KUALA LUMPUR: Land Rover has introduced a new hard-core version of the Defender SUV, known as the Defender Octa. The latest model is touted as the “toughest, most capable, and most luxurious model in the unstoppable 4x4 family.” 

Tuned by the brand's in-house Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, the new Land Rover Defender Octa features a fresh mechanical setup, extensive off-road enhancements, and upgraded visual elements inside out. 

In place of the 5.0-litre supercharged V8 found on the standard Defender 110, the Defender Octa gets a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 mill sourced from BMW. The new engine is capable of generating a maximum power of 635 PS at 5,855 rpm and a peak torque of 750 Nm from just 1,800 rpm. It is assisted by a mild-hybrid system offering a boost of 30 PS and 180 Nm under hard acceleration. Compared to the 5.0-litre engine, the new setup delivers 100 PS more power and 125 Nm more torque.

Power goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission that enables the SUV to hit the century sprint in just four seconds and reach a top speed of 249 kmph.

Adding to the Defender Octa incredible capability and durability are - 

• Hydraulically-interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology
• Revised suspension components including longer and more robust wishbones and specialised active dampers with individual accumulators
• 28 mm higher and 68 mm wider stance 
• Uprated 400 mm front brake discs with Brembo calliper
• Fastest steering ratio of any Defender to date  
• More underbody protection than the standard model
• 20-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped with 275/60R20 BFGoodrich Trail Terrain off-road tyres or 22-inch alloys shod with 275/50R22 Michelin Primacy all-season tyres 

• Redesigned spare wheel mount to fit the larger tyre
• Along with the Land Rover's Terrain Response off-road system offering Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl modes, the Defender Octa also has an OCTA mode for high-performance off-road driving and off-road launch-control mode

The exterior is bolder and tougher than ever, featuring redesigned bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. As for fulfilling the air requirements of the bigger engine, large air intakes are positioned on the front bumper. The SUV also gets wider wheel arches, new body accents finished in grey and bronze, and a standard black contrasting roof and tailgate.

The cabin exclusively features new Performance Seats incorporating “Body and Soul Seat” tech developed in collaboration with music industry experts SUBPAC and Coventry University. It allows the driver and front passenger to feel and hear the music. 

The front seats also feature integrated headrests, 14-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, and are available in full semi-aniline leather or a combination of Ultrafabrics and synthetic leather-look upholstery.

“With New Defender OCTA we have been able to unlock the full potential of Defender. It is the very definition of breadth of capability, and a testament to what we can achieve utilising the very best technologies and talents within our engineering division. With its powerful V8 engine, ground-breaking 6D Dynamics suspension technology, exquisite finishes and unique detailing, it is rare, incredibly tough and inherently desirable,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.

Malaysian customers can register their interest or find out more information on the New Defender OCTA at https://www.landrover.com.my/defender/defender-octa/overview or reach out to Jaguar Land Rover's sales advisors at Land Rover Malaysia, Ara Damansara (03-76512000).

Also read: Revamped and Ready: Facelift Range Rover Evoque lands in Malaysia, from RM499k