The Land Rover Defender 110 Octa 4.4 V8 P635, introduced in July 2024, represents the pinnacle of performance within the current (L663) Defender 110 generation. Positioned as the flagship trim, it combines a potent 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivering a substantial 635 horsepower. This variant caters to buyers seeking uncompromising power and capability in a luxury off-road SUV, building upon the redesigned Defender lineage that departed significantly from its rugged, utilitarian predecessor.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Land Rover |
| Model | Defender |
| Generation | Defender 110 (L663) |
| Type (Engine) | Octa 4.4 V8 P635 (635 Hp) Mild Hybrid AWD Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Off-road vehicle |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 13-13.9 l/100 km (18.1 – 16.9 US mpg, 21.7 – 20.3 UK mpg, 7.7 – 7.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 294-314 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 3.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 253 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.1 kg/Nm, 318.7 Nm/tonne |
| Battery voltage | 48 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Electric motor power | 27 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| System torque | 800 Nm (590.05 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 635 Hp @ 5855-7000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 144.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 750 Nm @ 1800-5855 rpm (553.17 lb.-ft. @ 1800-5855 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 4395 cm3 (268.2 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.3 mm (3.48 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | 2 x Twin-scroll turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | VALVETRONIC, Double VANOS |
| Engine systems | Start & Stop System, Particulate filter |
| Kerb Weight | 2510 kg (5533.6 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3230 kg (7120.93 lbs.) |
| Max load | 720 kg (1587.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 786 l (27.76 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1875 l (66.22 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 168 kg (370.38 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3500 kg (7716.18 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Length | 5003 mm (196.97 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2064 mm (81.26 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2105 mm (82.87 in.) |
| Height | 1995 mm (78.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3023 mm (119.02 in.) |
| Front track | 1773 mm (69.8 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1770 mm (69.69 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 246-323 mm (9.69 – 12.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 13.14 m (43.11 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 33-40.2° |
| Departure angle | 38.2-42.8° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 22.9-29° |
| Wading depth | 1000 mm (39.37 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE and electric motor permanently drive all four wheels, operating in mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 400 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 365 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 275/60 R20; 275/50 R22 |
| Wheel rims size | 20; 22 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the Defender 110 Octa P635 lies Land Rover’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, internally designated as the JLR 5.0. This engine benefits from a mild-hybrid system utilizing a 48-volt electrical architecture. The mild-hybrid system incorporates an integrated electric motor that assists the engine during acceleration and allows for smoother start-stop operation, improving fuel efficiency. The engine employs direct fuel injection and variable valve timing (VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS) to optimize performance and emissions. The eight-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is calibrated to handle the engine’s substantial torque output and provides smooth, responsive shifts. The transmission features closely spaced gear ratios to keep the engine within its optimal power band.
Driving Characteristics
The 635-horsepower output and 590 lb-ft of torque translate into exhilarating performance for a vehicle of this size and weight. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is achieved in just 3.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest SUVs available. The mild-hybrid system provides immediate torque fill, minimizing turbo lag and delivering a linear power delivery. While the Defender retains its off-road prowess thanks to its sophisticated four-wheel-drive system and adjustable air suspension, the Octa P635 prioritizes on-road performance. The suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride while minimizing body roll during cornering. The eight-speed automatic transmission offers both manual shift control and an automatic mode optimized for fuel efficiency or performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Octa P635 trim comes standard with a comprehensive suite of luxury features. Interior appointments include premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a high-end Meridian sound system. Standard technology features include a 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a digital instrument cluster, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras include a head-up display, massaging front seats, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
Chassis & Braking
The Defender 110 utilizes a robust aluminum-intensive monocoque chassis, providing a strong and lightweight foundation. The suspension system features double-wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, both with adjustable air springs. This allows for variable ride height and damping settings, optimizing both on-road comfort and off-road capability. The braking system consists of ventilated discs on all four wheels, with larger 400mm front rotors and 365mm rear rotors to provide ample stopping power. The Defender is equipped with an advanced anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
Market Reception & Comparison
The Defender 110 Octa P635 has been generally well-received by automotive critics, who praise its impressive performance, luxurious interior, and capable off-road abilities. However, its high price point and relatively low fuel economy are often cited as drawbacks. Compared to other Defender 110 trims, such as the P400 (395 hp) and the P500 (493 hp), the Octa P635 offers significantly more power and performance. The P400 and P500 trims provide a more balanced combination of performance and fuel efficiency, while the Octa P635 caters to buyers who prioritize outright power above all else.
Legacy
While the long-term reliability of the L663 Defender is still being established, Land Rover has made significant improvements in build quality and reliability compared to previous generations. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, sourced from BMW, has a proven track record of reliability in other applications. The mild-hybrid system is expected to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, contributing to the Defender’s long-term sustainability. As a flagship trim, the Octa P635 is likely to hold its value well in the used car market, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a high-performance and luxurious off-road SUV.
