2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA: Vicki Butler-Henderson Drives the Most Powerful Defender Ever
The Land Rover Defender Octa is the most powerful Defender ever produced, featuring a 635 horsepower V8 engine that launches 2.5 tonnes of off-road muscle to 62mph in 4 seconds. Starting at £148,000, it costs more than double a standard Defender 110. The name Octa derives from the octahedral design of a diamond, symbolising strength and durability. This flagship model combines extreme off-road capability with surprising on-road composure through advanced 6D Dynamics suspension technology borrowed from the Range Rover Sport SV.
This review is based on first-hand driving impressions from professional racing driver and motoring presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson, who tested the Octa extensively on both challenging off-road terrain and public roads.
Reviewed by Vicki Butler-Henderson – a professional racing driver with extensive experience in motorsport and automotive journalism. Vicki brings decades of high-performance driving expertise to this assessment.
What is the Land Rover Defender Octa?
The Defender Octa represents the pinnacle of the modern Defender range. The name derives from the octahedral design of a diamond, symbolising strength and durability. At £148,000, it costs more than double a standard Defender 110, positioning it as the most extreme and capable Defender ever produced.
This is the full-fat version of Land Rover’s iconic off-roader, though it remains more commonly spotted on the school run than conquering the extreme terrain for which it’s engineered.
Key specifications:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | £148,000 |
| Engine | 4.4L V8 twin-turbo |
| Width | 7cm wider than standard |
| Height | 1.995m (3cm higher) |
| Grille design | Unique octagonal elements |
| Styling | Gloss black roof/tailgate, 4 exhausts |
| Colours | Copper, green, two greys |
Source: Land Rover Official Specifications
Defender Octa Performance and Engine Specs
Under the bonnet sits a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo with mild hybrid technology - the same engine that powers the latest BMW M5.
| Performance Specification | Figure |
|---|---|
| Power | 635hp |
| Torque | 750Nm (800Nm in Octa mode) |
| 0-62mph | 4 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch |
| Torque range | 1,800-6,500rpm |
The wide torque window means consistent power delivery across the rev range. From the driver's seat, the power feels substantial regardless of engine speed, with the V8 responding immediately to throttle inputs.
How does the Defender Octa drive on road?
The defining feature of the Octa is its advanced 6D Dynamics suspension system, never before seen on a Defender. Borrowed from the Range Rover Sport SV, this technology fundamentally transforms on-road behaviour through enhanced pitch and roll control, longer wishbones, and unique active dampers.
6D Dynamics features:
- Enhanced pitch and roll control
- Longer, tougher wishbones
- Unique active dampers
- Comfort mode with automatic adjustment
- Dynamic mode for sharper responses
- Fastest steering ratio of any Defender
Comfort mode provides refined ride quality, while Dynamic mode sharpens steering, suspension, and throttle response for more aggressive driving.
On the road, the Octa feels powerful and commanding. The combination of substantial weight and aggressive tyre compound generates noticeable road noise. However, body roll is well-controlled despite the height and mass. The character transforms entirely off-road, where the vehicle becomes surprisingly playful.
Defender Octa Off-Road Capability and Octa Mode
This is where the Defender Octa justifies its £148,000 price. The vehicle wades through water up to one metre deep - deeper than any production Defender before it. Tough underbody protection and phosphor bronze rear recovery points resist corrosion.
Key off-road capabilities:
| Capability | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wading depth | 1,000mm (1 metre) |
| Protection | Tough underbody protection |
| Recovery points | Phosphor bronze (corrosion resistant) |
| Terrain response | Sand, mud, ruts, grass, gravel, snow, rock |
| Vision system | Clear Sight Ground Vision |
| Gearbox | Low range with 6D suspension |
The all-wheel drive system features comprehensive terrain response settings, whilst Clear Sight Ground Vision allows drivers to assess surroundings and navigate obstacles. Low range is available for extreme articulation.
What is Octa Mode?
Octa mode is the first dedicated performance mode for a Defender. Activating it turns the display and gear paddles red, unlocking an additional 50Nm of torque (total 800Nm) and switching to unique off-road ABS calibration.
From testing, the 6D suspension proves essential for high-speed off-road driving. Off-road, the Octa feels genuinely playful with exceptional tyre grip. The V8 soundtrack adds theatre, with overall character approaching that of a rally car.
Defender Octa Interior: Body and Soul Seat Technology
The interior represents a significant departure from the Defender's utilitarian origins. The cabin is as plush as a Range Rover with comprehensive connectivity.
Interior features:
- Body and Soul seat technology
- Wireless phone charging
- Cool box
- Panoramic roof with attic windows
- Space for five adults
The Body and Soul system allows occupants to physically feel music through the seat structure, creating a massage-like sensation where bass notes cause ripple effects across the seat.
The technology is intriguing but functions more as a novelty than a transformative feature. Headroom is ample thanks to the panoramic roof, whilst rear passengers benefit from good visibility.
Is the Defender Octa practical for everyday use?
Boot space starts at 972 litres and extends to 2,277 litres with rear seats folded. The headrests tuck down for a flat load floor.
Key practicality features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Boot space | 972-2,277 litres |
| Towing capacity | 3,500kg |
| Roof rails | +100 litres (£300) |
| Electric tow bar | £1,200 option |
The tailgate benefits from soft close. Overall practicality is acceptable for a performance SUV.
What tyres does the Defender Octa use?
The Octa sits on 20-inch diamond turned satin dark tint wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT tyres. These have been developed in close collaboration with Land Rover, as indicated by the LR marking on the sidewall showing they're designed for rugged terrain with stronger protection for adventure use.
The tyres are crucial to the Octa's dual character. On tarmac they feel aggressive and generate noticeable road noise, but off-road they deliver exceptional grip and confidence across loose surfaces including sand, mud, and gravel.
Land Rover Defender Octa price and value
At £148,000, the Octa represents an £85,000 premium over a standard Defender 110, positioning it at more than double the base model price.
The substantial price reflects extensive engineering development, including the sophisticated 6D Dynamics suspension and powerful V8 engine shared with the BMW M5.
Vicki's verdict from testing is pragmatic: for the majority of buyers, the premium is difficult to justify. However, for those with both deep pockets and deep ruts, the Octa delivers unique appeal for buyers who will actually exploit its capabilities.
Defender Octa vs rivals: Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes G-Class
The Porsche Cayenne offers more on-road focus with sharper dynamics, making it the choice for those who prioritise road driving.
The Mercedes-AMG G-Class emphasises presence and brute force with its V8. It offers icon status but with a more traditional, less refined on-road character.
The Range Rover Sport SV shares the Octa's 6D Dynamics suspension and offers a more refined grand touring character. The Octa uniquely balances serious off-road capability with surprising on-road composure.
Defender Octa FAQ
Q1. What engine is in the Defender Octa?
4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo with mild hybrid (same as BMW M5), producing 635hp and 750Nm (800Nm in Octa mode).
Q2. What is 6D Dynamics suspension?
Advanced suspension from Range Rover Sport SV using longer wishbones and active dampers for better pitch and roll control, improving on-road handling whilst maintaining off-road capability.
Q3. How deep can the Defender Octa wade through water?
Up to 1,000mm (one metre) deep, deeper than any production Defender before it.
Q4. How much does the Defender Octa cost?
£148,000, an £85,000 premium over a standard Defender 110, more than double the base price.
Q5. How much can the Defender Octa tow?
Up to 3,500kg, among the best in class. Electric tow bar costs £1,200.
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