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Fierce Defender: 2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Test
A BMW-sourced V-8 gives the venerable Defender a whole lot of hustle.
Published: April 4, 2026
Verified Reviewed by K.C. Colwell, Executive Editor
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa View exterior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
From the May/June 2026 issue of Car and Driver.
For the sake of safety and fun, adding speed to an SUV should be more than just throwing a big engine under the hood. Fortunately, the first Land Rover Defender built for speed receives a thorough makeover commensurate with its new motor.
The speed part is handled with gusto by a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 making 626 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. Under the stewardship of Jamal Hameedi, whose highlights at Ford included both modern GTs and the F-150 Raptor, Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations also fitted a hydraulically linked suspension to combat pitch and roll, fender flares that increase the width by 2.7 inches, a quicker steering rack, longer suspension arms and links, front seats with beefier bolsters, and 33-inch tires (either all-terrain or all-season). It also sits 1.1 inches higher.
view exterior photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
All of this for the bargain price of $153,850. No, really. The Octa’s only real competition in the ultra-luxury, aerodynamics-be-damned segment is the $196,900 Mercedes-AMG G63.
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HIGHS: Stonking V-8, surprisingly capable chassis, a value among its set.
The Octa certainly looks the part. It has the visual gravitas of a villain charismatic enough that it becomes the protagonist in the sequel. This test car’s Petra Copper paint gets its matte appearance from a $5155 self-healing wrap—probably worth it, given the width of this trail-ready rig.
More on the Defender
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view interior Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
Hydraulics typically make roads silky and cornering flat, but the Octa only gets the latter benefit. The ride isn’t harsh, but it’s jarring, a constant nudge that the springs are supporting nearly three tons. Back-road hustling requires acclimation, because intuition doesn’t indicate that something so tall will corner so flat. The 0.81-g skidpad result isn’t representative of what the Octa feels like when pressed. It will corner faster than you think, once you trust the anti-roll tech to keep it upright. Throw me into that corner, use all the grip, says the Octa. Then you put your foot in it.
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LOWS: Its set starts at $150K, jarring ride, flirts with 6000 pounds.
Oh, boy howdy, does the BMW V-8 get this Brit moving. While the Octa matches the G63 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, its 12.2-second quarter-mile nips the AMG by a tenth, and it’s almost two seconds quicker to 130. Maybe the aerodynamics aren’t so bad after all.
view interior Photos
Michael Simari|Car and Driver
This Defender is mostly silly in the best way possible. Floor it while cruising at 80 mph and, after the downshift, the acceleration is so strong that the Land Rover squats back and lifts its nose skyward. Let’s see a G63 do that.
VERDICT: Staring into space never felt so exciting.
What This Means for You
The Defender Octa sits in a unique niche, offering supercar-level acceleration in a decidedly boxy, brute-force form factor. Buyers considering this vehicle aren’t looking for subtlety. They are buying an experience—a rare combination of raw power, high-tech suspension engineering, and iconic styling.
From a financial perspective, the $153,850 starting price places the Octa among the most expensive SUVs on the market. Potential buyers need to weigh this cost against their long-term budget. While the Octa’s performance is undeniably impressive, its efficiency is not, with an observed 15 mpg. This means fuel costs will be a significant consideration for daily use.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
For most people, waiting or opting for a different vehicle might be wise. At this price point, buyers can explore ultra-luxury sedans or performance coupes that offer better efficiency and ride quality. However, if you value extreme off-road capability and high performance above all else, and money is no object, the Octa offers a compelling package.
Instead of buying, consider leasing. Leasing minimizes the long-term financial risk of depreciation. For those interested in Land Rover’s engineering but not the V-8 price tag, the standard Defender models offer similar character at a much more attainable price.
Best Financial Strategies Right Now (2026)
With interest rates remaining volatile, many buyers are seeking fixed costs. Locking in a low-rate mortgage or car loan is crucial to avoid the risk of variable payments. Insurance premiums for high-performance luxury vehicles are high, so ensure your policy adequately covers the value of your investment.
Cost Breakdown / Pricing Impact (if applicable)
2025 Land Rover Defender Octa
Base Price: $153,850
Options: Matte protective film, $5155; tow hitch, $700; 22-inch wheels, $450; emergency pack, $75
Monthly Payments (Estimate)
This calculation is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a loan offer.
| Down Payment | Loan Term | APR (5.50%) | Monthly Payment |
| :—: | :—: | :—: | :—: |
| $30,000 | 60 months | 5.50% | $2,351.14 |
| $30,000 | 72 months | 5.50% | $1,988.58 |
Fuel Cost (Annual)
Based on 15 mpg and average gas prices, driving 10,000 miles per year would cost approximately $2,450 in fuel. Over 5 years, this adds up to $12,250.
Mistakes to Avoid That Could Cost You Money
Forgetting Depreciation: Ultra-luxury SUVs depreciate quickly. Factor this into your long-term ownership costs.
Ignoring Insurance Costs: A $150K+ luxury SUV comes with high insurance premiums. Ensure your budget can handle this ongoing expense.
Overspending on Options: Features like the self-healing wrap add thousands to the price without significantly affecting the vehicle’s core function. If you plan to hit the trail, a protective film may not be necessary.
In-Depth Features and Engineering
The Heart of the Beast: BMW Power
Under the hood lies a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8, sourced from BMW. This engine is the primary reason for the Octa’s explosive performance. Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team calibrated this unit to deliver 626 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The torque delivery is immediate, providing a massive shove from a standing start and exhilarating acceleration at highway speeds.
Performance Handling and Chassis Upgrades
To manage the immense power, the Defender Octa features a hydraulic interlinked suspension system. This sophisticated setup effectively controls pitch and roll, making the vehicle corner flatter than its tall stance suggests. The suspension is also 1.1 inches higher than standard models, giving the Octa a more aggressive stance.
Fender flares increase the width by 2.7 inches, accommodating wider tires and improving stability. The steering rack has been revised for a quicker response, allowing the driver to pivot the heavy SUV more agilely. Suspension arms and links were lengthened to maintain geometry during aggressive maneuvers.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type | Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon |
| :— | :— |
| PRICE | |
| Base/As Tested | $153,850/$160,230 |
| Options | Matte protective film, $5155; tow hitch, $700; 22-inch wheels, $450; emergency pack, $75 |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection |
| Displacement | 268 in3, 4395 cm3 |
| Power
