We talked about the regular version of the mighty Land Rover Defender last year and you can read about it here. Judging by the number sold, buyers are impressed with the quality and overall performance despite the premium price ticket. It is certainly a remarkable vehicle. Now, the legendary British brand are introducing a new hero for this most original of automotive adventure brands: The new Defender Octa. It is, they say, the toughest, most capable and most luxurious model in Land Rover 4x4 family, taking the capability of the regular Defender 110 to an unparalleled level.
The Dramatic Exterior
If the standard car isn’t enough Defender for you then the imposing presence and all-terrain focus of the Defender Octa should probably fill the gap. It features 33 inch diameter tyres, the largest ever fitted to a production Defender, including, from a selection, a Goodyear Advanced All-Terrain Tyre developed specifically for this model. This has required extended wheel arches, which complement the 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 a graphite finish and, to cap it all, exposed ‘Phosphor Bronze’-finished front and rear recovery points.
The Octa’s colour palette includes two exclusive new prestige metallic finishes: ‘Petra Copper’ and ‘Faroe Green’, alongside the regular ‘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 the vehicle’s distinctive silhouette and sophisticated surfacing.
‘Faroe Green’ is exclusively available on the 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, bumper (fender) vent surrounds and bonnet (hood) vent surrounds, plus the front seat backs and centre console trim inside.
The Rugged Premium Interior
Not differing much from the standard model, it is nevertheless the interior detailing that sets the new Defender Octa apart. Two highly durable ‘Ultrafabrics’ PU options which is thirty per cent lighter than traditional leather, are available. This seat finish is standard on the Octa Edition One, in duo-tone ‘Khaki’ and ‘Ebony’, with a knit textile and reductive, seamless finish. As standard though, the interior is a new ‘Burnt Sienna’ semi-aniline leather, with ‘Kvadrat’ textile trim in ‘Ebony’. Alternatively, any Defender Octa can be specified with ‘Ultrafabric’ PU in ‘Light Cloud’ and ‘Lunar’, or semi-aniline leather in ‘Ebony’.
The front row of the Defender Octa features all-new ‘Performance’ seats with more supportive bolsters and integrated headrests. To augment this off-road luxury, music is brought to the fore with immersive ‘Body and Soul Seat’ audio technology, available for the first time on this model. The ‘Body and Soul Seat’ has been developed in collaboration with music industry experts, 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.
As would be expected in a car of this class the safety and infotainment features are second to none. The full capabilities of the Octa, which, by the way, can automatically detect which surface it is being driven on and optimise its dynamic settings accordingly, are unlocked via its enhanced drive modes are conveniently accessed.
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 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 View v2, which effectively makes the bonnet transparent for improved visibility and reassurance off the beaten track.
The Power And Drive
The Defender Octa’s dynamic capabilities go beyond anything Defender has achieved before, 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.
Powered by a 4.4 litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, this hugely desirable model is the most extreme and most powerful Defender ever, with 626bhp (635PS) and up to 750Nm of torque, increased to 800 NM in ‘Dynamic Launch’ mode) enabling 0-60mph to be achieved in just 3.8 seconds (0-62mph / 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds). Heavily revised chassis components with innovative technologies, including ‘6D Dynamics ‘suspension, ensure the dynamic capabilities are taken to new heights. With all this torque, the vehicle is tuned to suit the outstanding all-terrain performance for exceptional drive-ability.
Contact us here at MHH International to find out about availability of all the current model Defender and Range Rover models. We export prestige vehicles from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland and elsewhere using through our tried, tested and comprehensive service. You can see much more information on our website.
