2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA Photos, engines & full specs

In 2024, Land Rover unleashed the OCTA version of the Defender 110, offering customers one of the most potent off-roaders on the planet, as fast as some supercars, in one package.

Land Rover was known for creating a few go-fast high-rider SUVs, such as the Range Rover Sport SV. However, few thought that the British brand would dare to drop a twin-turbo V8 under the hood of a Defender. But that wasn’t all. Besides the much higher power and torque rating, the 2025 Defender OCTA was able to do more than just street runs. It could still tackle serious offroad trails, go through deep waters, and plunge through mud like no other. Land Rover didn’t just limit itself to installing a new engine and gearbox and calling it a day. It altered the Defender’s exterior and interior. In the end, it looked ready for another 007 franchise.

The automaker made the Defender OCTA look meaner, with a 68 mm (2.7-inch) wider track and flared fenders. Furthermore, it added unique trims around the wheel arches to accommodate the beefier tires. The main grille was adorned by a mesh that sported octagonal-shaped elements. Under the bumper, Land Rover installed a metallic skid plate and, depending on the options, a recovery tow hook. There were no fog lamps installed on the apron, and all the light needed was provided by the powerful LED headlights.

From its profile, the massive vehicle revealed its authentic off-road styling with a shape that resembled the original Defender 110. Land Rover offered the 2025 Defender OCTA with a choice of two wheels. One with 22-inch alloys wrapped in all-season tires, and the other was fitted with a set of unique-looking 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain boots. The latter also boasted a higher ground clearance, like it was ready to head-on to a difficult trail, right off the showroom’s floor. In the back, the flat vertical tailgate housed a full-size spare wheel. Land Rover didn’t install side steps since those would limit ground clearance and the break-over ramp angle. In the off-road configuration, the 2025 Defender OCTA boasted a 40-degree approach angle, a 42-degree departure angle, and a 38-degree breakover ramp angle. Furthermore, Land Rover promised a whopping 39 inches (990 mm) of wading depth.

However, Land Rover knew that a six-figure vehicle could be sold only if the interior of that car looked awesome. As a result, the 2025 Defender OCTA came with unique interior schemes. At the sales start, the automaker offered the vehicle with standard Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather and Ebony trims. Furthermore, a special edition sporting a dual-tone upholstery of Khaki and Ebony was available. The front occupants enjoyed Body and Soul seats, developed in cooperation with music industry experts. They had larger side bolsters and integrated headrests. In the back, the automaker continued the high level of craftsmanship as on the front row.

Under the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA, the automaker installed a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine carried over from BMW. The German automaker tuned the powerplant for this famous off-road beast to produce 635 PS (626 hp) and paired it with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission that sent power in all corners. In addition, the British car manufacturer improved the vehicle’s suspension to cope with the much-upgraded drivetrain. And it had to do that with a Defender that could reach 60 mph (97 kph) from standing still in just 3.8 seconds.