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2026 Land Rover Defender Octa: Supercharged Capability Meets Brute Force
A BMW V-8 propels the reimagined Defender to exhilarating speeds, blending luxury with raw power for the discerning off-road enthusiast.
Published: April 4, 2026
Reviewed by K.C. Colwell, Executive Editor
The latest iteration of the Land Rover Defender lineup introduces the Octa variant, a high-performance marvel developed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO). This formidable machine transforms the iconic ruggedness of the Defender into a luxury SUV with unparalleled speed and agility.
Engineered for speed and safety, the 2026 Defender Octa is more than just a powerful vehicle; it represents a meticulous engineering overhaul. Its performance is driven by a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine, delivering a staggering 626 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Jamal Hameedi, a driving force behind Ford’s modern GT and the F-150 Raptor, spearheaded this project, ensuring the Defender Octa offers a level of performance worthy of its name.
The vehicle’s enhancements include a hydraulically linked suspension system designed to minimize pitch and roll, a critical feature for a vehicle of this size and power. The fender flares expand the width by 2.7 inches, giving the Octa an aggressive, wide stance. A quicker steering rack, extended suspension arms, and beefier front seat bolsters further refine the driving dynamics. The Octa rides on 33-inch tires—available in both all-terrain and all-season options—and sits 1.1 inches higher than its standard counterparts.
All of this engineering innovation comes at a starting price of $153,850. While this price places it firmly in the luxury segment, it positions the Octa favorably when compared to its closest rival, the $196,900 Mercedes-AMG G63.
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HIGHS: Stonking V-8, surprisingly capable chassis, a value among its set.
The Octa projects an undeniable presence, exuding the visual gravitas of a charismatic villain capable of stealing the spotlight. This particular test vehicle, finished in Petra Copper, features a $5,155 self-healing wrap, a worthwhile investment considering the wide, trail-ready stance of this machine.
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view interior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Hydraulics in vehicles typically provide a silky smooth ride and flat cornering. However, the Octa delivers on the latter benefit while offering a ride that is jarring, a constant reminder of the springs supporting nearly three tons. Back-road driving requires some adjustment, as instinct suggests that such a tall vehicle would not corner as sharply as it does. The 0.81-g skidpad result does not fully reflect the Octa’s true cornering performance when pushed. The vehicle confidently encourages the driver to use all available grip, asserting, “Throw me into that corner, use all the grip.” Following that assertion, the driver can confidently engage the throttle.
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LOWS: Its set starts at $150K, jarring ride, flirts with 6000 pounds.
The BMW V-8 engine propels this British SUV with astonishing speed. While the Octa matches the G63 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, its 12.2-second quarter-mile time edges out the AMG by a tenth of a second and is nearly two seconds quicker to 130 mph. Perhaps the aerodynamics are not as disadvantageous as initially perceived.
view interior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
This Defender embodies a delightful sense of playfulness. Flooring the accelerator while cruising at 80 mph, the engine responds with such strong acceleration after the downshift that the Land Rover squats back, tilting its nose toward the sky. The AMG G63 cannot match this level of dynamic aggression.
VERDICT: Staring into space never felt so exciting.
Specs panel icon
Specifications
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $153,850/$160,230
Options: matte protective film, $5,155; tow hitch, $700; 22-inch wheels, $450; emergency pack, $75
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 268 in3, 4395 cm3
Power: 626 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: multilink/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 15.7-in vented disc/14.4-in vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy All Season
275/50R-22 115W M+S LR
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.0 in
Length: 186.7 in
Width: 81.2 in
Height: 78.5 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/53 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 79/34 ft3
Curb Weight: 5975 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.7 sec
100 mph: 9.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.2 sec @ 114 mph
130 mph: 16.8 sec
150 mph: 27.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Speed (mfr claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 338 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
Interior Sound
Idle: 44 dBA/4 sone
Full Throttle: 84 dBA
70-mph Cruising: 68 dBA/23 sone
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 15 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 17/15/19 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
Headshot of K.C. Colwell
Reviewed by K.C. Colwell
Executive Editor
K.C. Colwell has spent over a decade at the forefront of automotive journalism, accumulating extensive experience in vehicle testing, evaluation, and commentary. His career at Car and Driver began in 2004 as a technical assistant, quickly rising through the ranks to become Assistant Technical Editor in 2007. Throughout his tenure, he has set production-car lap records, most notably at Virginia International Raceway for Car and Driver’s annual Lightning Lap competition, and was just the sixth person to drive the Hendrick Motorsport Garage 56 Camaro. In 2017, K.C. was appointed Testing Director, a role he held until 2022, when he transitioned to Executive Editor, leading the brand to become one of the country’s most respected automotive magazines. Outside the world of cars, K.C. enjoys playing hockey in the winter and golf in the summer. He is also dedicated to passing on his automotive acumen, particularly his appreciation for 1990s German sedans, to his daughter. He may be the only Car and Driver editor to own a Bobcat—not the feline, but the skidsteer. K.C. resides in Chelsea, Michigan, with his family.
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KIMNChicken
2w ago
Range Rovers are supposed to impress, that’s the point. But with Defenders, the less you spend the more character you get. I’