Defender Octa is World's Fastest Off-roader And Yes, It's Proven
Is it related to lap times at the Nürburgring? Sand-dune racing? Skill at rock- crawling? Or the capacity to drive a family and a boot full of their belongings sideways down a gravel road? All of the above is Land Rover’s response. In 2026, it will also participate in its first Dakar Rally. Indeed, the Octa is determined to live up to its name and make a huge, bold, go-anywhere, do-anything statement. In case you were wondering, the term “Octa”; is a reference to the octahedral shape of a diamond, which highlights the stone's unmatched hardness and beauty.
The Defender Octa needed to be much more than a modified Defender 110 in order to have such a wide range of capabilities. It is the result of extensive reengineering with the goal of improving performance both on and off the road. Its core is a 4.4- liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from BMW that is engineered to produce an incredible 635 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, which increases to 800 Nm when Dynamic Launch Mode is engaged. Driveability is enhanced by the twin turbochargers located within the two-cylinder banks of this “hot-vee” V8. Additionally, this engine includes a mild hybrid system that adds 27 horsepower and 175 Nm of torque.
The 2.5-ton SUV Octa can reach 100 kph in 4.0 seconds thanks to its tremendous power, which is comparable to some sports cars.
But the Octa’s brand-new 6D suspension system is where the real innovation is. The Octa forgoes conventional anti-roll bars in favor of hydraulically connected, triple-valve dampers that regulate pitch and roll in real-time, whereas the normal Defender uses air suspension with adaptive damping and mechanical anti-roll bars. This semi-active suspension system improves off-road capability and on-road agility by offering previously unheard-of body control.
To provide a lofty ground clearance of 323mm, the front and rear axles have been shifted forward by 4 and 3 mm, respectively, to make room for the wider tires and more ride height. Articular wheels? from 100 mm to an enormous 500 mm. Angles of approach, departure, and breakover? Their respective temperatures increased by 40.2, 42.8, and 29 degrees.
An enlarged bar at the back protects two auxiliary radiators, a powder-coated aluminum undershield provides extra protection, and a wider intake at the front keeps the engine cool.
The Octa’s pumped-up wheel arches give it a considerable presence, but it still looks like a Defender—one that’s been to the gym a lot. It stands 28 mm taller and 68 mm wider than the standard Defender. Although the carbon fiber details on the interior and bonnet may be too much for certain tastes, the optional matte protective film gives a military-spec toughness.
Three distinct terrain-specific tire types are available for the Defender Octa. The 20-inch all-terrain tires mix off-road ability with on-road comfort, while the 22-inch road-focused tires are ideal for highway and city driving. The Goodyear DuraTrac RT Advanced All-Terrain tires offer unmatched durability and grip on uneven terrain for the best off-road experience.
Soon, the Octa will formally launch, with an estimated price of Rs 2.85 crore. Customers would be lined up for it even at this price, which is Rs 1.35 crore more than the basic Defender 110 with the 5.0 supercharged V8. It has a greater range of capabilities and is less expensive than the G 63. For those who are prepared to fully explore its possibilities, the Octa offers an unmatched driving experience while pushing the limits of what an off-road SUV can accomplish. The Defender Octa demonstrates that there is really no limit to the iconic SUV’s range, whether it is traversing the most difficult trails or speeding down the highway.
