Skip advert
Advertisement

Land Rover Defender Octa loses 93bhp, but it’s not all bad news

New emissions regulations have hit the top-spec Land Rover Defender Octa

Land Rover has revealed details of its 2027 Defender Octa, introducing new colour and trim options, plus one major change to its powertrain. Priced from £147,245 in standard trim or £157,245 in top-spec Octa Black form, the updated model is available to order now, with deliveries kicking off in the Autumn. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The major change is that the new Land Rover Defender Octa features a chunky 93bhp reduction over the previous 2026 model due to the need to comply with Euro 6b emissions regulations. Peak power is now rated at 532bhp, but torque remains at 750Nm and the 0-62mph time has only grown slightly to 4.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds more than before.

The engine itself now features a mild-hybrid system to help streamline the engine’s low-speed running, and there have been changes to the exhaust system, too. However, Land Rover says the latter of these two upgrades actually improves the sound from the BMW-sourced V8, making it more engaging. 

As well as the technical changes, Land Rover has expanded the exterior colour options. New to the range is a matte-finished Patagonia White, plus the option of Woolston Green borrowed from the standard Land Rover Defender range. 

In addition, the Octa Black can now be specified with the chopped carbon exterior package for the first time, and there’s a new gloss protective film option across all colours. This features ‘self-healing’ technology, which will repair micro-scratches over time as well as give more robust protection against minor bumps and scrapes.

The new 2027 Defender Octa will be on show for the first time at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it’ll join the wider Defender range, which has picked up its own set of upgrades at the same time.

Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
News editor

News editor at Auto Express, Jordan joined the team after six years at evo magazine where he specialised in news and reviews of cars at the high performance end of the car market. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best large SUVs to buy 2026
Best large SUVs - July 2026 header image

Best large SUVs to buy 2026

Large SUVs are big on comfort, practicality and versatility. Here’s our pick of the best on sale now
Best cars & vans
14 Jul 2026
New Land Rover Defender facelift brings styling changes and butch new Vertex variant
Land Rover Defender Vertex - front

New Land Rover Defender facelift brings styling changes and butch new Vertex variant

The perennial British off-roader has been tweaked for its 2027 model year
News
7 Jul 2026
Four new Land Rover Defender Classic V8s with wild colour-changing paint go to one customer
Classic Land Rover Defender V8 range

Four new Land Rover Defender Classic V8s with wild colour-changing paint go to one customer

You’re not likely to see these special Land Rover Defenders doing work around the farm anytime soon
News
23 Jun 2026
New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power

The new Land Rover Defender Sport will sit below the existing Defender in both size and price, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
17 Jun 2026

Most Popular

Huge EV pay-per-mile tax details revealed: GPS tracking and price increases confirmed
HM Treasury sign

Huge EV pay-per-mile tax details revealed: GPS tracking and price increases confirmed

In its response to the consultation on eVED, the Government says its plans will “support a fair and sustainable motoring tax system”
News
15 Jul 2026
Used Toyota bZ4X (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: EV is a second-hand bargain
Used Toyota bZ4X - front

Used Toyota bZ4X (Mk1, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: EV is a second-hand bargain

A full used buyer's guide on the Toyota bZ4X that has been on sale in the UK since 2021
Used car tests
12 Jul 2026
Aston Martin’s plan to beat Ferrari and save itself from a £189m loss
Aston Martin Vantage GT3 - front static

Aston Martin’s plan to beat Ferrari and save itself from a £189m loss

Exclusive CEO interview: Adrian Hallmark reveals the product strategy and restructuring plan to get the Brit brand in the black
News
13 Jul 2026

Find a car with the experts