What's all this about?

Land Rover has confirmed a new flagship Defender model that promises to be the most powerful Defender ever. Dubbed the Octa, the new car will get numerous upgrades taken from the Range Rover Sport SV, and is described by the brand as an “all-terrain hero.”

It’s called what?

Octa. As in octagon. Or, more specifically, octahedron, which is the shape of a diamond. Apparently, the name was chosen to reference the car’s combination of toughness, luxury and exclusivity, which will mark it out as a range-topping option for customers. In fact, the Octa name is set to continue into the Defender’s future, with the little diamond logo set to denote future flagship models.

So what does the Octa get?

Well, we don’t know everything yet, but we have been told a few morsels. For a kick-off, the Octa will get a twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, which we’re expecting to be the BMW-derived 4.4-litre V8 found in the Range Rover Sport SV. Whether it will have the same 635hp remains to be seen, but Land Rover has confirmed this will be the most powerful Defender ever.

Land Rover has also confirmed the Octa will get the same ‘6D’ air suspension technology seen in the Range Rover Sport SV, which is designed to limit body movement and allow maximum axle articulation. It works a treat in the Range Rover Sport, so we’re expecting more of the same from the Defender, with limited body roll and pitch in the offing.

Anything else stolen from the Range Rover Sport SV?

Looks that way. Land Rover hasn’t said as much, but the teaser images show a set of Brembo brake callipers, suggesting the Octa will get a similar braking system to the Sport SV. And the teasers also show some tough-looking all-terrain tyres (not found on the SV), so expect to see those on the production car.

What do we know about the styling?

Not a lot – all Land Rover has given us is the wide-angle teaser image here – but we do know the new Octa logo will feature prominently. A diamond in a circle, it’s expected to be illuminated on the car’s steering wheel, and mounted on a hard-wearing titanium badge on the outside of the vehicle.

What have Land Rover’s bosses said about it?

Mark Cameron, the managing director of Jaguar Land Rover’s Defender division, said: “Defender has been synonymous with all-terrain capability with a bloodline tracing back to the Series 1 in 1948. New Defender Octa will take this to another level, with a dramatic stance, innovative technology and unparalleled attention to detail. With astounding performance and a bold new attitude, it will enable our clients to master epic adventures in heightened luxury.

“The Defender Octa name and signature graphic are representative of the vehicle’s strength, resilience and desirability – inspired by the vehicle’s diamond-like tough luxury credentials. The new signature graphic is particularly significant as it will be the first time it is seen on a Defender – and it will identify all flagship Defender models in the future.”

How much will it cost me?

We don’t know yet, but we’re expecting more to be revealed when the car is launched properly later this year. Prospective customers can get in touch with their local dealer to register their interest, and pre-launch events will be organised by Land Rover. We’re expecting a price tag that’s well into six figures, though.

James Fossdyke - 26 Mar 2024