Man, I’ve been geeking out over cars forever, but the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA? It’s a whole vibe. I got behind the wheel of this beast, and let me tell you, it’s the ultimate love letter to enthusiasts like me. With a 626-horsepower BMW-sourced V8, insane off-road chops, and road manners that scream luxury, this thing’s gunning for the Mercedes-AMG G63’s crown—and it might just take it. I took it for a spin on twisty roads and gnarly trails, and I’m spilling all the tea on whether it’s worth its $152,000 price tag. Buckle up, here’s my full review!
Introduction: Why the Defender OCTA’s a Big Deal
The Defender’s been a legend since Land Rover brought it back to the U.S. five years ago, blending retro-modern style with Jeep-crushing capability. But the OCTA? It’s the ultimate Defender—most powerful, most off-road-ready, and dripping with premium vibes. Named after a diamond’s eight-sided shape (hardest mineral, yo), it’s got a twin-turbo V8, a trick 6D Dynamics suspension, and a wider stance that says, “Move over, G-Wagon.” I drove it hard to see if it lives up to the hype as a do-it-all SUV.
Exterior Design: Rugged, Wide, and Dripping Swagger
Rolling up in the OCTA, I felt like a rockstar. My test car was in Petra Copper with a $5,500 matte wrap—dusty from off-roading but still fire. It’s 2.7 inches wider than a standard Defender, with amber running lights (like a Bronco Raptor) screaming “I’m a beast.” The front fascia’s unique: raised intercoolers, functional cube vents, copper tow hooks, and LED headlights with washers.
- Styling Highlights: Bold “DEFENDER” lettering with copper accents, satin black roof, panoramic sunroof, and 20-inch matte black wheels with 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires ($350 extra). Optional 22-inch wheels ($450) boost top speed to 155 mph.
- Dimensions: 197.4 inches long (187 without spare), 82.5 inches wide, 119-inch wheelbase (Defender 110 only). Ground clearance hits 12.7 inches with air suspension—up an inch from standard models.
- Vibe: Rugged yet luxe. The matte finish and bronze accents pop, but only four colors (Petra Copper, Farro Green, two others) feel limiting compared to G-Wagon’s wild palette.
My Take: The OCTA’s wider stance and functional design make it a head-turner, but I wish for bolder color options. That spare tire? Total badass.
Interior Comfort: Plush but Practical
Climbing into the OCTA’s burnt sienna semi-aniline leather seats (Body and Soul design), I was hit with premium vibes. The cabin’s a mix of rugged (exposed screws) and luxe (soft leather, Alcantara headliner). At 5’7”, the high step-in was a workout—side steps would’ve helped. The 16-way adjustable seats are heated/ventilated but skip massage, though the Meridian audio’s 4D bass pulses through them for a cool vibe.
- Space: 38.5 inches of rear legroom (Defender 110) beats G-Wagon or Wrangler. Cargo’s 34 cubic feet, expanding to 79 with seats folded. No flat floor, though—bummer for camping.
- Materials: Leather, rubberized trim, no cheap piano black. Quad-zone climate, panoramic sunroof, and safari windows keep it airy.
- Rear Seat: Heated (not cooled) with armrest and cupholders. Decent for three, but no reclining or shades.
My Take: Comfy and practical, it’s a step above Bronco or Wrangler but not quite Range Rover plush. Cooled rear seats would’ve sealed the deal.
Performance: A 626-HP Rocket on Wheels
Holy torque, Batman! The OCTA’s 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (BMW-sourced, mild-hybrid) pumps out 626 hp and 553 lb-ft (590 with launch control), paired with an 8-speed ZF auto and full-time 4WD. I floored it on curvy roads, and it hit 0-60 in a claimed 3.8 seconds—felt like a tall sports sedan. The active exhaust’s burble and pops are dope, though I craved more volume.
- On-Road: The 6D Dynamics suspension (no sway bars, hydraulic interlink) corners flat with playful handling. Steering’s light but precise; paddle shifters glow red in OCTA mode. At ~6,000 lbs, it’s 500 lbs heavier than a Defender 90 V8 but feels nimble.
- Fuel Economy: 15 city/19 highway/17 combined MPG—1 MPG better than the supercharged V8. With a 23-gallon tank, I got ~400 miles of range on premium.
- Towing: 8,200 lbs, solid for trailers or boats.
My Take: The V8’s power and slick shifts make it a blast on-road, but a louder exhaust would’ve been chef’s kiss.
Off-Road Capability: Trails? What Trails?
I tackled a rally-style dirt course with jumps, ruts, and a river crossing, and the OCTA ate it up like a Bronco Raptor. With 39 inches of wading depth, locking center/rear diffs, and 12.7 inches of ground clearance, it’s unstoppable. The 6D suspension soaks up bumps, letting me drift corners in OCTA mode (less stability control, softer settings).
- Terrain Modes: Eight modes (Auto Terrain Select) adjust for mud, sand, rocks. The 360-camera and Wade sensor made river fording a breeze.
- Tires: 33-inch all-terrains gripped like champs; 22-inch all-seasons are less off-road-focused.
- Protection: Underbody skid plates saved it from rocks.
My Take: It’s a rally car disguised as an SUV. Jeep and Bronco owners, watch out—the OCTA’s coming for you.
Tech and Features: Loaded but Not Perfect
The OCTA’s tech is next-level but not flawless. The 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment (wireless CarPlay/Android Auto) is crisp and fast, with wellness modes syncing music to seat vibrations. A 12.3-inch digital cluster, head-up display, and digital rearview mirror keep it modern.
- Standouts: Built-in fridge (fits 5 drinks), USB-C ports, 360-camera with towing/off-road views, air quality filter.
- Misses: No phone-as-key, no massaging seats, no cooled rear seats. The swing-out tailgate’s awkward curbside.
- Safety: Auto emergency braking, parking sensors, solid visibility.
My Take: Tech’s awesome for road trips, but small niggles (no massage, clunky tailgate) bugged me.
Pricing and Value: Worth the $152,000 Sticker?
Starting at $152,000, the OCTA’s $40,000 pricier than a Defender V8 but ~$30,000 cheaper than a comparably equipped G63 (~$182,000). My test car, with matte wrap and extras, hit ~$160,000. The First Edition ($167,000) adds carbon fiber bling.
- Value: You’re paying for 626 hp, unmatched off-road prowess, and Land Rover luxury. It’s a steal vs. G63 but steep vs. Bronco Raptor (~$90,000) or Wrangler 392 (~$100,000).
- Sales: Defender moved 27,700 units in 2024, a bestseller for Land Rover. The OCTA’s niche but hot.
My Take: It’s a lot of cash, but the OCTA’s unique blend of speed, capability, and comfort justifies it for enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Insane 626-hp V8, rally-ready off-road chops, luxe interior, smooth ride, standout design.
- Cons: Pricey ($152,000+), limited colors, no massaging/cooled rear seats, quietish exhaust.
Comparison Table: Defender OCTA vs Rivals
| Feature | Defender OCTA | Mercedes-AMG G63 | Ford Bronco Raptor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $152,000 | $182,000 | $90,000 |
| Engine | 4.4L V8, 626 hp | 4.0L V8, 577 hp | 3.0L V6, 418 hp |
| 0-60 (sec) | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.6 |
| Ground Clearance | 12.7” | 9.5” | 13.1” |
| Wading Depth | 39” | 27.6” | 37” |
| Cargo (cu ft) | 34/79 | 38/68 | 38/83 |
Who’s It For?
- Buy It If: You want a G-Wagon’s luxury and Bronco’s off-road grit in one package. Perfect for thrill-seekers, overlanders, or flexers who need 626 hp.
- Skip It If: $152,000 hurts your wallet, or you don’t need V8 power. A base Defender 110 (~$61,000) or Lexus GX (~$80,000) might do.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA
FAQs: 2025 Defender OCTA
0-60 in 3.8 seconds, top speed 155 mph (99 mph with all-terrain tires).
If you want V8 power and luxury, it’s a steal vs. G63. Budget buyers, look elsewhere.
15 city/19 highway/17 combined MPG. Decent for 626 hp.
Verdict: The OCTA’s My Dream Ride
After thrashing the 2025 Defender OCTA on roads and trails, I’m in love. Its 626-hp V8 rockets like a sports car, the 6D suspension devours bumps, and the luxe cabin makes daily drives a breeze. It’s pricier than a Bronco or Wrangler but cheaper than a G63, with more off-road cred than both. I’d kill for a louder exhaust and bolder colors, but this is the ultimate Defender. If you’re torn between a G-Wagon or a Raptor, test-drive the OCTA—it’ll blow your mind. What’s your vibe—OCTA or something else? Hit me up!
About Me
Redline Reviews formally known as 2theRedline produces detailed and honest videos on all things automotive with special attention placed toward actual in-market consumers looking to purchase their next new vehicle.
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Sources
- Land Rover Global: https://www.landrover.com
- MotorTrend: https://www.motortrend.com
- Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com
- Autocar: https://www.autocar.co.uk
- X Posts: @LandRoverUSA, @AutoBlog, @CarEnthusiast
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