Land Rover Defender Octa Black Edition: Bold New Look, But Can It Outrun The Lamborghini Urus SE?

Luxury SUVs are no longer just about power — they’re about personality. And Land Rover seems to know this well. The brand has unveiled its latest, boldest iteration of the Defender, called the Defender Octa Black Edition. Loaded with striking all-black details and premium touches inside and out, this SUV turns heads effortlessly. But the big question remains — can it match the ferocity of the Lamborghini Urus SE? Let’s find out.

A Sinister New Identity for Defender

A year after introducing the Defender Octa to the global market, Land Rover has returned with an all-new version, this time dressed entirely in black. Aptly named Octa Black, this edition takes the popular luxury off-roader’s styling game to a darker, more commanding level.

The SUV wears a Narvik Black paint, touted as the deepest black in Land Rover’s paint palette. Buyers can choose between a gloss finish or an optional matte protective film, making it perfect for those who crave an intimidating street presence.

Adding to its rugged appeal are satin black skid plates, powder-coated recovery hooks, a gloss black four-tailpipe exhaust setup, and a menacing black grille. Even the Defender badge gets a dark silver treatment, completing the moody exterior design.

Premium Black Details Inside

Step inside the cabin and the dark theme continues. The interior is swathed in satin black accents, from the powder-coated cross-bar beam to the switchgear and steering wheel. Land Rover has also introduced an optional chopped carbon fibre finish, adding a touch of modern luxury.

The seats are upholstered in ebony semi-aniline leather with Kvadrat accents, combined with intricate perforations and stitched detailing. It’s a cabin crafted for those who appreciate understated luxury.

Performance: Big Numbers, But Not Quite Urus-Level

Under the hood, the Defender Octa Black carries forward the same engine as the standard Octa — a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 churning out 626 hp and 749 Nm of torque. This allows the SUV to sprint from 0-100 kmph in 4 seconds, with a top speed capped at 250 kmph.

Impressive? Certainly. But when placed against the Lamborghini Urus SE, the Defender falls short. The Urus SE’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with a hybrid system generates a whopping 789 hp and 950 Nm. It demolishes the 0-100 kmph dash in 3.4 seconds and can hit a top speed of 312 kmph.

The Verdict: Character Over Raw Speed

While the Defender Octa Black might not outpace the Lamborghini Urus SE on the tarmac, it wins in its unique blend of style, character, and off-road credibility. It’s a vehicle made for those who want their presence felt, whether on city streets or rugged mountain trails. And with its all-black theme, it’s arguably one of the most visually striking luxury SUVs in its class right now.