Hands-On with the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA

The latest Defender in Land Rover’s four-wheeled infantry is here – and it is quite something.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be captivated since the summer unveiling of the Land Rover Defender OCTA. Its allure isn’t solely based on its dazzling specifications – a 635 horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, sprinting from 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 155 mph with a mighty 750 Nm peak torque. However, the fervor surrounding this new automobile transcends its impressive paper statistics or even the hefty £160,800 GBP ($167,900 USD) price tag on an “Edition One” model.

Instead, five years following the Defender’s 2020 reintroduction, the Defender OCTA appears to signify a groundbreaking new narrative in Land Rover’s rich history – a tale that originated in England in 1948 and continues to thrive today. The Defender’s success story is underpinned by over 114,000 annual sales, underscoring its enduring relevance within the brand’s legacy.

In the past few weeks, fortunate individuals who now own Land Rover’s latest model have started receiving their vehicles. This select group includes Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, whose new OCTA sports the “Dubai 1” license plate. This exclusive club of OCTA owners is indeed rare: although Jaguar Land Rover sells more than half a million cars annually, the number of new Defenders they plan to produce is expected to be minimal – in the UK, for instance, only 1,070 OCTAs will be manufactured during its first year of production.

2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA? Not your everyday ride, buddy. I mean, not even your regular Defender! This beast has been in development for a whopping three years, and let me tell you, it’s been through some serious torture. Land Rover engineers have subjected it to tests beyond anything the Defender has ever seen before, adding an extra 13,960 trials on top of the standard Defender testing process. That’s dedication, right there!

To put it simply, the OCTA was engineered to elevate Land Rover’s off-road prowess to uncharted levels. After taking it for a spin, everything about its capabilities became clear. Over several hours traversing wet and challenging terrain in Scotland, we pushed the Defender OCTA to its limits, but it responded admirably, handling all obstacles with poise and effortlessness. The rugged landscape beneath us during our test drive could have caused us to feel like bobbleheads, bouncing around inside the vehicle’s five doors. However, that wasn’t the case. The OCTA, equipped with a highly responsive 6D Dynamics air suspension system, consistently adapted to provide a mostly smooth and bump-free ride even on an unpredictable and rough track.

Photo: Felix Young/TopMob

In the frosty Scottish scenery, we had numerous chances to evaluate the car’s assortment of drive modes – transitioning between them was effortless. For instance, employing the “Mud Ruts” mode to ascend a steep, slippery incline, then shifting to “Wade” to traverse a water-covered area that almost entirely covered the vehicle’s 33-inch tires, the OCTA could easily adjust parameters like wheel height and suspension with just a button press. This ensured a remarkably smooth ride overall, an experience possibly enhanced by the confidence instilled by the OCTA’s efficiency. Notably, compared to any previous Land Rover model, the OCTA boasts superior axle articulation and a higher tolerance for off-road adventures. It combines this agility with raw power and swiftness.

Beyond its high price tag, what additional perks does the OCTA offer? As the most potent Defender in Land Rover’s 75-year legacy, the OCTA boasts a 4.4-liter V8 engine sourced from BMW. However, it’s important to note that this engine isn’t exclusive to the OCTA; it’s also found in other Land Rover models. One unique aspect of the OCTA is the “OCTA Mode”, which can be activated by a long press on the logo button on the steering wheel, similar to how Super Mario gains extra abilities with a power-up mushroom. In essence, the OCTA seems engineered to be the ultimate vehicle, particularly if you require one for enduring an apocalypse.

It isn’t evident if JLR aimed to build the quickest off-road vehicle or the fastest car capable of off-roading. However, it is certain that the Defender OCTA embodies both qualities exceptionally well: an ideal blend of speed and agility that offers both the necessary performance and control for a genuine utility vehicle, as well as the refined features and comfort expected in high-end automotive luxury.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA is available now with prices starting at £145,300 GBP / $152,000 USD.

2025-03-29 00:26

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