Recently, my brother purchased the Land Rover “Defender Octa Edition 1”, and I had the chance to take it for a test drive.

This model has been making waves as the flagship Defender, combining luxury with sporty performance. In this article, I’ll share my firsthand impressions and experiences behind the wheel.

Land Rover Defender Octa Edition 1: Key Specifications

Let’s start by looking at the basic specs.

The Defender Octa Edition 1 boasts an impressive 635 horsepower, with a stunning 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4 seconds. It delivers 750 Nm of torque, and according to my brother, it shares an engine lineage with the BMW M5. The price is 20.99 million yen, and it has a top speed of 210 km/h—making it a high-performance machine that defies its rugged appearance.

This particular unit sports a matte, slightly greenish-gray finish, wrapped in the manufacturer’s genuine “Matte Protective Film.” The overall design is masculine and powerful, giving it a strong road presence. The interior exudes luxury, balancing the ruggedness expected of an off-roader with refined touches. Personally, I appreciate this style—the utilitarian vibe really appeals to the adventurous spirit.

Driving Feel in Urban Settings

Driving it around town, the first thing that struck me was the elevated seating position.

You feel like you’re looking down on the road from quite a height, which is a refreshing change from our usual family car.

Because of this height, in normal driving mode, you notice quite a bit of side-to-side sway. However, this isn’t the harsh, jolting kind of vibration—it’s more like the gentle, large strokes you’d feel on a boat.

Whether you find this comfortable or not depends largely on personal preference. It’s not unpleasant, so most people would probably enjoy it, but if you’re used to cars with a flat, smooth ride, like I am, it might feel a bit unusual. For comparison, my brother’s previous vehicle was a Range Rover Autobiography, which offers a completely different ride—ultra-luxurious, sedan-like smoothness. The Defender feels much more like a rugged off-roader.

Steering requires more lock-to-lock turns than expected, especially when navigating intersections. While not quite as extreme as a Mercedes G-Class, it’s close. Driving through residential streets feels almost like off-roading, and combined with the high vantage point, it creates a unique driving experience.

Low-Speed Torque Characteristics and Acceleration Feel

One thing that stood out at low speeds was the torque delivery from low RPMs.

When accelerating below 2000 rpm, the engine’s power delivery and gear shifts feel somewhat mismatched. This is a common trait in modern high-performance turbo engines, similar to the early E3 V6 Porsche Cayenne S models. The slight turbo lag at low revs, combined with an overly eco-conscious shift program, creates a somewhat negative impression. In city driving, the transmission tends to upshift quickly, so when slowing down for a turn and then accelerating again, the car downshifts sharply before the engine fully responds, causing a brief but noticeable lag.

This feels less like turbo lag and more like the result of an overly cautious eco shift strategy.

With frequent stop-and-go traffic, this torque and shift behavior can become a bit frustrating. To truly enjoy driving this car, I recommend keeping it in dynamic mode or manual mode to maintain higher revs and a more engaging throttle response.

Impressions in Dynamic Mode

Pressing the button located at the bottom center of the steering wheel activates Dynamic Mode, and the car’s character changes dramatically.

The suspension stiffens, and body roll is significantly reduced. This is where the “Octa” trim’s promise of luxury and sportiness really shines.

In this mode, the Defender delivers a sporty drive. The boat-like sway felt in normal mode disappears, replaced by handling closer to that of sporty SUVs.

The feel is somewhat similar to the Porsche Cayenne in normal mode, making mountain roads easier to tackle. However, the large steering lock-to-lock ratio still makes truly sporty driving a challenge. Compared to the Macan, the Defender’s sporty character on twisty roads is clearly aimed in a different direction. The Defender’s roots as a hardcore off-roader remain front and center—it’s not designed primarily for spirited mountain driving.

That said, its straight-line acceleration is surprisingly strong.

With 635 horsepower under the hood, pressing the accelerator delivers an exhilarating surge. The engine’s high-revving power and response are impressive.

Its acceleration rivals that of the Porsche 911 Carrera and the Cayenne E-Hybrid, possibly even surpassing them. However, due to its high ride height, the sensation of speed is somewhat muted.

The Defender’s sportiness seems optimized for highway acceleration and cruising, where it truly excels. My brother confirms it’s very comfortable and easy to drive on expressways.

Defender Octa’s Positioning and Target Audience

Driving this car, it’s clear that the Defender Octa Edition 1 is a blend of a serious off-roader and a high-performance SUV.

Unlike the Porsche Cayenne, which is fundamentally a sports chassis with added off-road capability, the Defender Octa feels like the opposite: an off-road vehicle at its core, equipped with a high-power engine to add sportiness.

It’s best suited for outdoor enthusiasts who want a capable off-roader that also delivers impressive power. The elevated driving position lets you survey the city streets, yet when you press the accelerator, you experience breathtaking acceleration—a unique combination of traits. This car offers a distinct appeal compared to typical sporty SUVs.

Final Verdict: A High-Performance SUV with a Unique Identity

The Defender Octa successfully combines genuine off-road capability with sports car-level acceleration. While it might be a bit large for everyday city use, it’s an attractive option for those who enjoy long highway drives and occasional off-road adventures.

This vehicle truly shines on highways, open roads, and serious off-road terrain. Despite its sporty, powerful engine, it should not be mistaken for a typical sports SUV. It’s a rugged off-roader at heart. Coupled with its “tank-like” sturdy design, it stirs the owner’s pride while offering a luxurious ride and overwhelming straight-line power.