Land Rover Defender Octa: Powered by BMW'S 4.4-Litre V8 Petrol Engine

There is a new Defender in town, named, Defender Octa. It is not any cosmetic update but a comprehensive one, as it is the most powerful Defender among its variants, thanks to the BMW-sourced 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine. The SUV is expected to arrive in India soon.

Build and Exterior Design

This special edition variant is based on the Defender 110 but has grown taller and wider than the standard model with its raised ride height and extended wheel arches. Additionally, the SUV has improved approach and departure angles, thanks to its redesigned bumpers. 

The under-body protection has also been toughened and the water wading capacity has increased by 1 metre. The Defender Octa is the most capable off-roader to date with all these elements combined

The 2024 Defender Octa gets heavily redesigned chassis components and a 6D dynamic suspension setup to make it the best offroader ever built by the brand. The SUV also gets specially designed 20-inch rims and a new steering rack that makes it the sharpest turning Defender, to date.

Along with these design changes, the Defender Octa also gets new exclusive metallic paint schemes consisting of Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Carpathian Grey, and Charente Grey. All the Defender Octa models will have glossy Narvik Black roofs and tailgates, creating an attractive contrast look.

Interior

The interior of the SUV has also received many changes to complement this new character. The overall layout can make you recall the standard Defender. However, it gets new performance seats with a 3D knit texture, fixed headrest and supportive bolsters, and a few distinctive design elements to give the Octa edition its own identity. 

It also receives an 11.4-inch infotainment screen, a fridge in the centre console and much more convenient features, ensuring a comfortable and practical experience. Taking care of the entertainment is a Body and Soul Seat audio technology, which has been co-developed by SUBPAC and Coventry University.

Performance

As for performance, the Octa SUV has a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol burner with mild hybrid assistance. This engine churns out 635hp and 750Nm and can make this gigantic SUV do 0 to 100kph in just 4 seconds while having a claimed top speed of 250kph. The torque increases to 800Nm in launch control mode. 

Pricing and Rivalry

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) or Land Rover has announced the starting price of Rs 2.65 crore and the exclusive 'Edition One' variant will start at Rs 2.85 crore. All are ex-showroom figures. 

Upon its launch in the Indian market, the Defender Octa will lock horns with the Mercedes G-Wagen, Lamborghini Urus, and Aston Martin DBX, to name a few.