The Defender is already some of the credible automobiles over tough terrain, and now it could cross it with unbelievable tempo, too.
JLR on Wednesday took the covers off the 2025 Defender Octa, a brand new efficiency flagship primarily based on the Defender 110 and the primary member in a possible Octa efficiency sub-brand. The identify is a reference to sure diamond shapes in geometry often called octahedrons, and diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth.
However the Defender Octa has additionally been developed to be a troublesome cookie with regards 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 keeping with JLR can preserve the car’s physique at an virtually degree stance throughout exhausting cornering, or when traversing tough terrain because of the larger wheel articulation that may be delivered. The system eliminates the necessity for typical anti-roll bars, the automaker mentioned.
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa
The experience peak was elevated by 1.1 inches in comparison with the usual Defender, and the stance widened by 2.7 inches. These modifications included the addition of revised suspension elements together with longer and harder wishbones, in addition to widened fenders to deal with all of it.
One of many lead engineers of the mission 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 improvement 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 be shared with the Vary Rover Sport SV and delivers a stout 626 hp, the very best score ever utilized in a manufacturing facility Defender. The ability is routed to all 4 wheels through 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 prime velocity of 155 mph, when the car is specified with 22-inch wheels and all-season tires. For critical 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 unfastened surfaces. The mode will also be set as much as ship off-road ABS calibration to optimize braking on unfastened 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 an alternative choice to commonplace 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 presents six wellness packages 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 might be additionally provided for the primary 12 months 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 types a part of an up to date 2025 Defender vary. The updates embrace new packages that group many fashionable 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 improve consolation.
The Defender Octa will make its formal debut on the 2024 Goodwood Competition of Pace working within the U.Okay. from July 11-14. Deliveries are anticipated to start out later this 12 months.
