The Defender is already some of the credible automobiles over tough terrain, and now it might cross it with unbelievable tempo, too.
JLR on Wednesday took the covers off the 2025 Defender Octa, a brand new efficiency flagship based mostly on the Defender 110 and the primary member in a possible Octa efficiency sub-brand. The title is a reference to sure diamond shapes in geometry referred to as octahedrons, and diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth.
However the Defender Octa has additionally been developed to be a troublesome cookie in relation to on-road efficiency, helped by the superior 6D Dynamics suspension that debuted on the 2024 Vary Rover Sport SV.
The setup consists of a mixture of hydraulically interlinked semi-active dampers, height-adjustable air springs, and pitch management, which in line with JLR can maintain the car’s physique at an nearly stage stance throughout arduous cornering, or when traversing tough terrain due to the better wheel articulation that may be delivered. The system eliminates the necessity for typical anti-roll bars, the automaker stated.
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa
The trip top was elevated by 1.1 inches in comparison with the usual Defender, and the stance widened by 2.7 inches. These adjustments included the addition of revised suspension elements together with longer and more durable wishbones, in addition to widened fenders to accommodate all of it.
One of many lead engineers of the challenge was Jamal Hameedi, who heads up JLR’s SVO division. Previous to becoming a member of JLR in 2018, Hameedi was chief engineer of Ford Efficiency (and its SVT predecessor), the place he oversaw growth of a number of generations of the Ford F-150 Raptor, in addition to the first-generation Ranger Raptor which was restricted to gross sales abroad.
Underneath the hood sits a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 and mild-hybrid system. The powertrain, sourced from BMW, can also be shared with the Vary Rover Sport SV and delivers a stout 626 hp, the very best ranking ever utilized in a manufacturing facility Defender. The facility is routed to all 4 wheels by way of the Defender’s 8-speed automated transmission with excessive and low vary gears.
House owners can count on 0-60 mph acceleration in simply 3.8 seconds and a high pace of 155 mph, when the car is specified with 22-inch wheels and all-season tires. For severe off-roaders, there are 20-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch Goodyear Superior All-Terrain tires developed particularly for the Defender Octa. JLR has additionally developed a particular off-road launch mode that optimizes acceleration on free surfaces. The mode will also be set as much as ship off-road ABS calibration to optimize braking on free surfaces. Brembo brakes with rotors measuring 15.7 inches on the entrance have additionally been fitted.
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa
For the inside, the car might be specified with extremely sturdy trim as a substitute for customary leather-based. Up entrance are sports activities seats with additional bolstering, and JLR additionally suits its Physique and Soul Seat audio know-how, which is a primary for the Defender. The system makes use of transducers within the seats to allow occupants to “really feel” their favourite music tracks. It additionally provides six wellness applications to assist occupants get relaxed.
Order books are already open and JLR has confirmed a beginning value of $153,475 for the U.S. market. A limited-edition Defender Octa Version One can be additionally supplied for the primary yr solely, that includes a handful of particular curated touches together with an unique Faroe Inexperienced paint end. It carries a beginning value of $169,275. Each figures embrace a vacation spot cost of $1,475.
The Defender Octa varieties a part of an up to date 2025 Defender vary. The updates embrace new packages that group many standard particular person choices. Among the many new packs are some that improve the driving qualities, others that enhance functionality in chilly climate or when towing, and some that enhance consolation.
The Defender Octa will make its formal debut on the 2024 Goodwood Pageant of Velocity operating within the U.Okay. from July 11-14. Deliveries are anticipated to start out later this yr.
