Land Rover’s Beefed-up Offroad Defender Coming to South Africa

Land Rover has unveiled a brand-new Defender 110, the Defender Octa, which ups the ante of the beloved 4×4’s offroad capabilities, and will be available in South Africa with a starting price of R3,499,100.

Powered by a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, the Octa model is the most powerful Defender yet, with 467kW and up to 750Nm of torque enabling 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds). It also features revised chassis components, including 6D Dynamics suspension.

The exterior has received a bit of a revamp, with the ride height being raised, its stance widened, and wheel arches extended. 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.

Every Defender Octa features 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 3D 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.

Unparalleled performance

Incredible capability and durability

Defender OCTA sits 28mm higher and has a stance widened by 68mm, 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, 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, for immediate, precise, responses.

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 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 View³, which effectively makes the bonnet transparent for improved visibility and reassurance off the beaten track.

Confident exterior

On the exterior, the Octa features 33-inch diameter tyres, the largest yet 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 contrast 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.

Engaging, immersive interior

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.