The iconic Land Rover Defender has long been synonymous with rugged off-road capability and British understated luxury. However, in its latest iteration, the “Darkest Defender” — referring to the new Land Rover — is making a bold statement with a significant power boost. Pumping out a formidable 626 horsepower, this all-black variant aims to merge its legendary go-anywhere spirit with thrilling on-road performance. The question, however, remains: is it enough to truly challenge the supercar-slaying Lamborghini Urus SE?
The Land Rover Defender Octa Black, with its menacing aesthetic and upgraded powertrain, is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Under its shadowy bonnet lies a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine that unleashes 626 hp and 749 Nm of torque. This translates to a rapid 0-100 kmph sprint in just 4 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 kmph. Beyond the raw numbers, the Octa Black brings a host of visual enhancements that complete its stealthy persona. From a satin black powder-coated cross-bar beam to black switchgear and a black steering wheel, the dark theme is meticulously carried throughout the interior, complemented by ebony semi-aniline leather seats with subtle Kvadrat accents.
This significant power output, while impressive for a Defender, still places it a step behind the formidable Lamborghini Urus SE. The Urus SE, a plug-in hybrid supercar SUV, boasts a potent 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a colossal 789 hp and an astounding 950 Nm of torque. This hybrid powertrain catapults the Urus SE from 0-100 kmph in a blistering 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 312 kmph.
The performance gap highlights the different philosophies behind these two high-performance SUVs. The Defender, even in its most potent form, remains rooted in its heritage of extreme off-road prowess and enduring durability. Its power upgrades serve to enhance its all-round capability, offering a more exhilarating drive without sacrificing its adventurous spirit. The Lamborghini Urus SE, on the other hand, is a purebred performance machine, designed to dominate both track and tarmac with its raw power and aggressive styling, leveraging hybrid technology for even greater thrust.
While tuning companies like Urban Automotive and Paramount Performance offer even more extreme power upgrades for the Defender (with some reaching as high as 666 hp), the factory-tuned Land Rover Defender Octa Black, at 626 hp, represents the pinnacle of official Land Rover performance for the model.
Ultimately, the “Darkest Defender” with its 626 horsepower is a magnificent achievement for Land Rover, transforming the rugged icon into a genuine high-performance SUV. It offers an intoxicating blend of power, luxury, and the Defender’s legendary capability. However, for those seeking the absolute edge in terms of pure, unadulterated speed and acceleration in the SUV segment, the Lamborghini Urus SE still holds the crown, demonstrating the potent advantage of its hybrid powertrain and uncompromised performance focus. The choice between them comes down to whether one prioritizes the Defender’s undeniable charm and versatility with a substantial power boost, or the outright, unbridled speed of the Italian thoroughbred.