LAND ROVER DEFENDER OCTA

The key is the 6D Dynamics Suspension

The Defender Octa, which debuted at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, is the most performance-oriented and toughest Defender ever. The grade name comes from the octahedron, an octahedron crystal found in rough diamonds, which symbolises strength and rarity.

I had the opportunity to test drive the Octa, and the test drive took place in an environment where the Defender really shines: an off-road course. Let’s see if this SUV lives up to its name.

The Octa is a mild hybrid vehicle (MHEV) that combines a BMW 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 635 PS/6000-7000 rpm and a maximum torque of 750 Nm/1800-5855 rpm (800 Nm with launch control activated), with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. However, the key to its performance is not just its driving performance, but also its 6D Dynamics suspension system that uses hydraulics to dynamically control roll, pitch, and dive in real time.

Incidentally, everything from the aforementioned powertrain to the suspension is actually the same package used in the Range Rover Sport SV. As we’ve already reported, this is the off-road version of the Range Rover Sport SV, which showed off uncharacteristic SUV behavior on the short circuit at Fuji Speedway.

High performance demonstrated even in normal mode

Its high performance is also evident from its exterior. Compared to the base Defender 110, it is 30mm taller and 70mm wider, and it also features a front grille with an enlarged opening to improve engine cooling, and front and rear bumpers that improve approach and departure angles. Due to the aforementioned vehicle height, the lamp breakover angle has also been increased.

The test vehicle was the same one that was also provided for the international test drive event in South Africa, and was equipped with Goodyear Wrangler rugged terrain tires. We followed the lead vehicle into the off-road course. The lead vehicle, driven by the instructor, was a standard Defender 110, and instructions were given over the radio during the test drive.

First, we started driving in normal mode. Because a test drive event for general customers had been held the day before, the course was heavily rutted and had a harsh surface, but even in normal mode, the vehicle’s off-road performance was high enough, with a smooth stroke accurately capturing information about the road surface and skillfully stabilizing the vehicle’s behavior, giving a sense of security and making the drive enjoyable. However, when we followed instructions over the radio to switch to octa mode by pressing and holding the octa switch below the steering wheel horn pad, the sense of security and enjoyment of the drive doubled.

Braking performance that is hard to believe for a vehicle over 2.6 tons

In Octa mode, the switch and paddles light up red, letting you know that the entire vehicle is ready for battle. The traction is good even on slippery roads because the suspension has been optimized for dirt driving. It is not stiff and tight, but supple and strong, and grips the road firmly. Even when going over a straight line with a large gap at high speed, the ride is actually more comfortable than normal.

When accelerating, the throttle response is sharper, the engine is more active, and all four wheels exert precise driving force. Not only are the Brembo brakes equipped with large 400mm front discs impressive, but the ABS control is set to allow a slight amount of locking, making it possible to brake with incredible force for a bike weighing over 2.6 tons.

The steering gear ratio is quick, with just 2.4 turns from lock to lock, making cornering easy. It reminded me of my youth as a student, racing around dirt courses when I was crazy about rally racing.

Power that is orders of magnitude greater than the standard model

In comparison, in normal mode, looking back, there was a feeling of looseness due to a lack of ground contact, and there was also a lack of traction when accelerating. Unfortunately, we were not able to do a comparative test drive, but in the standard Defender 110 that was leading the way, when driving on a straight road on a rough surface at the same pace as the Octa, there was a sense of anxiety that the car would go off the road and fly off somewhere.

At a price of approximately 21 million yen, it can truly be called a “Diamond on the Move.” The model we test drove this time was the 2025 model (MY25), but the 2026 model (MY26) has undergone minor changes, with improvements to the interior and exterior, including a 13.1-inch touch display, and the price has risen slightly from 20.99 million yen for the MY25 to 21.05 million yen. Although this has not been confirmed, it is possible that the MY26 model has been refined. Please check the delivery date and carefully consider whether to decide on the MY25 (if it is in stock) or wait for the MY26.

PHOTO/Akio HIRANO

Check out the video to see the Land Rover Defender Octa in action!

SPECIFICATIONS

Land Rover Defender Octa (MY25)

Body size: Length 4940 x Width 2065 x Height 2000mm

Wheelbase: 3020mm

Vehicle weight: 2610kg

Engine: V8 DOHC twin turbo

Total displacement: 4394cc

Engine maximum output: 467kW (635PS) / 6000-7000rpm

Engine maximum torque: 750Nm (76.5kgm) / 1800-5855rpm

Motor maximum output: 13kW (18PS) / 5000rpm

Motor maximum torque: 42Nm (4.3kgm) / 2000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension type: Front double wishbone, rear multi-link

Tire size: 275/60R20

0→100km/h acceleration: 4.0 seconds

Top speed: 250km/h

Vehicle price: 20.99 million yen

Related reading

Land Rover’s most powerful Defender ever, the Octa, premieres at Goodwood with a maximum output of 635 PS

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the new high-performance flagship, the Defender Octa. It has been developed as the toughest, most capable, and most luxurious Defender ever. A total of 220 units will be introduced to the Japanese market, including 130 Defender Octa and 90 Defender Octa EDITION ONE models, available only in the first year of production.