It appears that there is a new competitor for the Mercedes-AMG G63. Introducing the 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA, which gets its name from one of the planet's hardest and most sought-after minerals. Land Rover equipped this unique Defender model with a larger ride height, upgraded suspension, and powerful Brembo brakes to slow it all down in addition to a powerful 626 horsepower.

This Defender OCTA's 4.4-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 engine produces 553 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the four-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission and then to the chosen tires. According to Land Rover, this SUV can reach 100 kph in 3.8 seconds, but it will tire out around 250 kph.

The new performance-focused OCTA drive mode, which Land Rover claims is optimized for speed on the trails, makes use of this powerful mill. This drive mode initiates a unique off-road ABS calibration and enables the off-road launch control.

A revamped 6D Dynamic suspension system, an additional 1.1 inches of ground clearance, and altered chassis parts, such as new suspension arms, special dampers with separate accumulators, and a new steering rack, are all under this particular Defender. Through the wonders of hydraulics, pitch and roll are better controlled with the 6D dynamic suspension.

In addition to its increased height, this Defender has wider tracks by 2.7 inches. It is mounted on a set of 22-inch wheels with all-season rubber or 20-inch rollers with 33-inch Goodyear Advanced All-Terrain tires. A set of opposing six-piston Brembo calipers up front that clamp down on 15.7-inch rotors slows this Defender down.

To help differentiate the Land Rover Defender OCTA from the rest of the Defender series, it naturally receives certain cosmetic and interior upgrades as well. It differs from a typical Defender with its quad exhaust tips and extended wheel arches. When you push the envelope, two performance seats in the front row with larger bolsters should keep you firmly planted.