Under the hood, the Defender Octa boasts a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter mild-hybrid V-8 engine that delivers an impressive 626 horsepower and up to 590 pound-feet of torque. This makes it the most powerful Defender variant ever. But the Octa isn’t just about raw power; Land Rover has made significant enhancements to the suspension and design to ensure it excels both on and off the beaten path. The Octa features Land Rover’s innovative 6D Dynamics chassis, which eliminates body pitch and roll while maximizing suspension articulation for superior off-road performance. This SUV sits 1.1 inches higher than the standard Defender and has a 2.7-inch wider stance. Longer, stronger cross arms and unique active dampers further enhance its capabilities. Braking is managed by 15.7-inch front brakes with six-piston Brembo calipers, and it has the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the sole gearbox, with the engine typically providing 750 Nm of torque in standard mode. Switching to "Octa" mode unleashes the full 800 Nm.

Land Rover claims the Octa can accelerate to 100 kmh in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 kmh, riding on 22-inch light-alloy wheels with all-season tires. The SUV is also capable of fording 3.3 feet of water. Specially developed 33-inch Goodyear Advance All-Terrain tires sit beneath the extended wheel arches. Redesigned bumpers enhance the Defender’s approach and departure angles, and a new grille design improves airflow under the hood. Quad tailpipes with an active exhaust system adorn the rear, and front and rear recovery points and underbody protection are standard.

Inside, the Defender Octa offers new Performance seats with integrated headrests and enhanced support. Land Rover introduces its Body and Soul Seat audio technology in the Defender for the first time. The standard interior features Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather with ebony Kvadrat fabric, while optional interiors include Light Cloud and Lunar or ebony leather. The Octa Edition One features two-tone khaki and ebony seat upholstery.

Every Octa sports a new diamond-circled graphic and a contrasting Narvik Black roof and tailgate. Customers can choose from new exterior colors Petra Copper and Faroe Green, alongside Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey. The green option is exclusive to the Edition One model. This special trim, available only during the Octa’s first year of production, includes carbon fiber details for the hood lettering, air intake surrounds, front seat backs, and center console trim. It also features 20-inch alloy wheels and an optional Advanced All-Terrain tire package.

The Defender Octa, named after the octahedral shape of a diamond, will make its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11-14. Land Rover retailers are now taking orders for the SUV, which starts at $152,000. The exclusive Defender Octa Edition One will be priced at $167,800.