Land Rover pushes the envelope of Defender performance with the 2025 Defender Octa. Hybrid power helps improve performance and fuel economy while other upgrades sharpen its trail manners.
Land Rover is pushing the envelope of Defender performance with the rugged 2025 Octa.
Land Rover said that the Defender Octa would be the most potent expression of Defender performance ever while also ushering in a new era for the model and the broader company as a whole. Mysterious teasers quickly followed and it was clear that Land Rover had something big planned.
That turned out to be the 2025 Defender Octa which is not only the new range-topper in the Defender lineup but will also allow the Defender to reach its full performance potential on the streets and on challenging obstacle-filled trails.
Defender Octa gets a makeover
Meaty all-terrain tires and other upgrades help the Octa get a leg up on challenging obstacles and other types of trails.
The core styling of the Defender Octa shares much of its DNA with its lesser cousins with the core design maintaining its blocky square shape. However, the model gets a new front grille that’s bigger than before which allows more air to get to the engine lurking underneath the skin. The bumpers also get redesigned for improved approach and departure angles and the Octa gets extended wheel flares which allowed engineers to equip the SUV with 33-inch Goodyear Advance All-Terrain tires. Land Rover also says that the Octa name comes from the octahedral shape that it used for the diamond graphic which will serve as a visual identifier for all Octa models
The Defender Octa will also get two new exterior colors: Petra Copper and Faroe Grey which will be sold alongside several other existing colors. The Octa even has front and rear recovery points which come in handy in the event the SUV gets into trouble and needs help getting winched out of a tight spot.
Octa interior mixes performance with luxury
The Octa’s interior benefits from several upgrades including model exclusive performance front seats.
The interior of the Octa is a balanced blend of luxury and performance with all models getting new performance front seats that feature enhanced levels of support and integrated headrests with the thrones also offering Land Rover’s “Body and Soul” seat audio technology which is making its debut on the Defender for the first time.
Burnt Sienna is the default hue in the cabin but buyers looking for more variety can swap it out for either a Light Cloud and Lunar color or Ebony hued upholstery. The “Edition One” continues to be a launch year-only special but it gets khaki-colored upholstery and other minor trim enhancements
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BMW-sourced engine improves performance and fuel economy
Performance comes from a more efficient but just as powerful 4.4-litr twin-turbo V8 that’s equipped with a mild-hybrid system.
Performance for the Land Rover Defender Octa comes from a new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 626 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This engine replaces the old 5.0-liter supercharged V8 and it gets better fuel economy thanks to the addition of a mild-hybrid system. Buyers looking for more torque will have to switch the SUV to “Octa” mode which removes the digital restraints and allows the engine to achieve its full 590 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission available and it allows the Octa to make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds while also reaching a top speed of 155 mph when it’s equipped with smaller 22-inch light alloy wheels and all-season tires.
In addition to the enhanced power, the Octa also gets a revised suspension that allows the SUV to maximize its off-road capability while the 6D Dynamics chassis reduces body roll and promotes suspension articulation to help it navigate obstacles. Braking comes from 15.7-inch front brakes with six-piston Brembo calipers.
Defender Octa to make Goodwood debut
The 2025 Defender Octa will make its public debut next week at the Goodwood Festival of Speed which runs from July 11-14. In the meantime, Land Rover dealers are currently taking orders for the Octa with a base model starting at $152,000 while the range-topping Edition One bumps the sticker up to $167,800. This pricing makes the Octa less expensive than its chief rival the Mercedes-AMG G63 which starts at $183,000 which helps give it an edge when it comes to value.
Except for ‘reporters’ who have nothing invested in the vehicle, no one would treat a $150,000++ vehicle this way. No one!