Land Rover OCTA: The Ultimate Expression of Off-Road Luxury and Performance

Where It All Began

The Land Rover Defender series is one of the roughest, toughest, and most beautiful vehicles out there in the industry, which I have dreamt of owning even since I was a child. I used to rock around a die-cast toy version of the defender. Reminiscing about my childhood, the die-cast version of the same was just as tough as the real one for my little adventurous hands. I hope I get an opportunity to own a real one soon in the coming future as well.

Moving on, the Land Rover series I, which was in production from 1948-1958, marked the birth of the Defender series of vehicles. The Series I was a two-door vehicle equipped with a 1.6L petrol engine, which delivered 50 bhp and incorporated a four-speed gearbox and a 2-speed transfer box. The vehicle was designed for farming and light industrial use.

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After a sound success of the series I, Land Rover released the series II, which was in production from 1958-1971. The Series II equipped the well-known 2.25L petrol engine for the first time, even though the first 1,500 units of the Series II retained the 2.0L petrol engine. The larger 2.25L petrol engine variant generated 72 hp.

The production of the Series III marked new and significant developments in the Defender series. The production of the series III began in 1971 and ended in 1985. The Series III again retained the similar engine from the Series II, which was a 2.25L petrol engine. The Series III had its compression raised from 7:1 to 8:1, which slightly increased its power and other structural modifications.

The Land Rover 90 and Land Rover 110 were in production from 1983 to 1990 and were the first known defenders with modernised engines, body styles, and other new features that catered to a wide variety of drivers. The Land Rover 90 and the 110 equipped three similar petrol engine options, namely a 2.25L Inline-4 (Type 11H), 2.5L Inline-4 (Type 17H), and 3.5L V8 (Type 19G, 24G).

The 2.25L Inline-4 engine generated 73 hp and a torque of 160 Nm; the 2.05L Inline-4 generated 83 hp and a torque of 174 Nm; and the 3.5L V8 generated 114 hp and a torque of 251 Nm.

Even though the first known Defenders were the Land Rover 90 and the 110, the first Defender that received the Defender nameplate was the Land Rover Defender, which began its production in 1990 and lasted till 2016. The earlier Defender models were equipped with the 2.5L 200Tdi (107 hp, 255 Nm) and later upgraded to the 2.5L 300Tdi (111 hp, 265 Nm). In 1998, Land Rover introduced the 2.5L TD5, a five-cylinder turbocharged diesel producing 122 hp and 300 Nm of torque. By 2006-2007, Land Rover updated the Defender with a Ford-sourced 2.4L Duratorq TDCi engine, which delivered 122 hp and 360 Nm, followed by the 2.2L TDCi in 2012 with similar power but lower emissions. Petrol options included a 3.5L V8 (134 hp, 260 Nm) and a more powerful 4.0L V8 in select markets.

The Defender featured a four-wheel-drive system and a manual gearbox. Earlier Defender models featured a 5-speed LT77 gearbox, later replaced by the stronger R380 5-speed manual. From 2006-2007 onwards, the 6-speed GFT MT82 manual transmission was introduced for the Defender, which improved highway journey. A dual-range transfer case with high and low gears was standard across all models, ensuring excellent off-road capability. The locking centre differential operated manually, which enhanced traction in off-roading conditions.

Even if production of the classic Defender ended in January 2016 after building over 2 million units, the classic Defender remains one of the most iconic off-road vehicles in history, revered for its ruggedness, adaptability, and timeless design. Today, it is highly sought after by collectors, enthusiasts, and off-road adventurers worldwide.

The OCTA Makes Its Way

Well, apart from the long range of quality Defender vehicles, Land Rover has introduced the new Land Rover Defender OCTA, which is the most powerful and capable Defender ever produced, combining exceptional performance and off-roading luxuries.

Powertrain & Performance

The heart of the  is powered by a BMW-sourced 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which delivers an impressive 626 hp and 752.08 Nm of torque. This powerhouse enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive power delivery across various driving conditions.​ The OCTA’s Terrain Response System adapts seamlessly to various environments, whether it’s navigating deep sand, rocky terrain, or snowy landscapes.

OCTA’s Off-roading Capabilities

The OCTA stays true to its Defender heritage and excels in off-road environments. The OCTA boasts a wading depth of up to 3.3 feet, double that of the original Defender, which enables it to navigate through deep water obstacles with ease. The vehicle is equipped with specially developed 33-inch-diameter tires, which are the largest ever fitted to a Defender. The tires enhance traction and stability on challenging terrains.

The latest All-Terrain Progress Control in the OCTA acts as a low-speed cruise control for off-road adventures, which allows the driver to focus on navigation while the vehicle optimises traction and stability. Additionally, the Adaptive Dynamics System monitors road conditions in real time and adjusts the suspension to ensure a smooth ride on the highway and exceptional control off-road.

The Exterior

The OCTA is notably wider and taller than the standard Defender, featuring flared wheel arches that accommodate exclusive 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing both aesthetics and stability. The front fascia is distinguished by a redesigned grille that improves airflow to the engine, flared wheel arches, and added protective cladding, complemented by a quad exhaust setup at the rear, adding a sporty and aggressive touch. The signature OCTA badging, brushed aluminium skid plates, and unique colour options, such as the exclusive Faroe Green for the Edition One variant, accentuate its individuality. ​

The Interiors

Inside the OCTA, the cabin is adorned with premium materials, including semi-aniline leather and Kvadrat textile trims, providing a tactile and visually appealing environment. The Edition One variant elevates this experience with exclusive green upholstery and carbon fibre accents, adding a contemporary flair.

The OCTA also features a four-zone climate control system with air purification, ensuring a comfortable cabin environment. Soft-close doors add an extra touch of refinement, while configurable ambient lighting allows drivers to personalise the cabin atmosphere. The OCTA’s panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space inside the SUV. More advanced technologies are seamlessly integrated, featuring a state-of-the-art infotainment system and a new steering wheel design with translucent edge-lit gear shift paddles, enhancing both aesthetics and user interaction.

Features & Technology

Land Rover has loaded the OCTA with cutting-edge technology to enhance the driving experience. The OCTA flaunts the latest-generation Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring a high-resolution curved 11.4-inch touchscreen with a seamless responsive interface. It comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which offers seamless smartphone connectivity, while a 15-speaker Meridian surround sound system delivers an immersive audio experience.

An AI-based voice assistant enables hands-free control over navigation, climate, and entertainment functions, making the driving experience more intuitive. The OCTA also benefits from over-the-air (OTA) software updates, ensuring that its systems stay up to date with the latest enhancements. For the driver, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster provides real-time performance data, navigation, and customisable display options, while the heads-up display (HUD) projects key information onto the windscreen for a distraction-free drive.

Safety Features

The Land Rover OCTA features a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead even in stop-and-go traffic. The 360-Degree Surround Camera System provides a complete view of the surroundings, which is essential for both city driving and off-road navigation.

Other key safety features include lane-keeping assist, which detects lane departures and provides corrective steering, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, which warns drivers of approaching vehicles from the side or rear. Additionally, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) uses radar sensors to detect potential collisions and applies the brakes if necessary. A driver condition monitor analyses driving patterns and alerts the driver if signs of fatigue or drowsiness are detected.

For off-road safety, the OCTA comes with features like hill descent control, gradient release control, and advanced traction control, ensuring stability and confidence in rugged environments.

CarBike360 Says

The OCTA represents a new era for Land Rover, combining ultra-luxury, extreme off-road capability, and breathtaking performance in one remarkable package. Whether conquering the wilderness or the urban jungle, the OCTA proves that Land Rover continues to push the boundaries of what an SUV can achieve. The OCTA is set to become an icon in the world of high-performance SUVs, appealing to those who demand the best of both luxury and adventure.