Flagship Defender Octa really rocks

The Defender has been a big success for JLR. Buyers have snapped up the high-riding off-roader with more than 370,000 sold since its debut in 2020.

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Until now, the quickest model has been the V8, but that changes with the Octa, designed to go further and faster than the standard car. We've been testing it out.

WHAT'S NEW?

This is far more than a Defender with a bigger engine. The Octa has a series of big changes that help it deliver more performance. Most notable is the clever 6D suspension - now on the Range Rover Sport SV - which is hydraulically interlinked.

This allows the car to better control its pitch and roll, while offering a ride height increase of up to 28mm over the standard model. The rest of the car has been toughened up, with more under-body protection. There are redesigned bumpers while a ride height boost means the Octa can wade in depths of up to a metre - more than any other Defender.

WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?