The Land Rover Defender stands as a symbol of toughness, strength, and sheer off-road dominance. In the world of automobiles, it’s a legend that has conquered forests, deserts, and mountains (as we have seen in countless videos).
But in today’s world, high-performance SUVs must offer more, right? The demand is for not just power but also elegance, luxury, and personality. Enter the Defender OCTA, the most potent and dynamic Defender ever built, redefining off-road engineering in every sense of the word.
Be they the rugged trails or the smoothest roads, the Land Rover Defender Octa is made for those who demand complete control across every surface. Named after the octahedral shape of a diamond, the OCTA fuses rugged performance with modern luxury.
But does it fare well against its competitors like the Lamborghini Urus and Mercedes-AMG G 63? Let’s find out in this Motozite review.
Exterior Bolder than Ever
The Land Rover Defender OCTA hasn’t merely received a cosmetic makeover but adorns a re-imagined stance. In fact, it is taller, wider (and somewhat angrier) than any of the previous editions.
- – Reworked front bumper and gloss black grille for improved cooling and stronger visual presence. It is also a strong statement for its aggressive design language.
- – Increased track width by 68mm has taken its stance up a notch, allowing for a wider track presence.
- – Its ride height is 1.1 inches higher than the other Defenders, giving it an impressive ground clearance of 12.7 inches.
- – The exclusive 22-inch forged alloy wheels look all set to eat up gravel and glide effortlessly on the highways.
- – The Carbon fiber accents on mirrors, bonnet, and vents, along with the Octa-exclusive badging give this reinvented Defender a signature touch.
In a nutshell, the Defender Octa exterior is a masterful blend of aggression and sophistication.
Tough on the Outside, Finesse on the Inside
The robust new Defender sheds a bit of its aggression as you step in. The cabin is a nice blend of advanced tech, ergonomic comfort and finesse, and the consistent usage of high-grade material.
- 1. The Land Rover Defender Octa interior features ‘Body and Soul Seats, ’ which are equipped with six wellness programs and vibroacoustic technology. Different from traditional massage seats, this offers a soothing massage-like experience.
- 2. Luxury and ruggedness come together in the Defender Octa when it comes to the upholstery with the perfect blend of Windsor leather and Kvadrat textile inserts.
- 3. The design in the Defender Octa interior also comes with a panoramic sunroof, configurable ambient lighting, and real metal switchgear.
- 4. Rear passengers get separate climate controls, USB-C charging, and ample space that screams comfort.
Defender Octa Review: Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet lies a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, borrowed from BMW’s M stable but tuned to Land Rover’s demands. It transforms the Defender from a mountain crawler into a continent crusher.
- 1. Defender Octa’s power output stands at 635 hp and 750 Nm of torque.
- 2. The Defender Octa models go from 0 to 100 km/h in a jaw-dropping 4 seconds.
- 3. The Defender Octa also boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission with intelligent driveline dynamics.
- 4. Its 6D Dynamics Suspension and hydraulic interlinked setup reduce pitch, roll, and dive on corners and bumps.
- 5. The towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, the Land Rover Defender Octa is as utilitarian as it is exhilarating.
Defender Octa Safety and Infotainment
The Defender OCTA may be tough on the outside, but it’s intelligent on the inside. It features arguably the Land Rover’s most advanced tech and safety features yet.
Defender Octa Infotainment & Comfort:
- 1. 11.4-inch curved Pivi Pro touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for seamless connectivity.
- 2. 14-speaker, 1300W Meridian Signature Sound System alongside Alexa voice integration for an immersively entertaining ride.
- 3. Wireless charging and four-zone climate control boost convenience for rear passengers, too.
- 4. To cope with India’s rising pollution levels, the Defender Octa also comes with Cabin Air Purification Plus.
Defender Octa Safety Features:
- 1. 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
- 2. The Defender Octa comes with 8 airbags and reinforced aluminum-intensive architecture.
- 3. It also features 360-degree surround cameras with ClearSight Ground View.
- 4. Other safety features in the Defender Octa include Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
- 5. Emergency braking, Driver Monitoring, and Terrain Response settings make the Defender Octa a robust but super safe beast that will entertain, protect, and adapt, no matter the terrain.
Land Rover Defender Octa: How does it feel on the wheel?
On the road, the Defender Octa cuts a commanding presence with a masterful blend of speed and agility. The recalibrated steering is much more responsive when compared to other Defender models.
- – Notwithstanding its focus on performance in drive, the Defender Octa provides a comfortable gliding riding experience even on uneven, potholed roads.
- – Defender Octa’s terrain mastery is such that no surface is too daunting. Be it snowy, sandy, muddy, or rocky, the meanest Defender ever cuts a dominating figure across all terrains.
- – In addition to that, Defender Octa’s configurable terrain system allows drivers to switch differential locks and throttle response based on the road.
Defender Octa: Competitor Check
The new Land Rover Defender Octa enjoys a place among high-performance SUVs that blend brute force and utility with unmatched luxury. These include the iconic and versatile off-roader Mercedes-AMG G63, the urban-focused BMW X7 M60i, and the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser LC300.
The Defender Octa trumps the Land Cruiser LC300 in terms of performance and boasts better all-terrain functionality than the BMW X7 M60i. And it stands as a tough competitor to the iconic Mercedes-AMG G63, as well.
As for its limitations, even the Defender Octa leaves a bit to be desired, such as:
- 1. The Indian model does not have all the ADAS features, which are available in the global models.
- 2. Efficiency isn’t Octa’s forte with a fuel economy of around 5-6 km/l in the city.
- 3. The lack of diesel options also stands out as a major drawback in every Defender Octa review.
The Verdict: Adventure and Luxury Melded into One
In a nutshell, the Land Rover Defender Octa is a high-performance SUV that goes all in on adventure without compromising on luxury and sophistication. For the Indian market, the Land Rover Defender Octa is not only the fastest Defender yet but also the most desirable one.
Why is it called the biggest leap that the Land Rover Defender has ever taken? Because it gives you the feel of a tailored luxury suite while boasting the capabilities of a super SUV. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of the city traffic or need a companion for a foray into the wilderness, the Land Rover Defender is a spectacular choice!
Our verdict? Its ₹2.65 crore price tag is worth every penny for those looking to drive bold in luxury!