The supercharged, 518 horse Land Rover Defender V8 not enough for you? It's not enough for Land Rover either, so say hello to the most powerful factory Defender ever. The 2025 Defender Octa, with 625 hp from its twin-turbo 4.4L V8 and hulking widebody fenders.

626 Horsepower Twin-Turbo V8

Land Rover followed the time-tested formula of packing the most powerful engine you have into a smaller vehicle to make something extra special. In this case, it's the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 the company gets from BMW instead of the supercharged 5.0 in the Defender V8. For the Defender Octa, it has the same tune as the version you'll find in the Range Rover Sport SV, and it makes 626 hp with 553 lb-ft of torque.

It can make even more torque when you use launch control. The mode fires the Octa like a missile from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, and makes 590 lb-ft while it does it. Whichever drive mode you're in, the Defender Octa makes its peak torque from 1,800 rpm all the way to 6,000, making sure there's a huge amount of grunt there whenever you ask for it. From crawling over logs to rocketing yourself into that gap in traffic.

1.1 Inch Lift And Bigger Brakes

Land Rover wanted more capability off-road than any other Defender, as well as more stability and performance off-road. And, of course, it needed the Octa to look like it deserved its $152,000 starting price. So it lifted the Octa by 1.2 inches and pushed the tires out by 2.8, with great big fender flares to cover the specially-designed 33-inch Goodyear all-terrain tires.

The suspension has longer wishbones that can swing over a longer distance for maximum off-road wheel articulation. They're also stronger to make sure they can handle the tough off-pavement punishment Land Rover wants you to dish out to this beast.

More power and more tire means the Octa needs more brake. That means six-piston calipers from Brembo clamping down on 15.7-inch front rotors.

6D Hydraulic Suspension

Land Rover's 6D Dynamics suspension, lifted from a Range Rover, helps make the best use of the Octa's capabilities. The system uses hydraulics instead of steel anti-roll bars along with its air springs and shocks. It can add stiffness for on-pavement stability and relax for a few moments for highway ride comfort. Or it can go full soft and let the suspension on each side move independently. That means maximum articulation and maximum traction when you're scrambling over rocks, boulders, and other off-road obstructions.

Maximum Performance On Or Off-Road

The Octa can even drive through up to 3.3 feet of water. That's more than any Defender that's come before it, and enough that you'll be getting your feet wet long before the Octa cries "Uncle!"

Land Rover says the SUV can automatically detect what kind of terrain you're on. Then it will change the drive mode itself to the one best suited for the surface you're driving on. You can also pick from the usual Land Rover Terrain Response modes like sand, mud and ruts, and rock crawl, yourself.

There's a new Octa mode meant for maximum speed off-road. It includes a off-road launch control mode for maximum acceleration on slippery surfaces. It also has a special off-road calibration that maximizes braking performance on slick terrain.

Wider Fenders And New Bumpers

Octa's wide fenders needed new front and rear bumpers, so Land Rover delivered. The front bumper and fascia have new grilles meant to let more cooling air get into the engine bay. The back bumper holds the quad-tip active exhaust system that can let the V8 bellow when you want or behave in a more civilized fashion when it's time to be a little less ostentatious.

Exclusive New Cabins

Land Rover is building a special Edition One that's a first-year-only trim. It will get an exclusive Faroe Green paintwork, and Land Rover is using chopped carbon fiber to make the hood lettering, the fender vent surrounds, and some of the cabin trim.

The standard Defender Octa will come with a gloss black roof and tailgate, plus a new Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather for the seats. Other fabrics will be available. Octa's seats come with thicker bolsters and integrated headrests, but they'll also have JLR's Body and Soul Seat.

Body and Soul Seat (yes, that's BASS) means an immersive experience thanks to four built-in transducers. JLR calls it "vibrotactile technology" which is tech-fancy for "it shakes your butt when the bass goes thump." The seat also has wellness modes that JLR says can reduce stress for the driver.

Defender Octa Starts From $152k

Defender Octa starts from $152,000. The Edition One is $167,800. But you'd better act fast, because this high-performance SUV will leave dealer lots even more quickly than it launches off the line.