New 'Ultimate' Defender OCTA gets twin-turbo V8

Land Rover goes all in on incoming 'all-terrain hero' with 6D Dynamics and new badge

The imminent arrival of a V8-powered flagship Defender has been on the cards for months. In fact, measured in Land Rover time, it’s been just over the horizon since the model was launched back in 2020 - its eventual introduction virtually guaranteed when the firm assigned the Discovery SVX concept to the dustbin. Distant memory of that ill-fated project and SVO’s work in the meantime had prepared us for another SV-branded model - but no: the new addition to the lineup will be called the Defender OCTA. As in octahedron.

Octawhatnow? Well, (vaguely speaking) the name is to do with the octahedral shape a natural diamond would commonly arrange itself into. Except they’re not common, of course, and they’re exceptionally hard - so you can see why Land Rover likes the idea. Even if it does take some explaining. “The Defender OCTA name and signature graphic are representative of the vehicle’s strength, resilience and desirability – inspired by the vehicle’s diamond-like tough luxury credentials,” says Mark Cameron, the Managing Director of Defender.

“The new signature graphic is particularly significant as it will be the first time it is seen on a Defender – and it will identify all flagship Defender models in the future.” So, yes there’s a new badge (visible in the pictures, including on the steering wheel-mounted button that was previously reserved for the SV), and apparently it’s here to stay. And yes, it’s having to cover a lot of ground, on the basis that Land Rover wants to evoke hardiness and lavishness and high performance all at once. But even at this early stage (i.e. pre-reveal) there’s a good reason for that. Because for better or worse the manufacturer has attempted to pack a lot into its new hero car.

For one thing, there is the engine. That’s new. Or new to Defender, at any rate. Land Rover is confirming no technical specifications at this point, but the newcomer will feature the BMW-built 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 - and, on the basis that it ‘will be the most powerful Defender ever’ the output is obviously destined to exceed the 525hp you already get in a supercharged 110. Exceed by how much we don’t know; in the recently launched Range Rover Sport SV, you get 635hp. So it’s safe to assume it won’t be that much on the basis that its maker is stressing all-terrain performance (and teasing all-terrain tyres). But anywhere in the vicinity of 575hp would be a convenient halfway point. For the record, the new Mercedes-AMG G63 is slated to get around 600hp.

The latter also comes with the option of semi-active, interconnected electro-hydraulic flow valves that do away with the need for traditional anti-roll bars. So no prizes for guessing which car the OCTA is gunning for when you learn that the 6D Dynamics system that first appeared on the SV is also migrating to the Defender. As we discovered back in February, Land Rover’s own arrangement of cross-linked dampers and air suspension is enormously effective; not just in the business of helping to keep a very heavy, tall car preternaturally flat on road, but also ‘maximising independent wheel travel and articulation’ away from it.

Clearly, it is that quality which has been brought to the fore in the OCTA, as Land Rover aims for ‘an unparalleled breadth of capability, comfort and composure’. Or as Cameron puts it: “With astounding performance and a bold new attitude, it will enable our clients to master epic adventures in heightened luxury.” Some of those customers might baulk at the idea of yet more opulence being levered into the current Defender - but apparently its maker sees an opportunity to compete with the G63 on its own terms. And when it seems like no six-figure SUV has suffered for being made even more upmarket inside, who can blame it?

“We’re incredibly excited for the way in which OCTA will broaden the appeal of Defender for UK clients,” noted JLR’s Managing Director, Patrick McGillycuddy. “This highly exclusive new model takes the brand to new heights, exploring the ultimate in tough luxury, and blending performance and off-road capability in one enthralling vehicle.” On the basis that the current V8 Defender is already a terrifically likeable bit of kit - and the Range Rover Sport SV improbably fast - we can easily understand the enthusiasm. Anyone sharing that sentiment can register their interest now (which presumably gives you access to the exclusive preview events Land Rover is planning) ahead of a full reveal later this year.