To some it may seem a little bit strange that Land Rover are going to build a limited run model of a road legal version of its Dakar winning Rally Defender that is based on the road legal OCTA. It’s gone full circle if you will.

However, the D7X-R is no ordinary OCTA, built to smash the Dakar rally (Which it did), the D7X-R is Raid ready monster, and this announcement means you, the general public, can finally have access to this incredible machine.

As we have reported on earlier, the D7X-R has toughened suspension, built to take the punishment of the Dakar, which means it is stronger, wider and taller than the stock OCTA. To the geeks amongst us, this means a 35” Wheel and Tyre package with coil suspension with Bilstein Advanced Dampers.

Under the bonnet is the OCTA’s twin Turbo 4.4 litre V8, but unlike the Rally version it doesn’t have to be restricted due to FIA rules, so owners get the full fat 636 PS. Terrain Response has been tweaked too with Dune and Gravel modes added as well as the Flight mode that was developed for the Rally car, ensuring the car can jump with the best of them!

The version we see here has a livery similar to that of the Teams Dakar visions, but other options will be available including a matt wrap in either Narvik Black or Alaska White.

Inside, you get 2 + 2 seating, with race seats for the driver and passenger including optional 4 point harnesses.

At the moment JLR are just taking notification of interest, with the reservation list being opened in 2027. If you want to know more than we will have to wait for the 2027 Dakar rally when further details will be revealed.