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The 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa: A BMW-Powered Brute Force Test Drive
Published: April 4, 2026
Reviewed by K.C. Colwell, Executive Editor
For the sake of safety and performance, increasing the speed of an SUV must go beyond merely dropping a larger engine under the hood. Fortunately, the debut Land Rover Defender designed for performance receives a comprehensive overhaul that perfectly complements its new powertrain.
The speed is masterfully handled by a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering a formidable 626 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Under the direction of Jamal Hameedi, whose portfolio includes the modern GT and the F-150 Raptor at Ford, Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations has also incorporated a hydraulically linked suspension system to effectively manage pitch and roll, fender flares that widen the stance by 2.7 inches, a revised steering rack, longer suspension arms and links, front seats with enhanced bolster support, and 33-inch tires (available in both all-terrain and all-season options). The vehicle also sits 1.1 inches higher than standard models.
This remarkable engineering comes at a significant price: $153,850. Realistically, the Octa’s primary competitor in the ultra-luxury, performance-over-aerodynamics segment is the $196,900 Mercedes-AMG G63.
HIGHS: Powerful V8 engine, surprisingly agile chassis, good value within its luxury tier.
The Octa undoubtedly presents a commanding visual presence. It possesses the gravitas of a cinematic villain—the charismatic kind who, in a sequel, might transition into the hero. This test vehicle’s Petra Copper paint utilizes a self-healing wrap, a likely worthwhile investment considering the width of this off-road-ready machine, costing an additional $5,155.
More on the Defender
2026 Land Rover Defender Details, Pricing, and Specs
Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Tested: One Quick Brick
2024 Land Rover Defender 130 vs. 2024 Lexus GX550
LOWS: High starting price in the $150,000 range, jarring ride quality, weighs close to 6,000 pounds.
Oh, boy, does the BMW V8 engine propel this Defender forward with significant force. While the Octa matches the G63 in reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, its quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds edges out the AMG by one-tenth of a second, and it accelerates to 130 mph almost two seconds faster. It appears the aerodynamics are perhaps not so detrimental after all.
This Defender is, for the most part, delightfully excessive in the best possible way. Flooring the accelerator while cruising at 80 mph results in a powerful surge; after the transmission downshifts, the acceleration is so potent that the Land Rover squats back and lifts its front end toward the sky. It’s doubtful a G63 can replicate this level of dominance.
VERDICT: Staring into the expanse has never felt this exhilarating.
Specifications
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive, five-passenger, four-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 V8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 268 cubic inches, 4395 cc
Power: 626 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 590 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, Front/Rear: Multilink/Multilink
Brakes, Front/Rear: 15.7-inch vented disc/14.4-inch vented disc
Tires: Michelin Primacy All Season
275/50R-22 115W M+S LR
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 119.0 inches
Length: 186.7 inches
Width: 81.2 inches
Height: 78.5 inches
Passenger Volume, Front/Rear: 56/53 cubic feet
Cargo Volume, Behind Front/Rear: 79/34 cubic feet
Curb Weight: 5,975 pounds
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.7 seconds
100 mph: 9.1 seconds
1/4-Mile: 12.2 seconds @ 114 mph
130 mph: 16.8 seconds
150 mph: 27.4 seconds
Results above exclude 1-foot rollout of 0.3 seconds.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 4.8 seconds
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.6 seconds
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.0 seconds
Top Speed (manufacturer claim): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 169 feet
Braking, 100–0 mph: 338 feet
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
The 2026 Land Rover Defender Octa: A BMW-Powered Brute Force Test Drive
Published: April 4, 2026
Reviewed by K.C. Colwell, Executive Editor
For the sake of safety and performance, increasing the speed of an SUV must go beyond merely dropping a larger engine under the hood. Fortunately, the debut Land Rover Defender designed for performance receives a comprehensive overhaul that perfectly complements its new powertrain. The Octa is not just a fast SUV; it’s a technical masterpiece where engineering prowess meets audacious design. When a vehicle weighs nearly 6,000 pounds, adding speed becomes a serious challenge—and Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations rises to that challenge with gusto. This is not your average Defender; this is a Defender Octa, a beast tuned for the track yet built to conquer the trails.
Performance Engineering Beyond the Baseline
The speed is masterfully handled by a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering a formidable 626 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Under the direction of Jamal Hameedi, whose portfolio includes the modern GT and the F-150 Raptor at Ford, Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations has also incorporated a hydraulically linked suspension system to effectively manage pitch and roll, fender flares that widen the stance by 2.7 inches, a revised steering rack, longer suspension arms and links, front seats with enhanced bolster support, and 33-inch tires (available in both all-terrain and all-season options). The vehicle also sits 1.1 inches higher than standard models.
This remarkable engineering comes at a significant price: $153,850. Realistically, the Octa’s primary competitor in the ultra-luxury, performance-over-aerodynamics segment is the $196,900 Mercedes-AMG G63. But is this premium price justified? Can this high-performance SUV handle the luxury-SUV market dominated by rivals like the G-Wagen?
HIGHS: Powerful V8 engine, surprisingly agile chassis, good value within its luxury tier.
The Octa’s Design: Villainous Charm
The Octa undoubtedly presents a commanding visual presence. It possesses the gravitas of a cinematic villain—the charismatic kind who, in a sequel, might transition into the hero. This test vehicle’s Petra Copper paint utilizes a self-healing wrap, a likely worthwhile investment costing an additional $5,155. But more than the wrap, the Octa’s visual strength lies in its aggressive stance. The widened body and purposeful fender flares give it an imposing width, making it look ready to dominate the road.
LOWS: High starting price in the $150,000 range, jarring ride quality, weighs close to 6,000 pounds.
Dynamic Testing: The BMW V8 Strikes
Oh, boy, does the BMW V8 engine propel this Defender forward with significant force. While the Octa matches the G63 in reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, its quarter-mile time of 12.2 seconds edges out the AMG by one-tenth of a second, and it accelerates