Land Rover has always been an off-road car for the more affluent crowd. I have had the opportunity to drive several models from both Land Rover and Range Rover over the years. Most recently before this Defender OCTA it was the Range Rover Sport SV. It's hard not to enjoy getting behind the wheel of a Land Rover or Range Rover, as long as you don't have to think about the hole it makes in your wallet, and that's especially true of the Land Rover Defender OCTA. But let's put that aside for a moment and just enjoy the car for what it is.

A place that suits the Defender perfectly

As I wrote, I have driven several models from Land Rover and Range Rover before. There is a place in Gothenburg that has proved to be perfect for photographing cars from these particular brands, and with Defender OCTA it is the third time I drive a Land Rover or Range Rover here to take pictures. The first time was with a Land Rover Discovery, the second time with a Range Rover Evoque. The location is the hill down by Nya Varvet, above Lilla Billingen skans.

If you stand up there and look out, you have Älvsborg Bridge right in front of you. If you turn 180 degrees, you have Älvsborg Fortress in the harbour entrance in front of you. Getting up here is not something I would do with a normal car, even if it was a tall SUV. But with a Land Rover or Range Rover, it's really no problem at all.

The technology behind Land Rover Defender OCTA

The Land Rover Defender OCTA is the most extreme and technologically advanced version of the new Defender yet. The biggest difference is under the bonnet, where the OCTA is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with mild hybrid technology, developed in collaboration with BMW. Power output is around 635bhp, which is a big step up from both the P400 and previous V8 versions. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a permanent four-wheel drive system recalibrated for both high speed and rough terrain. This is also one of the reasons why this car makes a bigger hole in your wallet than other car models. The Land Rover Defender OCTA with its 4.4-litre V8 is thirsty!

Chassis, suspension and steering

The chassis is heavily redesigned and the Defender OCTA is the first production Defender to use the new 6D Dynamics suspension. It is a hydraulically linked system that completely replaces traditional anti-roll bars and allows the car to be stable and controlled on road, while maximising wheel movement off-road. The track is wider, ground clearance higher and the body reinforced to cope with the higher performance. The brakes are also larger and more powerful to match the weight and power of the car.

Design and details that set OCTA apart

Visually and functionally, the OCTA is also clearly different from a regular Defender. The body is wider with more muscular fenders, unique bumpers and increased cooling capacity. Underneath the car, there are stronger skid plates and the car rides on 20 or 22-inch wheels with specially developed tyres, depending on the application. Inside, the OCTA gets sportier seats, unique material choices and details that clearly mark this is a Defender built for extreme performance rather than just traditional work capability.

Behind the wheel on the way to Gothenburg

On my journey down from Stockholm to Gothenburg, I enjoy every kilometre in this car. Until it's time to refuel... But the comfort in the Land Rover Defender OCTA is truly exceptional. In addition, there is a sound system fromMeridian Audio, so my latest DJ mix is allowed to run at a very high volume during the journey south to my delight. 

Defender through history

The Land Rover Defender has its roots in the very first Land Rover models from the late 1940s, developed as rugged work vehicles for agriculture, military and expeditions. For decades, the Defender built its reputation on simple engineering, extreme durability and an ability to go where few other vehicles could. When the classic model was discontinued in 2016, it was the end of an era, but also the beginning of something new.

When the new Defender was launched in 2019, it was a clear reboot. The old ladder frame construction was replaced by a self-supporting aluminium platform, and the Defender became significantly more advanced, comfortable and technically sophisticated. At the same time, the ambition was clear: the new model would still be a true Defender, with genuine off-road capability and a design language that clearly tied in with the original.

Land Rover Defender OCTA as a concept and idea

The Defender OCTA represents the next step in this evolution and is effectively Land Rover's interpretation of a high-performance off-road icon. The name OCTA is inspired by the octahedron, one of the most stable geometric shapes, which should reflect the car's combination of strength, balance and control. With OCTA, Defender enters a segment where extreme performance, luxury and uncompromising off-road capability meet, without losing touch with the heritage that has made Defender one of the automotive world's most iconic models.

Technical specifications

Land Rover Defender OCTA

Price: from around 2 995 000 SEK

Engine: 4.4 litre V8, twin turbo petrol

Power: 635 hp, 800 Nm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds

Top speed: 250 km/h

Weight: approximately 2 585 kg

Dimensions (length/width/height): 5 018 / 2 008 / 1 967 mm