Incredible off-road ability. Extreme performance. The most powerful defender ever.
More powerful. More dynamic. More capable. The OCTA elevates all of the Defender’s most iconic characteristics to such a degree that it’s genuinely difficult to believe a single vehicle can have so many talents.
What’s most impressive is how this has been done with zero compromise. The OCTA is an astonishing technical showcase that boosts every metric of driver appeal, yet loses absolutely nothing in the process. It sets a new benchmark for off-road performance and is positively rapid on the road, but remains a brilliantly comfortable tourer with all the practicality expected from a Defender.
It’s this unique blend of technical excellence, supreme breadth of ability and everyday usability that led Autocar to crown the OCTA as ‘Best 4×4’ at its annual awards.
Read on to find out why Autocar thinks the Defender OCTA is truly special.
Incredible off-road ability. Extreme performance. The most powerful defender ever.
More powerful. More dynamic. More capable. The OCTA elevates all of the Defender’s most iconic characteristics to such a degree that it’s genuinely difficult to believe a single vehicle can have so many talents.
What’s most impressive is how this has been done with zero compromise. The OCTA is an astonishing technical showcase that boosts every metric of driver appeal, yet loses absolutely nothing in the process. It sets a new benchmark for off-road performance and is positively rapid on the road, but remains a brilliantly comfortable tourer with all the practicality expected from a Defender.
It’s this unique blend of technical excellence, supreme breadth of ability and everyday usability that led Autocar to crown the OCTA as ‘Best 4×4’ at its annual awards.
Read on to find out why Autocar thinks the Defender OCTA is truly special.
V8 POWER
The 626bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine has been cleverly tuned to work brilliantly off-road. It pairs perfectly with the automatic gearbox to offer exceptional control when crawling.
Power brake system
The OCTA features new brake hardware that does a great job of combating brake fade, including new discs, pads and callipers. The intelligent ABS system helps to provide confidence-inspiring off-road stopping power, too.
OCTA MODE
Engage OCTA mode and 80% of torque shifts to the rear, damping is bolstered, roll stability is disengaged, and traction and stability controls are adjusted to deliver phenomenal driving enjoyment on loose surfaces.
AIR SUSPENSION
Sophisticated air suspension transforms the OCTA at the touch of a button. Changing drive modes instantly switches the OCTA between high-riding, class-leading off-road prowess and hunkered-down, on-road agility.
“The OCTA pushes the Defender’s spider chart of attributes outwards in every meaningful direction, and does it with a charm that makes it oh-so-easy to love.”
Richard Lane: Deputy road test editor
EXCEPTIONAL OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY
A technical masterclass that makes light work of rough terrain
It’s long been the case that if you want to go properly off-road, you need a Defender. Yet, no Defender has ever been blessed with such staggering all-terrain ability and drivability as the OCTA. And that’s down to a raft of significant upgrades to the mechanical package.
The OCTA’s sophisticated hydraulically cross-linked suspension has been thoroughly fettled, getting longer wishbones, new bushings, new mountings, new uprights, and plenty more.
As a result, wading depth rises to 1,000mm, ground clearance is increased to 323mm, and departure angle is increased to 43°. And in spite of the increased ride height, roll centre remains the same thanks to the 68mm wider track.
All of which translates to impressive – often jaw-dropping – high-speed stability on gravel roads as well improving upon the Defender’s legendary mud-plugging prowess.
“If ever you find yourself needing to fly down an undulating gravel track at 85mph, trust me, you’ll be fine.”
Matt Saunders: Road test editor
COMPLETE PERFORMANCE
Rapid, nimble and composed on the road
The Defender OCTA is exceptionally focused and talented off-road, yet you can take it to a tarmac circuit and it’ll happily serve up supercar-like thrills. A car that can feel so at home in two such starkly different environments is a remarkable feat of engineering.
PLENTIFUL POWER
The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 produces a mighty 626bhp and 553lb ft of torque – good for 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds. It’s properly quick, as well as responsive and linear in its power delivery. The eight-speed ZF gearbox sweetens the deal by always getting shifts right – whether pottering around town or putting the OCTA through its paces.
Agile Handling
The OCTA has satisfyingly fast steering response, but it’s the advanced hydraulically cross-linked suspension that really elevates its on-road ability. In Dynamic mode, pitch and roll are neatly dealt with, which gives the OCTA a real sense of agility. It even has perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
STOPPING POWER
Prodigious speed in a car of this size requires serious brakes to match. Again, Defender’s engineers haven’t disappointed. The Power Brake System – complete with huge 400mm front discs – sheds speed effortlessly. They’ve been engineered to reduce fade, too, so you can really get on the brakes with confidence.
STYLE AND COMFORT
A Luxurious interior with distinctive design
Inside the Defender OCTA, there are some subtle design cues that hint at its performance pedigree – including the black diamond on the drive mode button and base of the steering wheel. The ‘Body and Soul’ semi-bucket seats are well shaped and supportive, featuring built-in speakers that pump bass frequencies directly through the seat base.
The cabin is comfortable and the quality of materials is exceptional, as befits a Defender. Other eye-catching design touches include the chrome switchgear and ‘chopped’ carbon-fibre trim, while the translucent gear-shift paddles feature subtle edge lighting.
The materials feel similarly modern, with a choice of Ultrafabrics, PU and semi-aniline leather, each in a variety of colours. In short, it’s a very nice place to be on a long drive.
“Climb up into the cabin and the Defender’s sense of integrity is very much intact. Perceived quality is very high, too, from the stitching to the switchgear plastics.”
Richard Lane: Deputy road test editor
EVERYDAY USABLITY
Space, practicality and effortless touring capablity
With cars as performance-focused as the OCTA, practicality rarely comes into the conversation. But it still works brilliantly in everyday driving, with four doors and plenty of space for both passengers and kit, including lots of interior storage. Other useful touches include a hidden sliding tray, and USB-C ports that are easily accessible to passengers.
The infotainment system is intuitive to use, and the display is bright and crisp. It also features a range of off-roading modes, which show you the surrounding lay of the land. This proves helpful when finessing your approach to obstacles and tricky terrain.
In comfort mode, you’re treated to a sumptuous ride. Combined with great visibility, effortless acceleration, and precise steering, this makes the OCTA a wonderful long-distance tourer.
“In a single day I took the OCTA from cramped London up to the MIRA proving ground, where it not only nailed that 12.9-second quarter mile, but also sauntered through the brutal off-road course as if it were a sand pit. Then I bombed it to Cumbria on the M6. I arrived feeling rested. Perhaps another car could have done all that. Can’t think which one.”
Richard Lane: Deputy road test editor
BUILD YOURS
BOOK A TEST DRIVE
FIND YOUR LOCAL RETAILER
Autocar is part of Haymarket Automotive, a division of Haymarket Media Group © Haymarket Media Group 2025