OCTA – the most powerful Defender ever offered for sale

OCTA, the first product of Land Rover’s Defender sub-brand established in April 2023, is ready to go into the world as its new flagship SUV. It is the most powerful Defender ever offered for sale, with a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine that produces 635 ps/750Nm, giving a 0 – 100 km/h capability claimed to be 4 seconds.

The new model’s name is derived from the toughest and most desirable mineral on earth – a diamond – and the octahedral shape that gives the precious stones their distinctive appearance and durability. This shape also inspired the new signature graphic, which denotes it as the flagship of the Defender brand.

Sharing a similar profile as the current Defender (launched in 2019), the exterior has a bolder and tougher image with a distinct character. Redesigned bumpers for improved approach and departure angles.

The 33-inch diameter Goodyear tyres, developed specifically for the OCTA, are the largest ever fitted to a production Defender. They put the vehicle 28 mm higher and the stance has been widened by 68 mm, giving superior ground clearance and stability.

The OCTA’s dynamic capabilities go beyond what any Defender has achieved before, with the introduction of hydraulically-interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology for the first time on  this model.

An advanced network of hydraulically-interlinked continuously variable semi-active dampers virtually eliminates pitch and body roll on-road, the 6D Dynamics system also contribute to greater  comfort and refinement for the SUV. On rough terrain, 6D Dynamics enables greater wheel articulation and will tackle even more extreme obstacles.

Revised suspension components include longer and tougher wishbones, and unique active dampers with separate accumulators. There are also uprated 400 mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for immediate and precise, responses.

With automatic detection of the surface being driven on, the dynamic settings are optimised accordingly. Enhanced drive modes provide the ultimate performance-focused on-road experience, tuning the vehicle’s steering, throttle and suspension settings with one press of the transparent signature logo button on the steering wheel.

OCTA Mode also enables an Off-Road Launch mode for optimum acceleration on loose surfaces. And, when combined with the lowest traction control settings (TracDSC or DSC off) it also engages a unique Off-Road ABS calibration for optimum braking performance on loose surfaces too.

For more technical off-road manoeuvres, the Defender’s suite of familiar Terrain Response modes remain at the driver’s fingertips, with specific calibrations for Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass Gravel Snow, and Rock Crawl,

There is also the ClearSight Ground View, which effectively makes the bonnet ‘transparent’ on a display and enables the driver to see what’s on the ground ahead.

Besides having greater capabilities to tackle all types of terrain, the OCTA can also wade deeper than any production Defender before it too – crossing water up to 1 metre deep.

Inside the functional cabin, the front occupants sit on all-new Performance Seats with more supportive bolsters and integrated headrests.

Immersive Body and Soul Seat audio technology – available for the first time in Defender – has been developed in collaboration with music industry experts SUBPAC and Coventry University. The Body and Soul Seat allows the driver and front passenger to feel, as well as hear, the music. Six wellness programmes are also available to help relax occupants or help improve cognitive responses on the move, depending on their preference.

An Edition One is available in the first year of production. It features a curated specification, finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green paint colour with a Khaki and Ebony Ultrafabrics PU and seamless Knit interior, new Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres.

“With New Defender OCTA, we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender. It is the very definition of breadth of capability, and a testament to what we can achieve utilising the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division. With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D Dynamics suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.

Click here to know more about Defender models available in Malaysia

KAHN Design to convert Defender to 90 Spyder