They’re calling it “a new hero for the original British adventure brand Defender: New Defender OCTA” and according to Land Rover, it’s the toughest, most capable and most luxurious model in the 4×4 family, “taking the capability of Defender 110 to an unparalleled level.”
Powered by a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, the OCTA model is the most extreme and most powerful Defender ever, claims the company, with 467kW of power and up to 750Nm of torque, enabling 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds. To cope with the power increase, there is are heavily revised chassis components with “innovative technologies, including 6D Dynamics suspension, ensure its dynamic capabilities are taken to new heights”.
The ride height is raised, its stance widened, and wheel arches extended for more presence. Redesigned bumpers give improved approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. And, it will wade deeper than any production Defender before it too – through up to one metre of water, says Land Rover.
Steve Kenchington, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) New Zealand, said: “Here in New Zealand, we’re incredibly excited to unlock the full potential of Defender with Defender OCTA. The OCTA embodies everything we admire about Defender – toughness, capability, and a sense of adventure, with exquisite finishes and unique detailing.
“The high levels of interest we’re seeing from Kiwi customers for the Defender OCTA highlight its exceptional appeal. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a statement of capability and luxury, designed to conquer both rugged terrain and city streets with equal flair.”
New Defender OCTA’s name is derived from the toughest mineral on earth – a diamond – and the octahedral shape that gives their distinctive appearance and durability. This shape also inspired the new signature graphic, which denotes it as the flagship Defender.
Every Defender OCTA wears a new encircled diamond graphic, including a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc on each Signature Graphic panel.
The tough luxury of Defender OCTA is epitomised by Defender OCTA Edition One, which is available in the first year of production. It features a curated specification, finished in an exclusive new Faroe Green paint colour with a Khaki and Ebony Ultrafabrics PU and seam-less Knit interior, new Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing, and 20-inch forged alloy wheels with a choice of all-terrain or optional specially developed Advanced All-Terrain Tyres.
2024 Defender Octa: “Unparalleled performance”
New Defender OCTA brings unheard of performance to Defender. That 467kW 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with high and low range gears. New Defender OCTA will reach up to 250km/h when fitted with 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels and all-season tyres.
With 750Nm of torque (up to 800Nm with Dynamic Launch Mode selected) and tuned to suit the vehicle’s all-terrain performance, the Defender OCTA is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.0seconds while peak torque is available from 1,800rpm through to almost 6,000rpm.
2024 Defender Octa: Capability and durability
The 2024 Defender OCTA’s dynamic capabilities go beyond what any Defender has achieved before claims Land Rover, with the introduction of hydraulically-interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology for the first time on a Defender, alongside extensive hardware and geometry changes. Uniquely, it’s designed to be as fun to drive on-road as off-road, with no compromises.
Defender OCTA sits 28mm higher and has a stance widened by 68mm, for superior ground clearance and stability. To ensure confidence and control on any terrain, with both maximum wheel articulation off-road and reduced roll on-road, revised suspension components include longer and tougher wishbones, and unique active dampers with separate accumulators. It also features uprated 400mm front brake discs with Brembo calipers and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date.
A bespoke testing and development programme with more than 13,960 additional tests, including high-speed off-road durability, as well as high-speed on-road durability, had to be created for Defender OCTA, as the team entered realms of capability and robustness that have never been explored before.
Jamal Hameedi, Director of SVO, JLR, said: “Our high-performance experts have achieved the impossible with Defender OCTA, working tirelessly over the past three years to create the most capable Defender ever made – regardless of which surface it is enjoyed on. They have re-engineered components throughout the vehicle to ensure Defender OCTA is the perfect companion for epic adventures anywhere on the planet.”
Land Rover goes on to claim that an advanced network of hydraulically-interlinked continuously variable semi-active dampers virtually eliminates pitch and body roll on-road, the 6D Dynamics system also contributing to unprecedented comfort and refinement for Defender. On rough terrain, 6D Dynamics enables greater wheel articulation and will tackle even more extreme obstacles.
The full capabilities of New Defender OCTA – which can automatically detect which surface it is being driven on and optimise its dynamic settings accordingly – are unlocked via its enhanced drive modes. In addition to the default Comfort Mode, Dynamic Mode provides the ultimate performance-focused on-road experience, tuning the vehicle’s steering, throttle and suspension settings with one press of the transparent signature logo button on the steering wheel.
A long press of the same button accesses OCTA Mode, the first ever dedicated Defender off-road driving mode with a performance focus. This has been specially developed to ensure ultimate control and driver confidence. OCTA Mode also enables an Off-Road Launch mode for optimum acceleration on loose surfaces. And, when combined with the lowest traction control settings (TracDSC or DSC off) it also engages a unique Off-Road ABS calibration for optimum braking performance on loose surfaces too.
For more technical off-road manoeuvres, Defender’s suite of familiar Terrain Response modes remain at the driver’s fingertips, with specific calibrations for Sand, Mud and Ruts, Grass Gravel Snow, and Rock Crawl – assisted by off-road driver aids such as ClearSight Ground View3, which effectively makes the bonnet transparent for improved visibility and reassurance off the beaten track.
2024 Defender Octa: Exterior Design
Defender’s presence and all-terrain focus is given a new attitude for Defender OCTA. It features 33-inch diameter tyres, the largest ever fitted to a production Defender, including a Goodyear Advanced All-Terrain Tyre developed specifically for the OCTA model. This has required extended wheel arches, which complement off-road-optimised front bodywork with unique grille designs allowing greater under-bonnet airflow, a new rear bumper incorporating a four-exit active exhaust system, tough underbody protection including an aluminium alloy front under shield with graphite finish and exposed Phosphor Bronze-finished front and rear recovery points.
Defender OCTA’s colour palette includes two exclusive new premium metallic finishes: Petra Copper and Faroe Green, alongside Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey, while all Defender OCTA models feature a contrasting roof and tailgate in gloss Narvik Black. Clients can further personalise their vehicle with optional Matte Protective Film for added body protection in harsh environments, also adding a sophisticated appearance that showcases its distinctive silhouette and sophisticated surfacing.
Faroe Green is exclusively available on Defender OCTA Edition One, as is Chopped Carbon Fibre detailing. This highly distinctive finish, which includes recycled raw materials, features on the Defender bonnet script, fender vent surrounds and bonnet vent surrounds, plus the front seatbacks and centre console trim inside.
2024 Defender Octa: Interior Design
Inside, two Ultrafabrics options – 30 per cent lighter than traditional leather – are available. This seat finish is standard on Defender OCTA Edition One, in duo-tone Khaki and Ebony, with a knit textile and reductive, seamless finish.
For Defender OCTA, the standard interior is a new Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather, with Kvadrat textile trim in Ebony. Alternatively, any Defender OCTA can be specified with Ultrafabrics in Light Cloud and Lunar, or semi-aniline leather in Ebony.
The front row of Defender OCTA features all-new Performance Seats with more supportive bolsters and integrated headrests. Defender’s close association with music is brought to the fore with immersive Body and Soul Seat audio technology – available for the first time in Defender.
The Body and Soul Seat has been developed in collaboration with music industry experts SUBPAC and Coventry University, allowing the driver and front passenger to feel, as well as hear, the music. Six wellness programmes are also available to help relax occupants or help improve cognitive responses on the move, depending on their preference.
New Defender OCTA order books will officially open soon, with indicative pricing to come. The new high-performance SUV has already made its public and dynamic debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Land Rover suggests that customers interested in registering for the first release of Defender OCTA are invited to contact their Defender retailer now.
2024 Defender Octa: Orders
Orders open soon, following the completion of global Defender Elements preview events. Find out more at www.landrover.com/defender
You can read DriveLife’s review of the Defender 110 D300 S on this link.
