2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA Is a Rugged 626-HP Off-Roader

• The Land Rover Defender OCTA packs a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 under its hood that makes 626 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
  

• This trail-ready SUV will start at $153,475, with the first-run Edition One models starting at $169,275.

• The Land Rover Defender OCTA is scheduled to make its dynamic debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed July 11-14 in the UK.

It looks like the Mercedes-AMG G63 just got a new rival. Meet the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA, named for one of the hardest and most desirable minerals on Earth. In addition to a stout 626 hp, Land Rover gave this special Defender variant a revised suspension, higher ride height, and big Brembo brakes to slow it all down.

Under the hood of this Defender OCTA is a 4.4-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 that also sends 553 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic to the four-wheel-drive system before hitting the selected tires. Land Rover says this SUV is good for a sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds but will run out of steam at 155 mph.

Taking advantage of this potent mill is the new performance-oriented OCTA drive mode, which Land Rover says is geared for speed on the trails. This drive mode unlocks the off-road launch control and triggers a special off-road ABS calibration.

Underneath this special Defender is a revised 6D Dynamic suspension system, an extra 1.1 inches of ground clearance, and reworked chassis components, including new suspension arms, unique dampers with separate accumulators, and a new steering rack. The 6D dynamic suspension helps manage pitch and roll through the magic of hydraulics.

Alongside the added height, this Defender sports 2.7 inches of extra track width, while riding on a set of 22-inch wheels that are wrapped in all-season rubber, or 20-inch rollers wrapped in 33 inches of Goodyear Advanced All-Terrains. Slowing this Defender down is a set of opposed six-piston Brembo calipers in the front that clamp down on 15.7-inch rotors.

Of course, the Land Rover Defender OCTA also gets some exterior and interior updates to help set it apart from the rest of the Defender lineup. Quad exhaust tips and extended wheel arches separate it from a standard Defender. On the inside, a pair of performance seats in the front row with bigger bolsters should keep you planted while pushing the limit.

As you’d expect, this ‘25 Land Rover Defender OCTA won’t come cheap, starting at $153,475, while the Edition One model will set you back $169,275. While this is admittedly spendy, it does undercut the luxe staple Mercedes-AMG G63.

That could make a compelling argument for the Rodeo Drive set and the hardcore off-roaders alike. You’ll get to see this Defender in action at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed July 11-14.

Do you think people will pick this over the G-Wagen? Tell us your thoughts below.