Land Rover just raised the stakes with the launch of the Defender OCTA 2025, a more powerful and refined version of the already iconic Defender. While the standard 2025 Defender continues to offer rugged reliability for everyday adventures, the new OCTA comes in with premium styling, top performance, and extreme off road ability. But how do they actually compare in the UAE market? We break it down by design and performance to see which one is right for you.
The 2025 Defender OCTA brings a more aggressive design language to the family. It features a modified front grille, sportier detailing, and a wider stance with an extra 68 mm in width. It also rides higher with a ground clearance of around 323 mm and can wade through nearly 1 meter of water. The 22 inch wheels add to its off road presence, while the cabin includes luxury leather finishes, massage seats, and a dedicated OCTA mode for adventurous drives.
The standard 2025 Defender sticks with a more practical approach. It comes with wheels ranging between 18 and 20 inches, and a ground clearance closer to 265 to 290 mm. Its interior is still well made and comfortable, but focuses more on durability and storage than luxury. It includes features like Terrain Response and a digital infotainment system but lacks the exclusive touches found in the OCTA.
The OCTA 2025 earns its title as the most powerful Defender ever made. It’s powered by a supercharged V8 pushing out 635 horsepower and over 750 Nm of torque. That’s enough to launch this SUV from 0 to 100 km per hour in under 4 seconds. Thanks to the advanced 6D Dynamics suspension and dynamic steering, it feels stable even on the toughest terrains and delivers sports car levels of thrill.
In contrast, the standard Defender offers a range of engine options from a 296 horsepower four cylinder to a 395 horsepower inline six. These are more than enough for daily driving and weekend getaways. Its air suspension delivers a smoother and more relaxed ride, but it can’t match the raw energy of the OCTA.
In the UAE, the standard 2025 Defender remains the more accessible option. Its base model starts at around 260,000 AED, making it a solid choice for drivers looking for a rugged, well equipped SUV without going overboard. Higher trims like the X-Dynamic push the price up to around 380,000 AED, offering more tech and comfort without stepping into the luxury performance tier.
On the other hand, the Defender OCTA 2025 enters the scene as the most premium and capable Defender ever offered. Prices start at approximately 620,000 AED and can easily surpass 700,000 AED once you start adding optional luxury packages. It’s built for those who want the ultimate Land Rover experience, combining off road strength with high end features typically found in luxury sports SUVs.
While both models hold value well in the UAE resale market, the OCTA’s exclusivity and performance enhancements may give it an edge in long term desirability. If you want balanced practicality, the standard Defender makes perfect sense. But for thrill seekers chasing top level performance and luxury, the OCTA is unmatched.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.