Meet the Defender OCTA Black – the all-black apex predator of the Defender family. Not a limited edition. Not a styling pack. This is the top-spec, twin-turbo V8 performance machine reimagined as a stealth weapon. It’s as if Land Rover dropped it into a vat of Narvik Black and let it crawl out angrier, bolder, and louder than ever.

This isn’t “black pack” badge filler. We’re talking 30 individual components redressed in Satin and Gloss Black – from the quad exhaust tips to the recovery eyes, grille badge, tow hooks, and even the underbody silencer cover. The result? A presence that doesn’t just turn heads – it owns the room before it even arrives.

Blacked Out. Maxed Out.

The Narvik Black paint is the deepest, darkest shade in the Defender catalogue – finished in gloss as standard, or optional Matte Protective Film if you’d rather keep the vibe more tactical. There’s no chrome, no contrast, no apology. Just black-on-black aggression.

It’s not just the top coat that got the treatment. Satin Black powder-coat covers the front undershield and rear scuff plates. The exhaust cover? Gloss black. Centre box and tow eye? Black. Even the Defender script and brake calipers play along – the latter in gloss with a whisper of Sentient Silver branding.

Want more grip or more drama? Choose between 20-inch forged alloys or 22-inch gloss black wheels – both wearing black centre caps and wrapped in all-terrain confidence.

Tough Luxury, Re-Engineered

Step inside and you’ll find Defender’s most luxurious interior to date. Not posh. Purposeful. The new OCTA Black debuts Ebony Semi-Aniline Leather with Kvadrat™, giving the performance seats a soft, textured finish that still laughs in the face of rough weather.

The stitching is unique. The seatbacks and hinge arms are finished in Carpathian Grey. Even the exposed Cross Car Beam is coated in Satin Black powder, keeping the inside as stealthy as the shell. And if you want to notch things up a bit? Opt for the Chopped Carbon Fibre trim – lightweight, sculpted, and pure Bond villain theatre.

OCTA Power: Performance, Not Pretend

The powertrain’s untouched – and rightly so. Because underneath all the black lies a 635PS 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8, backed up by 6D Dynamics hydraulic suspension and a purpose-built OCTA Mode for hardcore off-road antics.

It’s fast. It’s sharp. And it handles like no Defender before it – flat through corners, smooth over ruts, and grinning on the downslope.

And just in case you forgot this thing’s rock-star DNA: look at the Body and Soul Seats (BASS). Developed with SUBPAC™, they use AI-enhanced audio signals to let you feel the music through your back. Basslines become bodylines. The 700W Meridian™ Surround Sound System does the rest. No nightclub required.

Yes, It’s Going on Tour

You’d expect a vehicle like this to make a statement. But Defender OCTA Black is literally hitting the road with Oasis Live ’25, acting as the official automotive partner for the band’s long-awaited world tour. Because if there’s one thing that screams British rock-and-roll with a side of gravel, it’s a murdered-out V8 Defender with quad pipes and a bone-rattling sound system.

You might not be Liam Gallagher, but in this thing, you won’t exactly go unnoticed.

More Than a Pretty Black Face

OCTA Black isn’t just a cosmetic remix. It inherits the full raft of 2025 Defender upgrades too:

• New signature LED headlights
• Smoked rear lights
• Revised grille details
• Updated 13.1″ Pivi Pro touchscreen for cleaner, sharper infotainment
• Enhanced interior materials and functionality

It joins the growing OCTA line-up, including Sargasso Blue and Borasco Grey variants. Charente Grey and Petra Copper also stay on the books, with Patagonia White Matte Wrap due later this year for those brave enough to try white on an off-roader.

But for now? Black is king.

Mark Cameron, Defender’s Managing Director, puts it like this:

“There’s no denying the presence and purpose of Defender OCTA: it’s the tallest and widest Defender, enabling it to tackle even more extreme terrain.

We know our clients love giving their Defenders all-black finishes, so our designers have applied this principle to every possible surface – inside and out – to create the ultimate tough luxury Defender OCTA.”

In short: this is Defender in full beast mode. Not domesticated. Not diluted. Just refined enough to make you feel like a gentleman while still picking gravel out of your tread.

Who’s It For?

Let’s be honest – OCTA Black isn’t aimed at casual SUV owners. This is for people who want to make a statement without shouting. Who like their gear tough, their music loud, and their tracks unpaved. It’s for those who know where low range is, but still want their interior to feel like a high-end lounge. And yes, it’s also for those who want to arrive like thunder.

DEFENDER

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If you’ve ever looked at your Defender and thought, “Yeah, I could take this thing across a canyon”, this is for you. If you’ve got the appetite to drive hard, think fast, sweat plenty — and still care enough to leave the place better than you found it — then buckle up.

Because the prize isn’t just bragging rights. It’s legacy.

A Global Call to the Adventure-Hungry

Inspired by the legendary Trophy and Challenge events of Land Rover’s past, Defender Trophy 2025–26 is a multi-stage global challenge designed to separate the fair-weather travellers from the true expedition souls.

The format? Brutal, brilliant, and beautiful. Entrants from more than 50 countries will battle their way through local selections this year. Regional finals follow next spring. And those who make the cut? They’ll be flown to Africa in 2026 for a global showdown — hosted in collaboration with Tusk, Defender’s long-standing conservation partner.

The final won’t just test driving skills. Expect navigation chaos, physical exhaustion, and problem solving under pressure. Think less luxury safari, more off-road chess with altitude sickness.

Epic Adventure, Greater Purpose

This isn’t just about getting muddy and high-fiving your way through the wild. At its heart, Defender Trophy has a deeper goal. The global final will culminate in a Tusk-led conservation mission, where winners work hands-on to protect wildlife, support local communities, and leave a tangible legacy.

It’s part Dakar, part outdoor bootcamp, part call to action. And all of it broadcast to a global online audience.

This isn’t adventure theatre. This is real terrain, real stakes, and an unforgettable purpose.

Who Can Apply? (Hint: It’s Not for Everyone)

Defender is looking for people who match the brand’s DNA — resilient, practical, ready for the long haul. You need to be:

• Over 23
• Resident in a participating country
• Able to swim 50m
• Legally allowed to drive and travel internationally
• Fluent in English
• And above all: ready to go beyond your comfort zone

If that’s you, you can apply now. But fair warning: this isn’t a Sunday drive with a camera crew. This is a challenge that will stretch you mentally and physically. If you’re soft on effort or allergic to sand, this might not be your scene.

→ Full details here: DEFENDER TROPHY

Meet the Machine: The New Defender 110 Trophy Edition

Every epic needs a proper steed. And Land Rover has delivered.

The Defender 110 Trophy Edition is built for the job — expedition-ready, heritage-inspired, and packing the kind of upgrades that matter when things get messy. It comes in two bold colours that echo the spirit of classic Land Rover challenges:

Deep Sandglow Yellow – A modern take on the colour that once marked Land Rovers in desert Trophy events

Keswick Green – A nod to Britain’s rugged countryside and decades of rural exploration

Each comes with the option of a Matte Protective Film, perfect for keeping the bodywork scratch-free when squeezing past acacia branches or bouncing through rocky passes.

The exterior is finished with black detailing — from 20-inch alloy wheels and undershields to wheel arches and recovery eyes. Inside, you get Ebony Windsor leather, illuminated Defender Trophy treadplates, and an exposed crossbeam colour-matched to the body, complete with laser-etched Trophy branding.

And the optional gear list? Built for the real world:

• Expedition roof rack
• Deployable roof ladder
• Side-mounted gear carrier (for wet, sandy, or smelly kit)
• Classic mud flaps, raised air intake, and more

It’s a limited edition vehicle, but more importantly, it’s a statement: you’re either in the wild, or you’re just talking about it.

The Format: No Passengers Allowed

Once the final teams are selected, they’ll head to Africa — destination undisclosed, for now — for a multi-stage adventure with three key challenge types:

1. Driving Challenges
   Navigation, obstacle handling, and vehicle control over rough and unpredictable terrain. Expect rocky climbs, soft sand, river crossings, and a heavy dose of “did we just go the wrong way?”
2. Ingenuity Challenges
   Think fast, work smart, stay calm. Teams will face timed puzzles, mechanical improvisation, and real-world problem solving — often in adverse conditions.
3. Physical Challenges
   Canyons. Rivers. Boulders. Sandstorms. These will test endurance, strength, coordination, and team cohesion under pressure.

Each competitor is scored individually. But in an interesting twist, the lowest-ranked driver after each stage gets first pick of teammate for the next. It’s tactical, dynamic, designed to keep every competitor in the game — and under pressure.

A New Generation of Defender Heroes

The original Trophy events were gritty, unforgettable affairs. Defender Trophy takes that same raw adventure ethos and plants it firmly in the now. This isn’t just a heritage nod. It’s the start of something new.

By the end of 2026, a new group of modern adventurers will have taken on this challenge and left a mark — not only on each other, but on the communities and landscapes they pass through. With Tusk’s conservation mission at the heart of the final stage, the event becomes more than a test of courage. It becomes a force for good.

“Global adventure and community have been the fabric of the Defender brand’s DNA for decades, staying true to its roots that can be traced back to the original Land Rover of 1948. Our unique new global adventure challenge will bring nations together, as competitors co-operate to navigate tough terrain, conquer extreme physical challenges and solve tactical tests – all united by a greater purpose.

Working with Tusk, our conservation partner of more than 20 years, we will bring epic adventure to a new generation of enthusiasts, watching online, while leaving a legacy we can be proud of. If you embrace the impossible and share our unstoppable spirit of adventure, this is the challenge for you.“

— Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender

Are You Made for It?

If the idea of sitting behind a desk for another year fills you with dread… if you’d rather be sweating your way up a mountainside than stuck in traffic… if you think the best travel stories are the ones that start with “well, we nearly didn’t make it” — then Defender Trophy was built for you.

Applications are now open. The countdown has begun. The only question left is:

Are you ready to embrace the impossible?

Find out more and apply here:


DEFENDER TROPHY

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Whether you live for rocky tracks or just want a daily driver that doesn’t break when the tarmac ends, the latest generation keeps the core idea intact: form follows function, with enough finesse to make every mile more enjoyable.

A Familiar Shape, Sharpened

The exterior updates don’t scream for attention — they don’t need to. Look closer, though, and you’ll notice revised bumpers, darker accents, flush-fit rear lights, and a cleaner front end. New colour options include Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey, inspired by British terrain and Californian mines respectively. There’s also a slick new set of 22-inch alloy wheels, perfect if you prefer turning heads in town as much as twisting axles in the hills.

Every model now gets gloss black Defender-branded centre caps, smoked tail lights, and a darker front grille. As usual, nothing’s added without purpose — even the bonnet vents and textured detailing serve a visual and tactile function.

Bigger Screen, Smarter Cabin

Inside, the most noticeable upgrade is the new 13.1-inch touchscreen, giving front-row occupants easier access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The interface is sharper and faster, and the repositioned gear selector makes more room on the dash.

A new centre console design adds stowage without clutter. Optional removable side pockets can hold devices while keeping charging cables out of the way. Or if you’re the kind who still carries a map book and dog on the front bench, there’s the optional jump seat — practical three-abreast seating like the old days, reimagined.

More Control, Less Effort Off-Road

For the first time, Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control is available. Think of it as cruise control for trails: you pick the comfort level, and the system manages throttle and braking over rough terrain. It’s an evolution of All-Terrain Progress Control — but smarter and smoother.

A new Driver Attention Monitor also debuts, using a driver-facing camera to gauge focus. If your eyes wander too long, the system gives a nudge — visual and audible — to keep you dialled in.

Defender OCTA: The Wild One Gets Wilder

At the extreme end of the range sits the Defender OCTA — a twin-turbo V8-powered beast with 635PS, trick suspension, and OCTA Mode for high-performance off-road use.

Now it’s available in Sargasso Blue, a deep metallic with coarse sparkle, alongside the new Patagonia White Matte Wrap, which brings clean, arctic vibes to an already bold machine. Textured Graphite detailing gives the OCTA an even more rugged edge — matte, metallic, and unapologetically aggressive.

If that’s not enough, you can now spec chopped carbon fibre accents inside and out, along with forged 20-inch wheels and four interior colourways.

Accessory Packs and Functional Upgrades

The Defender’s modular spirit lives on through updated Explorer, Adventure, and Urban Packs, with new blacked-out options for roof racks, cross bars, and front undershields. A dark rear scuff plate is now also available.

The Defender 130 now offers an integrated air compressor — ideal for adjusting tyre pressure on the go, especially after soft-sand driving. Side steps (fixed or deployable), a 4,500kg-rated winch with chopped carbon cover, and new matte black bonnet decals round out the new gear list.

Built to Work. Refined to Travel.

More than five years since its return, the modern Defender is no longer a novelty. It’s a global tool for people who travel hard — and expect their vehicle to do the same. These upgrades aren’t just showroom polish. They’re practical, thoughtful changes that make the Defender easier to use, more capable in the wild, and more satisfying to live with.

Still iconic. Still unstoppable. Just better.

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She’s fast. She’s fierce. And she’s the final piece in a Defender D7X‑R driver line-up that now includes Dakar king Stéphane Peterhansel and rising Lithuanian ace Rokas Baciuška.

Together, they’ll take on the ‘Stock’ category of the 2026 Dakar Rally, each behind the wheel of a production-based Defender D7X‑R — Land Rover’s new rally weapon. If anyone thought this was a branding exercise, they’re clearly not watching closely enough.

Sara Price: Racer from the Ground Up

Sara Price started racing motorcycles at age eight in Southern California. By sixteen, she’d stacked up 19 national titles and gone pro — eventually becoming an X Games medallist. Then she switched to four wheels and got even faster.

She’s not just a rider with a PR-friendly backstory. She’s won in everything from SCORE Baja Trophy Trucks to Extreme E, where she drove for Chip Ganassi Racing and became their first female race winner. In 2024, she entered Dakar for the first time — and made history as the first American woman (and only the third woman ever) to win a Dakar stage.

She didn’t just show up. She finished fourth overall in her class. Took the Best Rookie title. And earned the respect of the bivouac.

Now she joins Defender’s first works team campaign at Dakar — a landmark move for both brand and driver.

“To join Defender for its Dakar debut is a huge honour,” says Price.
“The testing and prep going on behind the scenes is insanely impressive. I’m a racer through and through, and with Defender, we’re aiming high — we won’t rest until we succeed.”

No Tokens, No Tourists — Just Talent

Let’s be clear: Sara Price wasn’t signed to tick a diversity box. She’s there to win. Defender’s no longer just a nameplate on coffee mugs — it’s putting rubber to rally-raid, and Sara’s one of the few with the grit to match it.

As Mark Cameron, Defender’s Managing Director, puts it:

“Signing the brilliantly talented Sara Price is a huge moment. She joins a strong-minded, skilled line-up that will showcase what Defender can do — and what human endurance looks like — in Dakar’s toughest conditions.”

A Line-Up Built to Last (and Win)

With Peterhansel, Baciuška, and Price, Land Rover isn’t fielding rookies. They’re throwing down a serious challenge in the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) — starting at Dakar and continuing across the season.

Each D7X‑R is built from the same aluminium monocoque as the road-going Defender, tuned for the ‘Stock’ class. That means no crazy one-off prototypes. Just smart engineering, tough components, and drivers who know how to suffer for speed.

Testing is already in full swing, across sand, rocks, and terrain most SUVs would never dream of. Defender wants to prove itself — and it’s doing it the hard way.

James Barclay, JLR Motorsport boss, sums it up:

“Sara’s trailblazing achievements and determination make her a perfect fit. She’s earned this opportunity, and we’re proud to have her racing for us.”

This Is Not a Drill

There’s nothing token or half-hearted about Defender’s Dakar debut. They’ve built the cars. Signed the drivers. And they’re already in the dirt, figuring out how to make a stock-spec 4×4 do the work of a race car.

Sara Price is part of that process now. Not as a passenger — but as a competitor with a track record of winning in tough, dirty places.

Three cars. One goal. No shortcuts.

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Welcome the Defender Dakar D7X‑R. A production-based prototype that’s been flung into the dunes of the Sahara, not for the headlines, but for survival. This isn’t a Defender pretending to be adventurous. This is the real deal.

From Production Line to Pain Line

The D7X‑R will compete in the ‘Stock’ category — meaning it stays mechanically close to the showroom Defender. Under the bonnet, it packs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, and it rides on the same aluminium monocoque architecture found in the road-going version. Yes, it’s wrapped in camouflage. Yes, it’s still a prototype. But the mission is clear: no gimmicks, just grit.

To prove it can handle the heat — quite literally — Land Rover dragged the prototype into the Sahara for early testing. The dunes didn’t care about the badge. They never do. What mattered was durability, drivability, and the kind of resilience that’s not just bolted on.

“Completing our first official test is a huge milestone… The team are doing phenomenal work as we prepare for the world’s most challenging off-road race in just eight months’ time.”
— James Barclay, Managing Director, JLR Motorsport

Meet the Drivers: One Legend, One Rocket

The big headline? Stéphane Peterhansel — Dakar royalty — is now a Defender man. Fourteen wins across bikes and cars. Thirty-five starts. The man’s basically lived more Dakar than most teams combined. He’s driven everything. But for 2026, he’s all in with Land Rover.

“Defender is an iconic and capable 4×4, so for me it’s the perfect match. I’m looking forward to entering the Stock category… It’s been amazing to get behind the wheel of the D7X‑R.”
— Stéphane Peterhansel

It’s a clever move. Peterhansel brings more than just speed. He brings experience. The kind that’s measured in broken bones and buried axles.

Next to him? The wildcard: Rokas Baciuška, 25, Lithuanian, and already a world champion. He’s hungry, sharp, and not weighed down by history. Third in T4 on his Dakar debut in 2022. Second in 2023. Third in T3 in 2024.

“Defender is an incredible brand… I’m proud to be a part of this programme. I can’t wait to begin testing in anticipation of the 2026 Dakar Rally.”
— Rokas Baciuška

Two drivers. Two extremes. A legend and a rising star. One hell of a pairing.

Built to Take the Hit

What’s under the skin of the Defender D7X‑R matters. This isn’t some special stitched together in a race lab. It shares its bones with the production car — the same D7x architecture, the same driveline layout. That’s the point.

Stock doesn’t mean soft. The FIA’s updated regulations for the 2026 W2RC ‘Stock’ class now give teams more breathing room. More performance. More suspension travel. Better cooling. The Defender Dakar D7X‑R is a proving ground — a test of whether so-called luxury SUVs can truly endure.

To that end, JLR is keeping things grounded. The bodies of the competition cars are coming straight from the production line in Nitra, Slovakia. What gets welded, bolted, and wired there will face heat, altitude, and navigation hell come January.

A Bigger Game Plan

Three D7X‑Rs will take on Dakar in 2026. Two will tackle the rest of the World Rally‑Raid Championship (W2RC) — a series that demands endurance across some of the nastiest terrain on Earth.

This isn’t just a Dakar cameo. It’s a commitment. A long game. The same way Toyota turned the Hilux into a legend, Land Rover’s betting on the Defender to prove it’s not just a nameplate. It’s a weapon.

The final driver and all navigators will be announced later this year. Until then, the test programme continues — desert, dirt, dust, repeat.

Why This Matters

This isn’t marketing smoke and mirrors. This is Land Rover opening its fists again. For years, the Defender name was boxed in by nostalgia. Too precious to break. Too revered to risk. That’s changed.

Sending the Defender into rally-raid isn’t about selling accessories. It’s about reclaiming credibility. It’s about putting the thing back into the kind of agony it was born for. And if it breaks? Good. They’ll fix it and go again.

That’s what Dakar does. It strips away the pretenders. It tests the metal — and the mettle.

By throwing the D7X‑R into the ring, Land Rover’s saying something simple:
We’re back. And we’re not here to play nice.

DEFENDER

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Land Rover Classic has just pulled the wraps off something special: the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top. In plain English? It’s the return of the most desirable Defender variant ever made. Hand-built, V8-powered, and roof-optional. This is not a modern wannabe—it’s based on the real deal, original Defenders built in Solihull.

The Soft Top Is Back

Soft-top Defenders have always been in demand. From the legendary NAS 90s of the ‘90s to the last ragtops that rolled out in 2016, they’ve had cult status for years. Now, for the first time since then, Land Rover Classic is officially offering one again—built under their new Works Bespoke programme that launched last year.

Only available on the short-wheelbase ‘90’ chassis, the new Soft Top mixes proper off-road grit with top-down freedom. It’s not a toy or a tribute. It’s the real thing, reborn.

Every unit starts life as a Defender built between 2012 and 2016, cherry-picked by the Classic team. Then it’s stripped down and rebuilt—piece by piece—to modern OEM standards. The result: a Defender that drives better, rides smoother, and looks sharper than ever.

V8 Power, Naturally

Under the bonnet? A proper 5.0-litre petrol V8. 405 horsepower. 515Nm of torque. Bolted to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. That’s right—this thing moves. Smoothly. Effortlessly. And loudly, if you ask nicely.

To keep things tidy when the hammer drops, Land Rover has uprated the suspension and brakes, too. You’re looking at revised coil spring rates, Bilstein dampers, and Eibach anti-roll bars, all tuned specifically for the 90 Soft Top. The anchors are Alcon four-piston units—335mm up front, 300mm at the rear—so stopping isn’t optional, it’s immediate.

Canvas, Colour, and Character

Let’s talk tops. The Soft Top hood is bespoke—designed to mirror the final factory ragtop from 2016. Four colours: Black (standard), Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy. The whole thing zips, rolls, folds, and fastens with authentic tie-downs and webbing, and Land Rover even added extra securing points to keep it from flapping about at motorway speeds.

Fancy something sleeker? Go for the Bikini Hood. It just covers the front seats and comes in all the same colours.

Paint? You’ve got 49 shades to choose from, or they’ll match whatever sample you bring in. Your call. Want it in moss green to match your old Series truck? Done. Bright orange? Still done.

As Dominic Elms, Director at Land Rover Classic, put it:

“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality. At Land Rover Classic we work with clients to provide a one‑to‑one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them, by the original manufacturer – the people who know it best.”

Build It Your Way

Customisation is the name of the game here. Grille, door handles, bonnet script—all up for grabs. Wheels? Take your pick between 16-inch Wolf wheels (in Black or Limestone) or 18-inch Sawtooths. The interior is just as versatile: five monotone leather options, eight duo-tone combos, and custom finishes ranging from classic to “hang on, you put what in there?”

We’re talking onboard wine coolers, custom surfboard racks, and pretty much anything else you can dream up. If your Defender vision includes Garnet red leather and a coffee machine in the back, it’s probably doable.

So What’s the Damage?

It starts at £195,000, plus whatever taxes your corner of the world adds. Every build gets a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty, and support comes from the folks who built it—either at Land Rover Classic in Coventry or their base in Essen, Germany.

No two will be the same. That’s kind of the point.

Final Word

This isn’t nostalgia. It’s resurrection. The Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is loud, fast, and entirely bespoke—built by the people who made the originals, for people who actually use them. If you’re the sort of driver who’d rather sip coffee under canvas than read about lifestyle trends in a brochure, this one’s for you.

If I had the coin, I’d be ordering mine in Trident Green with a Sand canvas top, Black leather upholstery and canvas seat covers.

And yes, I’d drive it like I stole it.

LAND ROVER CLASSIC

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Defender: Official Car Partner of Dakar Rally 2025-2028

From 2025, Defender will serve as the official car partner of the Dakar Rally, solidifying its place as a global leader in rugged adventure vehicles. As part of the partnership, a fleet of Defenders will transport rally officials and VIP media throughout the event, ensuring smooth operations even in the harshest environments.

Additionally, six specially modified Defender recce vehicles will support Dakar’s organisers, scouting future routes and reinforcing Defender’s reputation for reliability in extreme conditions. The collaboration runs through 2028, ensuring a lasting presence for Defender in this legendary rally raid.

Defender Works Team to Compete in 2026 Dakar Rally

Defender’s ambitions go beyond supporting the rally. In 2026, the brand will field a Defender works team, marking its debut as a competitor in the Dakar Rally. This groundbreaking entry will demonstrate the extreme off-road capability of the Defender in the most challenging motorsport event on the planet.

Further details of the Defender rally raid program will be revealed during the 2025 Dakar Rally, offering a glimpse into how the brand plans to tackle this monumental challenge.

Leaders Speak on Defender’s Dakar Journey

Mark Cameron, Managing Director of Defender, highlighted the synergy between Defender’s heritage and Dakar’s spirit of adventure:

“Adventure is in the very DNA of the Defender brand, so we are inspired to partner with Dakar – the ultimate motorsport adventure – where competitors truly embrace the impossible.

Our partnership begins in 2025 when Defender will showcase its capability and durability as the official car of the event, but we are already looking to the future and entering a Defender Dakar works team from 2026. That Defender Dakar works programme will be led by James Barclay, JLR Motorsport Managing Director, and I know James and his team are inspired by the challenge that lays ahead.”

James Barclay, JLR Motorsport Managing Director, emphasised the significance of the Dakar Rally in motorsport and Defender’s commitment to success:

“Anyone who loves motorsport will have a passion for Dakar. It’s the Everest of motorsport and an event where success is dependent as much on human determination in the toughest of conditions as it is the ultimate test for vehicle and engineering capability. Bringing the world’s most capable and iconic 4×4 to the world’s most iconic rally-raid is a perfect fit.

Our first-ever factory entry into the Dakar means we are right at the beginning of our journey. We are conscious of how much we have to learn and achieve before taking the start in 2026, but we are already well under way and looking forward to the adventure. We will share more details of this exciting programme at the Dakar rally in 2025.”

Dakar Rally Welcomes Defender Partnership

David Castera, Director of the Dakar Rally, praised the collaboration as a meeting of like-minded pioneers:

“We are thrilled to welcome Defender as the new official car partner of the Dakar. It is an iconic brand, present on all continents, that shares our passion for adventure, performance, and innovation.

We are also excited that Defender will accompany us throughout the year, providing vehicles for the organising teams and for the route reconnaissance. Their reliability and robustness will help us improve our daily efficiency. Furthermore, starting in 2026, Defender will enter the competition as an official team. Together, we will shine a spotlight on Dakar on the international stage and offer a unique experience to all.”

Dakar 2025: The Next Frontier for Defender

The 2025 Dakar Rally, the 47th edition of the event, will once again test human and machine against the harshest terrains. Stretching from Bisha to Shubaytah, the course culminates in the Empty Quarter – a brutal three-day trial of endurance and grit. Defender vehicles will provide vital support throughout, ensuring rally operations run seamlessly.

As Defender gears up for its 2026 works team debut, this partnership solidifies its reputation as the pinnacle of off-road engineering and adventure. With an unmatched commitment to pushing boundaries, Defender and Dakar together promise to redefine the future of rally raid competition.

LAND ROVER

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