Land Rover came to Nampo 2026 with two very different interpretations of the Defender: the new Defender OCTA and the Trophy Edition.
The OCTA arrives shortly after the Defender Dakar D7X-R secured victory in this year’s Dakar Rally, reinforcing the Defender’s off-road credibility. While the Dakar vehicle itself is purpose-built for competition, the OCTA borrows heavily from the same emphasis on suspension control, durability and high-speed off-road capability.
Powered by a 4,4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine, the OCTA produces 467kW and 750Nm through an eight-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive.
More important than outright performance figures, however, is the chassis development underneath it. The OCTA introduces Land Rover’s new 6D Dynamics suspension system together with Terrain Response 2, an electronic active differential and twin-speed transfer box.
Ground clearance increases to 323mm in off-road mode, while approach and departure angles improve to 40,2° and 42,8° respectively. Maximum wading depth is rated at
1 000mm, figures usually associated with heavily modified off-road vehicles rather than factory-built SUVs.
The OCTA displayed at Nampo was fitted with 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tyres, while optional raised air intakes are designed to reduce dust ingestion in sandy or convoy conditions. Towing capacity is rated at 3 500kg.
Alongside the OCTA, Land Rover also displayed the Defender Trophy Edition, a model drawing heavily on the company’s older expedition vehicles and the Camel Trophy era.
Finished in Deep Sandglow Yellow with expedition equipment fitted as standard, the Trophy Edition focuses more on long-distance overlanding than outright performance.
Power comes from a 3,0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel producing 257kW and 700Nm. Like the OCTA, it retains low-range gearing, air suspension and permanent all-wheel drive.
The Trophy Edition is fitted with an expedition roof rack, deployable roof ladder, raised air intake, side-mounted gear carrier and all-terrain tyres directly from the factory. Durable rubber flooring inside the cabin and load area further reinforces the vehicle’s expedition focus.
Off-road ride height increases to 293mm, while maximum wading depth is rated at 900mm. Maximum towing capacity is also 3 500kg.
Pricing starts at R2,136 million for the Trophy Edition, while the Defender OCTA displayed at Nampo was priced at R3,886 million, including fitted options.
