Introducing a new hero for the original British adventure brand Defender: Defender OCTA. The toughest, most capable and most luxurious model in the unstoppable 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 Defender OCTA is the most extreme and most powerful Defender yet, with 467 kW and up to 750 Nm of torque enabling a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time in 4.0 seconds. Heavily revised chassis components with innovative technologies, including 6D Dynamics suspension, ensure its dynamic capabilities are taken to new heights.
The exterior is bolder and tougher than ever, with a distinct character. The ride height is raised, the stance widened, and the wheel arches extended for an incredible 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.
INCREDIBLE CAPABILITY AND DURABILITY
Defender OCTA’s dynamic capabilities go beyond what any 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.
Defender OCTA sits 28 mm higher and has a stance widened by 68 mm, for superior ground clearance and stability. To ensure unparalleled confidence and control on any terrain, with both maximum wheel articulation off-road and reduced roll on-road, the revised suspension components include longer, tougher wishbones and unique active dampers with separate accumulators. It also features uprated 400 mm front brake discs with Brembo callipers and the fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date, for immediate, precise responses.
The full capabilities of 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.
For more technical off-road manoeuvres, Defender’s suite of familiar Terrain Response modes remains 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, which effectively makes the bonnet transparent for improved visibility and reassurance off the beaten track.
CONFIDENT EXTERIOR
Defender’s imposing presence and all-terrain focus are given a bold new attitude for Defender OCTA. It features 33-inch-diameter tyres, the largest yet fitted to a production Defender, including Goodyear Advanced All-Terrain tyres developed specifically for the OCTA model. This has required extended wheel arches, which complement off-road-optimised front bodywork with unique grille designs that allow greater under-bonnet airflow, a new rear bumper incorporating a four-exit active exhaust system, and tough underbody protection, including an aluminium alloy front under shield with a graphite finish and exposed Phosphor Bronze-finished front and rear recovery points.
All Defender OCTA models feature a contrast roof and tailgate in gloss Narvik Black. Clients can further personalise their vehicle with an optional matte protective film for added body protection in harsh environments, while also adding a sophisticated appearance that showcases its distinctive silhouette and surfacing.
ENGAGING, IMMERSIVE INTERIOR
For Defender OCTA, the standard interior is a new Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather, with KvadratTM textile trim in Ebony. Alternatively, any Defender OCTA can be specified with Ultrafabrics PU 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 occupants relax or improve cognitive responses on the move, depending on their preference.
Report by JLR SOUTH AFRICA
