Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Slow, rugged, and steady

The Land Rover Defender Octa is a docile family vehicle that transforms into a raging rally rider. What it lacks in speed, it makes up for in performance

As SUVs go, the Land Rover Defender Octa is meant to redefine what it means to be the fastest off-roader on the planet. This is no easy task – the segment is brimming with contenders such as the Lamborghini Urus S and the Mercedes-AMG G63. But the Octa, powerful and confident, looks the part. Can it really go above and beyond? Let’s take a look.

The Land Rover Defender Octa has beefed-up mechanicals and can wade through half a metre of water.

Compared to even a standard Defender, the Octa is taller by 28 mm and wider by 68 mm. The muscular wheel arches and purposeful stance scream off-road readiness, without over-the-top theatrics. The new Faroe Green metallic finish gives off a military vibe that still looks luxurious.

Don’t think of the Octa as a brute in a tuxedo. It’s more of an athlete in tailored armour. The design team has masterfully kept the SUV’s heritage intact while infusing it with modern aggression.

Under the skin is a ground-up re-engineering effort. The axles have been repositioned to accommodate larger tires and increased ground clearance. It can wade through half a metre of water, has beefed-up mechanicals, and feels as tough as its octahedral namesake—the diamond.

The Defender Octa’s new Faroe Green metallic finish gives off a military vibe.

There’s a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 sourced from BMW, producing 635 hp and up to 800 Nm of torque. This, coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, propels the Octa from 0 to 100 kph in just four seconds.

But it’s the way the Octa delivers its power that truly impresses. In default Comfort mode, the engine feels refined, almost subdued. But engage Dynamic mode with a quick tap of a button on the steering wheel, and the SUV transforms. The throttle sharpens, the exhaust snarls, and the suspension tightens for spirited driving. It’s a vehicle with a dual personality—docile family hauler on weekdays, adrenaline-pumping rally raider on weekends.

For a 2.8-ton SUV, the Defender Octa handles remarkably well. The credit goes to its 6D Dynamics air suspension, which uses a complex system of hydraulically interlinked, semi-active dampers. The optional Goodyear DuraTec Advanced All-Terrain tyres, while great off-road, slightly compromise on-road performance. Most owners will likely opt for the 22-inch Michelin all-weather tyres, which promise better grip and handling. Steering precision is another highlight, giving the Octa a responsiveness that belies its size.

Off-road capability is where the Octa truly shines. The Terrain Response system takes centre stage, automatically adjusting to gravel, sand, rocks, or mud.

In its Dynamic mode, the vehicle is ready for rough and heavy off-road trips.

In South Africa’s Western Cape, the Octa demonstrated its prowess on sand dunes, tackling steep inclines and tricky descents with ease. On gravel trails, the Octa’s advanced damping system and 500mm of wheel articulation allow it to handle rough terrain at speed without breaking a sweat.

Inside, sustainable leather upholstery and chopped carbon fibre trim dominate the cabin.

The Land Rover Defender Octa is not just an SUV; it’s a statement of intent. It redefines what a high-performance off-roader can be. Whether you’re carving through mountain passes, blasting across desert dunes, or navigating urban jungles, the Octa feels at home and in a league of its own.

From HT Brunch, February 01, 2025

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