Land Rover Defender V8 and OCTA Guide: Specs, Pricing and Review (2026)

The Defender V8 is the truck that made Land Rover enthusiasts sit up and pay attention when it launched. Take the already capable Defender platform, drop in a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 518 horsepower, and suddenly you have something that can keep up with sports cars on the highway while still crawling over boulders on the weekend. Then in 2025, Land Rover raised the bar even further with the Defender OCTA, a 626-horsepower monster with a twin-turbo BMW V8 and a suspension system borrowed from rally cars.

I’ve been tracking every Defender V8 and OCTA variant since they first appeared, and this guide covers everything you need to know: engines, specs, pricing, special editions, and whether these high-performance Defenders are actually worth the premium over the standard models.

Defender V8: The Supercharged 5.0-Liter

The Defender V8 uses Jaguar Land Rover’s proven 5.0-liter supercharged V8, internally known as the AJ-V8. This is the same engine family that powered the Range Rover Sport SVR, the Jaguar F-Type R, and the old Range Rover Autobiography. It’s been around for years, it’s been refined through multiple generations, and it sounds absolutely incredible at full throttle.

Defender V8 Engine Specs

• Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8 (AJ-V8)
• Power: 518 hp (525 PS) at 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 461 lb-ft (625 Nm) at 2,500-5,500 rpm
• Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Permanent all-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case
• 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds (Defender 90 V8)
• Top speed: 149 mph (electronically limited)
• Fuel economy: 14-17 mpg combined (see my full fuel economy breakdown)
• Towing capacity: Up to 8,201 lbs

What makes the V8 Defender special is not just the straight-line speed. Land Rover tuned the suspension, exhaust, and throttle response specifically for this powertrain. The exhaust has an active bypass valve system that goes from relatively quiet in Comfort mode to a full-on bellow in Dynamic mode. It’s the kind of sound that makes people turn their heads in parking lots.

Which Body Styles Get the V8?

For 2026, the supercharged V8 is available across all three Defender body styles, though the Defender 90 is now V8-only:

• Defender 90 V8: The short-wheelbase two-door is now exclusively V8-powered. The X-Dynamic SE starts at $79,900 and the full V8 trim at $114,400. This is the purest driving experience of the bunch because it’s lighter and more agile than the longer models.
• Defender 110 V8: The four-door version starts at $118,300. It’s the most practical V8 Defender because you get proper rear passenger space alongside that supercharged engine. Most V8 buyers choose this body style.
• Defender 130 V8: The extended-wheelbase three-row model starts at $123,900. It’s the heaviest Defender at around 5,700 lbs, and while the V8 still moves it with authority, the 130 is better suited to comfortable highway cruising than canyon carving. Power output drops slightly to 493 hp in this configuration.

For the full pricing breakdown across every trim level, check my complete Defender price guide.

Defender OCTA: The 626-HP Twin-Turbo Beast

The Defender OCTA sits above the V8 in both performance and price. It launched in late 2024 for the 2025 model year and immediately became the most talked-about Defender ever built. A common question is whether the Defender 110 OCTA engine is a BMW engine, and the answer is yes: it uses BMW’s S68 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, the same engine family found in the BMW M5 and XM. Land Rover licensed and tuned it specifically for the Defender application.

Defender OCTA Engine Specs

• Engine: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (BMW S68)
• Power: 626 hp (635 PS) at 5,500 rpm
• Torque: 553 lb-ft (750 Nm), boosted to 590 lb-ft in launch mode
• Mild hybrid: 48V integrated starter-generator adding up to 27 hp
• Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Permanent AWD with electronic active differential
• 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds flat
• Top speed: 155 mph
• Weight: Approximately 5,930 lbs
• Ground clearance: 12.7 inches (323 mm)
• Wading depth: 35.4 inches (900 mm)

The 6D Dynamic Suspension

The real engineering story of the OCTA is not the engine but the suspension. Land Rover developed what they call the 6D Dynamic suspension system, which uses hydraulically linked dampers and air springs instead of traditional anti-roll bars. Each wheel moves independently, connected through a network of hydraulic accumulators that manage body roll, pitch, and heave separately.

In practice, this means the OCTA can lean into corners like a sports sedan while also allowing each wheel to articulate independently off-road. It’s like having two completely different suspension setups in one vehicle, controlled by software that adapts hundreds of times per second. This kind of technology has roots in rally racing, and no other production SUV uses anything like it.

OCTA Mode

Beyond the standard Terrain Response 2 drive modes (sand, mud, gravel, rock crawl), the OCTA gets its own dedicated driving mode called, predictably, Octa Mode. This unlocks the full capability of the 6D suspension for extreme off-road conditions. Land Rover actually recommends wearing a helmet when using Octa Mode and having a trained guide in the vehicle, which tells you everything you need to know about how serious this system is. The truck can handle high-speed desert crossings, deep ruts, and rock sections that would stop most purpose-built off-roaders. For more on Defender off-road capability, see my off-road guide.

Defender OCTA Pricing and Trims (2026)

The OCTA is only available on the Defender 110 body style. Here are the 2026 options:

• Defender OCTA: $158,300 MSRP. Full 6D suspension, unique body panels with wider track, 22-inch alloy wheels, and every performance feature Land Rover offers.
• Defender OCTA Black Edition: $168,700 MSRP. Adds exclusive Kaikoura Stone metallic paint, satin black exterior details, and unique interior trim. This is the range-topping Defender for 2026.

The 2025 Edition One (the launch version) was limited to 1,000 units for North America and sold out almost immediately. If you’re looking for one, the used market is your only option, and prices have held firm above original MSRP.

Defender V8 Special Editions

Carpathian Edition

The Defender V8 Carpathian Edition was available for the 2023-2024 model years and has become a sought-after variant on the used market. It featured an exclusive Carpathian Grey exterior with matte protective film, blacked-out trim and body-colored door handles, a black roof and hood treatment, quad exhaust pipes, and Windsor leather interior with Dinamica suede inserts.

The Carpathian Edition was available on both the 90 and 110 body styles, with pricing starting around $115,300 for the 90 and $118,600 for the 110. It’s arguably the best-looking V8 Defender ever produced, and clean examples now sell for $95,000-$125,000 on the used market depending on mileage.

Trophy Edition (2026)

New for 2026, the Trophy Edition comes with exclusive Grasmere Green paint and Rally Yellow accents, paying tribute to Land Rover’s Camel Trophy heritage. At $87,400 for the Defender 110, it uses the inline-six engine rather than the V8, but it’s worth mentioning here because its limited production and heritage styling make it a likely future collector vehicle.

V8 vs. OCTA: Which One Should You Buy?

This is the question I get asked most often, and the answer depends entirely on what you want from the truck.

Choose the V8 if: You want the raw, emotional driving experience. The supercharged V8 has a character that the twin-turbo OCTA engine simply can’t replicate. The blower whine on acceleration, the instant throttle response, the deep exhaust note at idle. It’s also available in all three body styles (90, 110, 130), giving you more flexibility. And at $114,400-$123,900, it’s significantly cheaper than the OCTA.

Choose the OCTA if: You want the absolute best off-road performance combined with supercar-rivaling acceleration. The 6D suspension is a genuine engineering breakthrough, and the 626 hp twin-turbo V8 is smoother and more refined than the supercharged unit. But at $158,300+, you’re paying a serious premium, and the OCTA is only available as a 110.

The value pick: A 2026 Defender 90 X-Dynamic SE at $79,900 gives you the V8 experience in the most driver-focused body style. It’s the closest thing to a sports car that Land Rover makes, and it’s the cheapest way into a V8 Defender.

Used Defender V8 Market

V8 Defenders hold their value remarkably well compared to standard models. Here’s what the used market looks like right now:

• 2021-2022 Defender V8 (90 or 110): $85,000 to $110,000. Early V8 models have barely depreciated. Low-mileage examples frequently sell close to their original sticker price.
• 2023-2024 Defender V8 Carpathian Edition: $95,000 to $125,000. The limited-run Carpathian models command a premium, especially the 90 body style.
• 2025 Defender OCTA Edition One: $165,000 to $200,000+. These are selling above original MSRP due to limited production and collector demand.

If you’re shopping for a used V8 Defender, the sweet spot is a 2022-2023 Defender 110 V8 in the $90,000-$100,000 range. You get the full V8 experience with enough remaining warranty to cover most potential issues. Check out my guide on where to buy a Land Rover Defender for the best sourcing options.

V8 and OCTA Ownership: What to Expect

Owning a high-performance Defender comes with some realities worth knowing about upfront.

Fuel costs: The supercharged V8 returns 14-17 mpg in mixed driving. The OCTA is marginally better at 15-18 mpg thanks to mild hybrid assistance and more efficient combustion, but you’re still looking at $4,000-$5,000 per year in fuel for either engine.

Insurance: V8 and OCTA models sit in the highest insurance brackets for SUVs. Expect $3,000-$5,000 per year depending on your location and profile. My Defender insurance guide has detailed cost breakdowns.

Maintenance: The supercharged V8 is mechanically proven but expensive to maintain. Brake pads wear faster due to the extra weight and performance, oil changes require more fluid, and the supercharger belt needs periodic replacement. Budget $3,000-$4,000 per year for scheduled maintenance. Read my maintenance costs article for specifics.

Reliability: The 5.0-liter V8 has a strong track record across JLR’s lineup, though the Defender application does add some complexity with the off-road systems. The OCTA is still too new to have long-term reliability data, but the BMW S68 engine has proven solid in the M5 and X5 M. For known issues across all Defenders, check my common problems guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Defender OCTA engine a BMW engine?

Yes. The Defender OCTA uses BMW’s S68 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Land Rover licensed the engine and tuned it specifically for the Defender, adjusting the power delivery, cooling, and software calibration. It produces 626 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (590 lb-ft in launch mode).

How fast is the Defender V8?

The Defender 90 V8 hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and tops out at 149 mph. The larger 110 V8 is marginally slower at around 5.2 seconds to 60 mph due to the extra weight. Both are surprisingly quick for vehicles that weigh over 5,000 lbs.

How much is the Defender OCTA?

The Defender OCTA starts at $158,300 and the OCTA Black Edition starts at $168,700. Both use a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine (sourced from BMW) producing 626 hp, making the OCTA the most powerful and most expensive Defender ever built.

What is the Defender 130 V8?

The Defender 130 V8 is the largest, longest Defender body style with the supercharged V8 engine. It starts at $123,900 for 2026, seats up to eight, and produces 493 hp (slightly detuned from the 90/110’s 518 hp). It’s built more for comfortable, high-speed touring than aggressive driving.

Can you buy a Defender OCTA for sale right now?

New 2026 Defender OCTA and OCTA Black Edition models are available to order through Land Rover dealers. The 2025 Edition One has sold out and is only available on the used market at a premium. Expect to pay above sticker for used Edition One models, as production was limited to 1,000 units in North America.

Is the V8 Defender worth it over the inline-six?

That depends on your priorities. The inline-six P400 with 395 hp is smooth, efficient, and more than fast enough for daily driving. The V8 adds a visceral experience that no six-cylinder can match: the sound, the immediate power delivery, and the bragging rights. If you’re buying a Defender as a lifestyle statement, the V8 makes sense. If you want a practical daily driver that happens to be brilliant off-road, the P400 is the smarter choice. For a detailed trim comparison, check my Defender 90 vs 110 guide.