Land Rover Defender Octa Rocks the Best of Both Worlds: Features, Design, Cost, and More

Land Rover Defender Octa is a new innovation by Land Rover that offers new features and attractive designs at a great price.

Picture this: the re-birth of the legendary Land Rover Defender in 2019. Whenever an automaker decides to bring back its classic automotive and jazze it up with the latest of modern luxuries and amenities, it is a moment to be relished. The appeal is undeniable. But Land Rover didn’t rest on its laurels. Instead, it continued to innovate.

So now, we welcome the 2024 Land Rover Defender Octa, a new beast in the Defender family. And for its debut year, there’s the special Defender Octa Edition One.

Land Rover Defender Octa

You might be wondering about the strange name. “Octa” refers to the geometry of a diamond. This model is the icon of the Defender brand, and so it is the best of the best. It is also the fastest Defender yet.

The power of the Octa comes from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 from BMW. This engine delivers a staggering 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. It rockets the nearly three-ton SUV from 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Even more impressive, up to 590 lb-ft of torque is available in short bursts with Dynamic Launch Mode. Peak torque kicks in at a low 1,800 rpm and sustains up to 6,000 rpm. An eight-speed automatic transmission powers the vehicle and both high and low-range gearing come standard.

To ensure the Defender Octa bounces on the road, it is fitted with top-tier off-road and on-road suspension components. Land Rover borrowed and adapted the 6D Dynamics suspension from the Range Rover Sport. This tech features active pitch and roll control. The Octa rides 1.1 inches higher and comes with a 2.7-inch wider stance than a regular Defender. These adjustments ensure better ground clearance on trails and improved stability on roads. Six-piston Brembo calipers grip 15.7-inch rotors up front. You can choose between 20-inch wheels on the Edition One or 22-inch on the standard Octa.

Land Rover Defender Octa Testing and Features

Land Rover tolerates no failure. The testing for the Defender Octa was rigorous. Land Rover put it through 13,960 additional tests. These ranged from Nurburgring laps to extreme heat off-roading runs. It is a great sign that a lot of third-party engineers express confidence in the model’s reliability.

The 6D Dynamic suspension senses surface changes and adjusts stiffness accordingly. If you are an off-road enthusiast, a true off-road mode is included. This mode handles most terrains with ease.

You can press the “OCTA” button for an optimal driving experience. This activates dynamic stability control, off-road-calibrated ABS, and tuned dampers. Grip and slip are balanced for almost any situation. Stuck in sand, mud, or ruts? No problem. Grass Gravel Snow and Rock Crawl modes are available. Comfort and Dynamic drive modes cover on-road adventures.

The Land Rover Defender Octa’s bodywork matches its mechanical genius. Wider, more rugged fender flares debut on this model. These flares help protect the wider track underneath. Improved approach and departure angles help stick to the trail or road and aluminum shielding guards the front axle. Standard 33-inch Goodyear Advanced All-Terrain tires ensure more than enough traction for any terrain.

Land Rover Defender Octa Design and Appearance

As for appearances, two new colors have joined the Defender lineup: Faroe Green and Petra Copper. Faroe Green is exclusive to Edition One.

Do note that every Defender Octa features a contrast roof and tailgate in gloss Narvik Black. Also, customers can opt for an optional matte protective film. For water adventurers, a twin-raised carbon fiber air intake mounts up the A-pillar.

For the interior, luxury and durability go hand in hand. The Edition One sports a new Ultrafabric made of 3D-knit textile. This material comes in a duo-tone Khaki and Ebony. The standard Octa has Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather with Kvadrat textile trim in Ebony. Customization options include Ultrafabrics in Light Cloud and Lunar colorways. The bolstered performance seats up front include Body and Soul Seat audio technology. This feature lets passengers feel the music, not just hear it.

What is the cost of Land Rover Defender Octa?

Lastly, we come to the cost.

Base model Defender Octa starts at $153,475, whereas the Edition One starts at $169,275.

The public debut of these vehicles will be at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed and Land Rover aims to showcase the Octa’s on-road speed on the 1.16-mile hill climb. This demonstration will prove the model’s versatility and justify its price.

So what can be said about the Land Rover Defender Octa? It’s the perfect mix of power, luxury and ruggedness. It is no surprise that Land Rover is at the top of the industry in the vehicles they produce. On the road or off the beaten path, Land Rover has taken the standards of the driving experience to new heights.