2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA with BMW V8 Engine Announced for Australia

Land Rover has announced the 2025 Defender OCTA, a new variant equipped with a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

This model, developed by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, is set to be available in Australian showrooms from March next year.

The Defender OCTA will start at $291,542 plus on-road costs, with the Edition One priced at $317,592.

This new model replaces the previous P525's Jaguar Land Rover 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with BMW's engine, which produces 467kW and 750Nm.

It is claimed to achieve 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds and includes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that provides additional power under acceleration.

The OCTA features a 6D Dynamics height-adjustable air suspension system with hydraulically interlinked dampers, designed to minimise body roll and pitch.

The drivetrain includes a stiffened transmission cradle, an upgraded cooling system, thicker driveshafts, and reinforced rear differential components.

Off-road enhancements include 400mm front brake discs with six-piston Brembo calipers, 20-inch forged alloy wheels with BFGoodrich Trail Terrain tyres, and 22-inch alloys with Michelin Primacy tyres.

The suspension system is designed to provide greater wheel articulation, increasing ground clearance to 323mm and improving off-road angles.

Exterior modifications include a new front bumper with larger air intakes, a redesigned rear bumper, wider wheel arches, and body accents in grey and bronze.

Paint options include Faroe Green and Petra Copper, along with a 'Satin Moonlight' exterior design pack.

Inside, the OCTA offers front seats with 14-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and either semi-aniline leather or synthetic leather-look upholstery.

Additional features include a louder exhaust note, red interior lighting, and unique instrument display graphics.

The OCTA mode is intended for high-performance off-road driving, with damping software that adapts to different road surfaces and airborne conditions.

The Terrain Response off-road system remains, with settings for Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, Sand, and Rock Crawl.

The Defender OCTA will debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 11-14.