Land Rover Defender Octa : The All-Powerful Off-Roader [Test Drive]

The Land Rover Defender Octa doesn’t just join the lineup; it redefines what a modern off-roader can be. Blending raw strength, unexpected refinement, and mind-blowing all-terrain capabilities, the Octa delivered an experience that balances exploration and performance. You can tell Land Rover wanted to prove that a vehicle can be both an indestructible adventurer and a high-performance machine without compromising on luxury.

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A Colossus Cut Like a Diamond

The name “Octa” isn’t random. Inspired by the octahedral shape of a diamond, it represents both strength and brilliance — two traits that define this exceptional Defender. From the first glance, it commands respect: widened tracks by 68 mm, increased ride height, massive 22-inch wheels, and off-road tires built for adventure. Its stance radiates calm power. Everything is oversized, engineered to endure harsh treatment while maintaining elegance.
The angular lines, extended fenders, and reinforced underbody protection amplify the impression of unstoppable force. Yet, the Octa manages to stay understated — a quiet giant. There’s no unnecessary flashiness here, only the promise of a machine capable of tackling anything, from downtown streets to desert dunes.

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Luxury Meets Ruggedness

Step inside, and you find that unique blend that defines the Defender’s spirit: a cabin that’s rugged yet elevated with high-end materials and an attention to detail rarely seen in this segment. The sport seats, wrapped in semi-aniline leather or technical Kvadrat fabric, offer firm support without sacrificing comfort. The interior feels serious and refined, with crushed carbon fiber accents and a clean, purposeful dashboard layout.
The driving position is commanding, almost regal. You feel like you’re presiding over the road, yet still connected to your surroundings. The central touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, though it takes a moment to get used to the variety of drive modes available. This Defender isn’t just a vehicle — it’s a cockpit. A place where luxury, practicality, and purpose coexist effortlessly.

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A V8 Heart and the Soul of an Athlete

Under the hood, the Defender Octa hides a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 — the result of a collaboration between Land Rover and BMW. Producing 635 horsepower and up to 800 Nm of torque in boost mode, this engine turns the Defender into a true powerhouse. Zero to 100 km/h comes in just four seconds — an almost absurd figure for a 2.5-ton SUV.
Beyond the numbers, though, it’s the smoothness that impresses. On the highway, the engine hums quietly; switch to Dynamic mode, and it roars with a deep, confident tone. The eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox handles shifts seamlessly. This isn’t a motor built to show off — it’s a demonstration of controlled power, capable of anything, anywhere.

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Where Off-Road Capability Meets On-Road Performance

It’s when you leave the pavement that the Octa truly reveals its magic. Thanks to its 6D Dynamics air suspension with hydraulically linked dampers, it combines agility, comfort, and control in a way few vehicles can. With no traditional anti-roll bars, body roll is virtually gone — replaced by a feeling of total stability and confidence.
On gravel trails, rocky climbs, and soft sand, the Octa becomes a desert racer. The suspension adapts instantly, and each driving mode transforms the vehicle’s character. Climbing, sliding, or carving through corners, it feels unstoppable. Even on tarmac, the Octa surprises with its precision and balance. You drive it like a performance SUV, forgetting almost entirely that it’s built to scale mountains.

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Pure Emotion, Balanced Excess

After a week of adventure, we understand why the Defender Octa has so much magnetism. It’s a rare kind of vehicle — one that stirs emotion while inspiring confidence. It delivers the thrill of performance and the serenity of total control. Behind the wheel, there’s a sense of invincibility that makes you want to keep exploring, to venture farther and farther off the beaten path.
Of course, it’s not flawless: it’s heavy, it drinks fuel like there’s no tomorrow, and some controls could be more intuitive. But those minor flaws fade quickly when you experience what it’s capable of.

Pros: unmatched power, exceptional ride comfort, astonishing off-road capability, top-tier craftsmanship, and a truly special cabin experience.
Cons: high fuel consumption, large proportions, and a few ergonomic quirks.

In the end, the Defender Octa isn’t just another SUV — it’s a statement. A celebration of freedom, controlled power, and adventure in its purest form. It’s the kind of machine that makes you want to leave the road behind… and never look back.

http://www.landrover.be