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Land Rover Defender OCTA Is the World Conquerer We’ve Been Waiting For

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Recently, sports car manufacturers have been producing off-road versions that are raised, strengthened, widened, and designed to overcome Earth’s obstacles. But what if the manufacturer is already famous for off-roading; where do you go from there? That’s precisely what the Land Rover Defender OCTA represents. It’s a vehicle that pushes the boundaries of off-road capability even further, demonstrating why Land Rover is synonymous with off-roading excellence.

We received an exclusive pre-launch opportunity to test drive the brand new Land Rover Defender OCTA in Colorado. Based on the Defender 110 V8 model, the OCTA is touted as the ultimate Defender, boasting a wider body, largest available engine, enhanced suspension lift, and reinforced chassis for added strength. Land Rover intends this high-end version for buyers with extreme driving requirements. However, during our test drive, we found that it might be excessive for its primary purpose, given its steep price tag of $152,000 USD, which could be challenging for many potential buyers.

What specifically motivates your purchase of the Defender OCTA? Are you drawn to its design, its ability to conquer tough situations, or its potential for high-speed adventures? We’ve evaluated each aspect and found that our decision is based on two out of these three factors, with one factor not aligning as strongly.

The Design















At first sight, and when no other Defenders are around, the OCTA could be mistaken for a regular 110 model, except for some subtle aesthetic variations. It’s crucial to note that we prefer not to overhaul the design too drastically as we’re already fond of the Defender. Instead, the OCTA has been designed to avoid standing out excessively as a premium trim version.

As a gaming enthusiast who’s got a knack for Defenders and similar models, I must say that the OCTA is hard to miss. The broad, flared arches are what first catch your eye; it may only be 2.7 inches in total length, but it’s noticeably wider than the standard 110 from every angle. This wide stance is thanks to its distinct fender panels and a unique fender edge design. It also stands a bit taller by 1.1 inches compared to the regular model, although this wasn’t as apparent when I saw it in person.

What really sets the OCTA apart are the distinctive features like the obvious OCTA badge on the rear quarter panel and a more aggressive front and rear bumper setup. The front bumper uses a brand-new honeycomb design, while the rear sports quad exhaust exits. I also appreciate the aggressive style of the OCTA wheels that even cover the valve stem for added off-road protection.

Lastly, Edition One OCTAs come with an abundance of forged carbon fiber across their exterior panels – personally, I’d pass on these as they seem to detract from the overall aesthetic of an off-roader.

If you’re eyeing an OCTA primarily for its aesthetics, we advise against it due to its high price tag. Although it has been thoughtfully designed, we prefer a modest enhancement over a drastic change in appearance. However, this slight improvement may not be sufficient to warrant the increased cost. But it does show some promising steps.

Off-Road Capability








On our road trip from Grand Junction, Colorado to Moab, Utah, we faced numerous types of terrain difficulties, primarily off-road trails. A significant adventure included rock climbing, navigating switchbacks, and eventually overcoming Utah’s rugged red mountains and even a few river crossings.

As a gamer navigating treacherous off-road terrains, the Land Rover Defender OCTA truly stepped up to the plate, showcasing its prowess in tackling rough surfaces, jagged rocks, and colossal boulders with ease. Yet, it seemed that the standard 110 models weren’t far behind, keeping pace with the OCTA during our adventure. To my surprise, even the seemingly challenging landscapes didn’t phase the 110s as much as I had anticipated.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve got to say, the OCTA outshines its standard counterparts in a big way! The 6D Dynamics hydraulic suspension corners, fully independent and multi-valved, were like a jovial challenge to the loose gravel and stones on our Moab trails. For those larger boulders, the underbody protection with skid plates gave us a reassuring peace of mind, shielding us from potential damage. In one instance, we thought the skid plate had taken a hit, but upon closer inspection, there was no visible damage – a testament to its top-notch performance and exceptional durability. The OCTA’s Auto Terrain mode was nothing short of inspiring, embodying the phrase “set it and forget it.” We barely touched the mode selector during our entire trip due to its confidence-inspiring capabilities. Lastly, the redesigned front and rear exteriors ensured that no slope was too steep for easy entry or exit without a scratch or scuff!

Despite being right in front of us throughout our journey, the dilemma was the standard 110 trail we followed almost exclusively. No matter where we went, this trail was always just a few steps ahead. Interestingly, even though we didn’t have a crew in the Defenders, it seemed they too wouldn’t have broken a sweat, which led us to wonder if spending extra for an OCTA was necessary when the 110 seems sufficient. It’s like comparing the seasoned, well-equipped older brother to his younger sibling during a 400m race – the younger one consistently outpaces the older one. In essence, if you’re investing in the OCTA (which costs over $40,000 USD more than the 110 V8), it’s not the trails themselves that justify the price but rather the confidence and peace of mind that it can handle any trail.

On-Road Capability









Interestingly, we discovered that the on-road handling of the OCTA felt more suitable for its price compared to its off-road abilities. The latest OCTA mode and the engine’s performance enhancements have made the top-tier model quite enjoyable when it comes to on-road driving.

The Defender OCTA features a powerful 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine sourced from BMW, enhanced as a mild hybrid with an additional electric motor for improved performance. Land Rover boasts that this setup delivers up to 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, depending on the mode selected. Even in Dynamic mode, the OCTA offers maximum power to the driver while retaining safety features to control it. The OCTA mode goes a step further, setting it apart from ordinary 110 models by offering even more performance capabilities.

Initially, in Colorado, we set out to determine the optimal setup for OCTA Mode, and Land Rover made it clear by demonstrating this would involve an off-road track designed for Baja-style racing. This course combined high-speed corners, hairpins, slaloms, banks, and jumps. Prior to letting us drive, our professional Land Rover driver took us on a lap as a preview. As soon as we hopped in, it became apparent that the OCTA could effortlessly navigate this one-mile track. The vehicle’s 626 horsepower seamlessly adjusted to the loose dirt and gravel, providing an ideal balance of slip and grip. The engine collaborated harmoniously with the raised suspension, large off-road wheels, and tires, instilling in us the confidence to accelerate aggressively on the uneven terrain. While we managed a speed of 55 mph during our turn, our experienced driver showed us what the OCTA was truly capable of by reaching 78 mph briefly.

If you’re lucky enough to own the Defender OCTA, the perfect environment for you would be a semi-urban setting with a mix of highways, twisties, canyons, and trails. This could be around an hour or two from cities like Chicago or Indianapolis. We suggest customizing your Defender OCTA to emphasize its aggressive widebody and curvaceous design rather than focusing on its rugged aspects. You might want to consider passing up the matte PPF provided by the factory, or opting for smaller 20″ wheels with less bulky tires. This is because we believe that while you’ll certainly take your OCTA on off-road excursions, you’d primarily use it for road trips that may include faster off-road courses, as opposed to extreme off-roading in mountains and deserts.

Among the three features discussed, design and on-road performance stood out as our favorites, although we didn’t dismiss the off-road capability – we merely found it excessive for the advanced trails we encountered. This approach isn’t new to us, as other automakers like Porsche and Lamborghini have adopted similar strategies. However, what sets Land Rover apart is their emphasis on off-road performance, which we appreciate more than others. While some might not fully utilize the OCTA for all its capabilities, we believe it can conquer any challenge thrown at it, justifying its $152,000 USD price tag.

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2025-07-02 16:26

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