Ford ignited a revolution in high-performance off-road driving with the debut of the F-150 Raptor in the 2010 model year. While only a few brands have identities uniquely rooted in off-road adventures, Land Rover’s highly capable lineup has traditionally stayed away from the high-speed desert racing craze—until now. The 2025 Land Rover Defender Octa is not only the most efficient and powerful Defender ever, but it also represents a fully-spec’d British counterpart to the Raptor. With advanced engineering, cutting-edge technology, and robust performance capabilities, the Defender Octa is set to redefine what it means to conquer the toughest terrains.
Defender Octa: Stronger Bones and a Healthy Heart
The 2025 Defender Octa derives its name from the octahedral structure that gives diamonds their distinctive look and durability. Based on the mid-length Defender 110, it stands 1.1 inches taller than the rest of the Defender lineup, thanks to a suspension system featuring longer and stronger control arms.
These robust control arms push the wheels outward, widening the vehicle by 2.7 inches and necessitating the ingeniously integrated fender flares. The Octa is the first Defender to feature Land Rover’s 6D Dynamics suspension system. This system uses interconnected dampers to maximize axle articulation for off-road performance while maintaining exceptional quietness on the road. This system offers better control over body roll, dive, and squat compared to traditional anti-roll bars. Equipped with 33-inch Goodyear tires and increased ride height, the Octa can traverse nearly 40 inches of water. Its high-speed desert driving prowess comes from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 mild hybrid engine, which generates 626 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
This is the most powerful engine ever installed in a Defender, offering a broad torque curve that peaks from 1,800 rpm to nearly 6,000 rpm. Land Rover claims the Octa can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. In addition to the standard modes for sand, mud, ruts, grass, gravel, snow, and rock crawling, the unique Octa mode includes off-road launch control and other features to help the SUV maintain high speeds on loose surfaces.
Mirrors: Defender Octa
In addition to larger tires and prominent fenders, the Defender Octa features new front and rear bumpers designed to improve approach and departure angles, a unique grille design, and active exhaust vents.
The underbody protection includes a front aluminum skid plate and bronze tow hooks at both ends to aid in recovery efforts—from other vehicles, of course.All Defender Octas sport a contrasting black roof and rear door, with the new Petra Copper paint option available exclusively for the Octa.
A matte finish can be applied to any chosen color, providing protection and a unique look. The Octa badges on the C-pillars feature a glossy black diamond set in a disc of brushed titanium.Inside, there are new sport seats with integrated, enhanced headrests. Buyers can choose between semi-aniline leather with or without fabric accents, or two-tone synthetic leather.
Special Edition: Defender Octa
Land Rover celebrates the launch of the Octa with the exclusive Octa Edition One. This special edition offers a unique Faro Green paint option and distinctive interior finishes made from “recycled raw materials,” featuring chopped carbon fiber.
These finishes adorn the exterior badging, hood, fender vents, front seat headrests, and center console trims. The Edition One also boasts a custom two-tone synthetic leather interior in khaki and ebony, providing a sophisticated and exclusive feel.
Availability and Pricing
Orders are now open for the 2025 Land Rover Defender Octa. The standard Octa starts at $153,475, while the Octa Edition One starts at $169,275, including a $1,475 destination fee.
