I have 6,300 miles on my OCTA after 6 months and select both Dynamic and Sport mode operationally, like putting on my seatbelt and pressing the start button for each drive. It's habit and I feel there is a remarkable difference in the vehicle's throttle response and shifting. Every basic aspect of driving even around town is enhanced by these two selections. Our area has become the land of roundabouts of varying sizes, shapes, and configurations with many including chicanes leading up to them to reduce speed - its wild to be able to scoot through them at an elevated speed without touching the brakes and the Defender remains incredibly flat and stable. On a more spirited drive the 6D suspension coupled with the drivetrain performance really shines.

My OCTA has hands down become my daily driver and dog hauler without any reservation, it is that practical and that fun. Getting on the freeway and vying for position each time brings a grin. Really my only reservation before buying the OCTA was knowing the value was sure to tank believing JLR would build as many as there is a market for in the coming years (no matter how much exclusivity they marketed). Now I don't care how bad it drops given how much I enjoy the OCTA each day.

 

I have an Octa Black with only 800 miles.....moved up from a V8. The V8 is a great truck but the Octa with the 6D suspension and extra horsepower is another level. I also put in dynamic mode automatically. Closest experience to a sports car that you can in a large SUV. Very enjoyable and I am glad a moved up from the V8.

 

BTW, this pic made me think about something. Not sure how nuts your dog goes in the back of the Defender, but I had that rear door interior paint PPF’d w 2 layers of PPF, 4 years ago when I got mine -- for not much money, and I’m very glad I did. Highly recommend. The bloodhound and Labrador get a little frisky when they see a UPS truck, motorcycle, etc. Maybe your dog is better.

 

We think alike, I had rear door interior protected with a single layer of PPF the week I got my OCTA. Additionally the factory padded cargo cover has a bumper protection flap (absolutely necessary) and the bonus is in the up position it adds protection to the door as well.

 

Every good dog deserves a PPF OCTA!

 

Interesting perspectives from everybody and glad these are in more hands now. I got one of the first ones so have had quite a bit of time to get to know it. We have five Rovers total (it’s a sickness) so clearly I am a fan of the brand and their cars. That includes a 460 we have had now for 3 years (LWB V8) and ironically I traded my Cayenne GT for the Octa.

The Octa is one of the most fun cars I’ve owned and I’m very impressed by it. It is expensive as are all defenders for what you get, but I find it a very capable and well engineered car. Some quick points:

1. Biggest letdown for me is the sound. Was hoping for more rumble like a G63 or the Cayenne but in practice it is a little choked. Looking k to solutions (I’m not a loud car guy but like interesting exhaust character).
2. I like the interior and its simplicity. Everything falls naturally to had, the leather is top shelf, the audio system is great, etc. Usable utilitarian luxury combo. Perfect for the spirit of the car.
3. You have to get past 1500-2000 miles to have a real view of the performance. BMW effectively has forced break in that limits power and its very noticeable. Once you have the full monty it’s impressive. Very much unimpressive for the first 500-1000 miles (I also found the exhaust opens up a bit as well after a couple thousand miles.)
4. Octa mode is really for off roading. Think Raptor-like bashing gravel and sand at high speed. It really isn’t a sport mode which I feel like most people expect based on the marketing and reviews. Dynamic mode (short press of the Octa button) is the best day to day fun mode. Stiffens the suspension to a significant degree (unlike Octa mode), and a host of other user configurable changes make it most more sporty.
5. I have the 20s with Duratracs and it’s crazy how well it handles on and especially offroad.
6. I wish I waited to order as the launch colors sucked. Sargasso blue, the black version, are all so much better. I might trade but I’d lose the tan semi-aniline leather so maybe not.

Relative to the RR. Honestly love the looks of the 460 and on the open road it is incredible and absurdly fast for how big it is, otherwise I want to kill the thing. The controls are all very spongy and soft, the lack of physical controls inside, and the brake wear is insane (every 9-10k miles like clockwork.) I want to incinerate it… lol

The Cayenne I picked up on Germany and did a couple days at the Ring. It is truly insane what that thing can do, honestly blew me away. Just about the perfect ergonomics for me, sound, power, etc. But in day to day driving? It’s honestly boring and frustrating to not be able to use it. Just wasn’t fun to me as a daily. And if you want to talk cost, $250k almost for that…

Hope that helps add to the discussion.

 

Hopefully, Im picking up my Black edition this week to replace my Raptor on 37’s. The OCTA is going to see a lot of gravel roads, passes, rock crawling, dogs, bikes, etc. Exactly what it’s meant for.

My feeling is this review has merit to help others looking to hardpark at the grocery store. This is not your SUV. Go G Wagon all the way. Crappy on road, off road, small interior, old chassis but people who don't know think you’re so amazing. Perfect vanity vehicle.

Probably offensive and rude, but this kind of crap chaps my hide. It’s like when someone buys a GT3 and puts the 18 ways seats so they can be comfortable while impressing golf buddies. Go learn how to drive it and kill some tires.

Speciality vehicles are designed for a purpose and they should be used that way. The sheer joy when at 10/10th on a track or ripping a desert road catching air here and there…thats where the money is.

 

^ Well said. I’m on my second Octa and also added a V8 110. The Octa is just so good at what it does, honestly no peer for me. I’ve drive G’s but never owned one, but would love to have one along side (if just for the sound), but different intent.

 

Thought I'd bump this thread just for some feed back from those that bought their Octa's a while back.
Since some of you bought a year or so ago and probably a few thousand miles by now, do you still enjoy the Octa?
Has the shine worn off or is it more of a slow realization that the Octa is greater than the sum of it's parts for it's pricepoint?
Any regrets or would you just have bought a 110 P500 or P525 after the fact?
Thank you.

 

While I've only had my OCTA for a few weeks I had a Carpathian Edition P525 for a couple years. Without a doubt the OCTA is a superior vehicle to drive on and off road. The steering, transmission, engine, and suspension are far far better. My wife hated driving the P525 because it always felt so slow to react and a bit tipsy (she been driving X5M's and Cayenne Turbos for the last 9-10 years). While I didn't think the P525 was tipsy it felt slow to react to steering inputs. Seems like that old Ford V8 and transmission are heavy and you can feel it in everyday driving. If I were to get a regular Defender again it would definitely be the six cylinder. Way better balance of weight and power. The V8 was quickish once on full boil in a straight line, but nothing special. The transmission is super slow compared to the newer autos. The engine feels like the internals are heavy and slow to accelerate. I did not miss that car when I got my last truck.

All that to say the OCTA fixed all those issues and drives way way better than the V8 Defender. Is the OCTA worth the price they are asking...no. Am I enjoying the OCTA, yes.