The Land Rover Defender Octa recently made its debut in India with an introductory price starting at Rs 2.59 crore (ex-showroom). The limited-run ‘Edition One’ variant comes with a price tag of Rs 2.79 crore. This model not only represents the most powerful and extreme iteration of the Defender to date but is also the priciest, costing Rs 1.07 crore more than the previous flagship Defender V8, which retailed for Rs 1.52 crore. However, the Octa is more than just a cosmetic upgrade or a trendy new trim—it’s a fully re-engineered beast.
Gone is the familiar supercharged 5.0-litre V8; it has been replaced by a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 combined with mild-hybrid technology also found in the Range Rover. The resultant power output is an astounding 635hp and a peak torque of 800Nm, firmly positioning it within the high-performance SUV market. According to Land Rover, this monster can sprint from 0 to 100 kph in merely 4 seconds.
Having tested the Octa in the rugged terrain of South Africa, the question remains: how does it perform in the diverse conditions of India? Navigating India’s roads presents its own unique challenges; deep potholes, sudden craters due to poor roadwork, and unexpected speed bumps make the driving experience a test of survival. Add to that the axle-twisting ruts from overloaded trucks and the unpredictability of two-wheelers darting through traffic, and the scene is set for a harrowing journey.
2025 Defender Octa Exterior Design and Engineering
In such challenging environments, ample ground clearance becomes paramount, and the Octa certainly delivers. With an impressive 323mm of clearance at its highest setting, this vehicle can traverse almost any obstacle. Furthermore, its class-leading water-wading capability of up to 1 meter ensures you can drive confidently through flooded city streets during the monsoon season.
Height is a standout feature of the Octa; it is 28mm taller and 68mm wider than a standard Defender 110, with bulging wheel arches that accommodate serious tires. In South Africa, we had the chance to drive it with aggressive off-road tires, whereas our India-spec vehicle sported rugged BF Goodrich Trail-Terrain tires. These 275/60 R20 tires offer robust protection against poor road conditions, featuring ultra-tall sidewalls that easily absorb impact from sharp edges and potholes.
This edition elevates the Defender experience. The Octa is equipped with a distinctive grille, reinforced bumpers, a substantial bash plate, and four exhaust pipes at the rear. Even the well-known Land Rover badge is replaced with a geometric Octa logo, representing the octahedron—a symbol of strength.
The limited Edition One, adorned in an eye-catching Faroe Green and featuring an array of optional extras, is reserved for those seeking true exclusivity, commanding a price of Rs 2.79 crore.
2025 Defender Octa Interior Space and Comfort
While the added height is a significant advantage, it does pose challenges when entering the cabin. Even with the air suspension set to its lowest setting, getting in is a bit of a climb. The grab handle positioned on the dashboard isn’t the most effective leverage either. However, once inside, the commanding driving position coupled with panoramic visibility makes you feel in charge of the road ahead.
Accessing the rear seat is a tad easier with a well-placed handle, though older passengers—or those wearing sarees—may still find it challenging. The rear seats are elevated, plush, and spacious enough for three passengers to sit comfortably. The side-hinged tailgate, complete with a spare wheel, opens up to reveal a generous luggage space that reinforces the Octa’s family-friendly credentials.
2025 Defender Octa Features and Safety Kit
Inside, the Octa preserves the Defender’s characteristic blend of sturdiness and sophistication while adding a sporty twist. The 14-way adjustable sport seats are covered in a combination of leather and Ultra fabric—durable, lightweight, and resistant to the elements. This means you can jump in, even when wet and muddy, without worry. Nevertheless, it’s realistic to expect most Octa owners in India to remain primarily on paved roads, avoiding dirt paths to keep their footwear pristine.
The Edition One’s Khaki-Ebony interior theme, contrasted with carbon-fibre detailing and unique upholstery patterns, adds a touch of luxury absent in the standard Defender. Octa-specific features include new display graphics, performance menus, and a dedicated ‘Octa’ mode button on the steering wheel.
On the tech front, the Octa is equipped with the latest generation of JLR’s infotainment system—smooth, user-friendly, and loaded with drive-specific features. Land Rover has managed to maintain straightforward usability without compromising design. Key controls, such as those for heating and ventilation, remain accessible via physical dials and buttons rather than hidden within complex menus.
2025 Defender Octa Performance and Refinement
| Defender Octa Edition One Performance as Tested | |
|---|---|
| Acceleration (kph) | Time (seconds) |
| 0-20 | 0.88 |
| 0-40 | 1.73 |
| 0-60 | 2.58 |
| 0-80 | 3.61 |
| 0-100 | 4.75 |
| 0-120 | 6.26 |
| 20-80 (in kickdown) | 3.02 |
| 40-100 (in kickdown) | 3.31 |
Driving a vehicle worth over Rs 3 crore through the busy streets of Mumbai could be daunting, but the Defender Octa transforms this worry into ease. Its imposing stature encourages other vehicles to keep clear, which alleviates stress.
With a commanding view of the road and 750Nm of torque ready for acceleration, overtaking is a breeze, especially with the peak torque reaching 800Nm in Dynamic launch mode. The Octa navigates Mumbai’s uneven roads with grace, providing a firm ride that never feels harsh. Unlike conventional ladder-frame SUVs, it does not toss you around or elicit feelings of unwieldiness.
On Mumbai’s newly inaugurated Atal Setu, a 22-kilometer trans-harbor sea link, the Octa finally stretches its legs. Press the accelerator, and the 4.4-litre V8 produces a refined growl through the four exhaust pipes. While not as loud as the former supercharged V8 or AMG’s G63, its performance remains impressive.
We timed a 0-100kph acceleration at 4.7 seconds, slightly above the manufacturer’s claim but still incredibly swift for a 2.5-tonne SUV. Even more remarkable is how composed and stable the Octa remains at higher speeds, exhibiting minimal body roll or pitch—an impressive feat for a vehicle of its stature.
2025 Defender Octa Ride Comfort and Handling
On the winding Lonavala Ghat section of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the Octa handles turns with assurance. The nimble and precise steering imparts confidence when changing directions. However, its mass and height are noticeable during quick transitions between corners, and the tall all-terrain tires soften the steering feedback. That said, the Octa encourages spirited driving; at high speeds, it can be easy to overlook potholes. Fortunately, rather than swerving to dodge them, the Octa can tackle them head-on without flinching.
A remarkable feature of the Octa is its innovative suspension setup called 6D Dynamics. This advanced system employs hydraulically linked dampers that serve in place of traditional anti-roll bars, enabling real-time control of pitch and roll.
On Indian terrain, it is nothing short of revolutionary. The Octa glides over rough stretches, potholes, and speed bumps without bouncing or unsettling. While it may not feel as opulent as a Range Rover, which provides a cocoon-like experience, it achieves an optimal balance between road feedback and comfort. You remain aware of the road surface beneath, but without the discomfort typically felt in taller SUVs.
As we veer off the highway past Lonavala towards Nanoli, rural Maharashtra beckons with its narrow, uneven roads. The Octa seems to flourish in these settings. Its commanding height and stable handling allow you to steer confidently past goats, cyclists, and over-ambitious bikers. On these tight roads, dropping the inner two wheels off the pavement becomes necessary to yield to oncoming traffic, a maneuver the Octa executes seamlessly without losing momentum. This SUV elevates rural driving to a level of luxury that is typically unmatched.
Arriving at the under-construction Nanoli Speedway, we encounter a track of gravel and mud—perfect for some spirited driving. This setting is the ideal opportunity to switch into Octa mode and disable traction control. The Octa proves surprisingly easy to drift, evoking the agility of a rally car. The confidence and control you feel maneuvering this hefty SUV around a 3-kilometer dirt track make you feel as if you’re competing in a Dakar rally. You finish the session relaxed, with the cooled seats on and your favorite playlist filling the cabin.
2025 Defender Octa Price and Verdict
It comes as no surprise that Land Rover is aiming directly at the Mercedes-AMG G 63 with the price range of Rs 2.59 crore to 2.79 crore for the Octa. While the G 63 boasts a powerful and captivating V8 engine, it falls short in terms of overall capability compared to the Octa, which excels in nearly every aspect.
Other performance SUVs, like the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus, exist in the market, but they tend to be designed for paved roads and are less equipped to handle rough conditions, especially with their low-profile tires. This is where the Octa stands out: versatile enough to traverse the hectic streets of Mumbai, drift gracefully along gravel roads, navigate remote trails in Ladakh, or effortlessly wade through a meter of water. While the Octa comes at a premium, it’s a luxurious option that embraces rugged adventures, designed not merely to endure but to master India’s challenging roads.
| Defender Octa Edition One Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4813mm |
| Width | 2064mm |
| Height | 1995mm |
| Wheelbase | 3023mm |
| Engine | 4395cc, twin-turbo V8 petrol |
| Power | 635hp |
| Torque | 750Nm at 1800-5900rpm (800Nm with Dynamic launch mode) |
| Gearbox | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive layout | AWD |
| Water-wading depth | 1000mm |
| Ground clearance | 323mm (max height) |
| Approach angle | 40.2 degrees |
| Departure angle | 42.8 degrees |
| Ramp angle | 29 degrees |
| Tyres | 275/60 R20 |
| Kerb weight | 2510kg |
| Boot space | 786 litres |
| Turning radius | 6.57m |
