Better approach (40.2°), departure (42.8°), and breakover (29°) angles.

The model comes with redesigned bumpers, reinforced underbody shielding, and optional 20-inch all-terrain tires (or 22-inch road wheels), making it tougher than standard variants.

Interior

Inside, Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather upholstery and an 11.4-inch touchscreen dominate the minimalist layout. The Body and Soul Seat system integrates haptic motors that synchronize with the Meridian audio setup. It comes with a center-console refrigerator and terrain-response cameras for obstacle navigation, like in the regular Defender. By combining 626 BHP with trail-conquering engineering and premium materials, the Defender Octa reflects direct competition with the Mercedes-AMG G63 while offering similar performance and off-road appeal.

Pricing & Positioning

Exclusive to the 110 body style, the Octa sports flared wheel arches, a gloss-black roof, and quad-exhaust tips. Four limited-edition finishes – Charente Grey, Petra Copper, Faroe Green, and Carpathian Grey – with matte options are available. The ₹2.79 crore Edition One variant adds custom 20-inch wheels and off-road tyres for inaugural-year buyers.

Positioned as Land Rover’s apex product, the Octa targets those who demand a vehicle equally adept on highways and away from them. With Edition One capped to a one-year production run, it is poised to be one of Land Rover’s most exclusive SUVs.