The Defender Octa SUV, which Land Rover unveiled recently, will be produced and sold in India and will cost ₹2.65 crore (ex-showroom). With its revamped casing and a tonne of new features, the Octa is said to be the most potent Defender ever made. With upgrades to both the appearance and powertrain, Land Rover promises that the Defender Octa will have better off-roading potential than the previous generation, despite having much more power than the previous model.

Land Rover has announced that the Defender Octa will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which is set to take place from June 11 to June 14. However, the company has not released any information about the launch schedule.

1. Is this the most powerful Defender yet?

A powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged mild hybrid V8 engine with an eight-speed automated transmission is added to the Land Rover Defender Octa. Land Rover boasts that the Defender can now accelerate from zero to hundred kilometers per hour in just four seconds thanks to the new powertrain, which produces 626 horsepower at its peak and 750 Nm of maximum torque.

2. The new Defender can go farther off-road than before

Driving farther over rough terrain is made possible by the Defender Octa’s stronger underbody protection. Now, a graphite front undershield is installed on the underbody. With a broader stance and greater ground clearance than the previous generation, the Defender Octa makes a bigger impression and offers a better off-road experience. Double the range of the previous version, the Defender can reach a depth of one meter in water thanks to its deeper water-wading capabilities. Additionally, Land Rover used larger-than-ever 838 mm tires on the new Defender.

3. New frills, same interior

The Octa’s interior largely retains the design of the previous model, but it has UltrafabricsTM PU in Khaki and Ebony that is 30% lighter than regular leather. Customers can choose Body and Soul Seats (BASS), which are seats that were developed in conjunction with professionals in the music business. With the vibro-acoustic technology in these seats, users can actually feel the music. The Defender Octa Performance Seats offer greater lateral support, however they are an option for the buyer if they think the car’s stock sound system is sufficient. Purchasing the Chopped Carbon Fibre seatback allows customers to further customize these seats.

4. The Defender gets bigger

With its enlarged wheel arches and increased ground clearance, the Land Rover Defender Octa boasts unique appearance upgrades. Its functionality and on-road presence have both been enhanced by the 68 mm stance widening and the 28 mm increase in ground clearance. It is said that the Octa’s approach and departure angles will be improved with the addition of new bumpers on both ends. The SUV has a unique Petra Copper and Faroe Green color option, and it is equipped with 20-inch forged alloy wheels and all-terrain tires.

5. Suspension and more

The new 6D dynamic air suspension system on the Defender Octa will adjust intelligently to different driving situations and styles. Height-adjustable air springs and hydraulically connected dampers are components of the new suspension setup. This increases the SUV’s adaptability and enables it to handle both regular city driving and off-roading with equal ease. In addition, Land Rover claims that the Defender Octa’s Integrated Power Brake system—which includes components designed especially for the vehicle, like callipers, brake pads, and discs—will lessen brake fade.