Defender OCTA makes its Australian debut

Defender OCTA makes its Australian debut at Defender House SXSW® Sydney. The new Defender OCTA will make its Australian debut at SXSW® Sydney from 17^th – 18^th October 2024.

Defender OCTA is the most dynamically accomplished Defender ever created, with unmatched breadth of capability and performance both on‑ and off‑road. An imposing stance and bold new design sets Defender OCTA apart, and a new signature graphic pays homage to its diamond‑like credentials.

• New Defender OCTA: The most dynamically accomplished Defender ever created will be officially unveiled in Australia at the iconic futurist conference and festival, SXSW® Sydney from 17^th – 18^th October 2024
• Defender House at SXSW® Sydney: Returns for 2024; bringing together inspired thinkers, creators and innovators through brand experiences, panels, workshops and an exclusive VIP night to celebrate the launch of Defender OCTA
• Destination Defender at SXSW® Sydney: The expansive Defender range will be showcased at Tumbalong Park, in the heart of the SXSW precinct from 14^th-20^th October, when festival attendees can experience Defender for themselves on curated test drives

As challengers and change-makers, Defender continues to push the limits of experience and champion innovation with the announcement that Defender House will return with a ‘Sounds of Adventure’ program in 2024 alongside SXSW® Sydney, the iconic futurist conference and festival.

Defender House, guests will experience the new Defender OCTA

At Defender House, guests will experience the new Defender OCTA and explore its stories of substance in a 4D interactive adventure with product experts. Defender House guests will also partake of bespoke sensory experiences that highlight Defender innovation and ruggedness. These include:

Body and Soul: sessions in collaboration with P.E Nation and Humming Puppy are designed to take guests through the six wellness states (from invigorate to calm) of the Defender OCTA Body and Soul seats.

Power of Nature: a wild honey and premium cheese or whisky tasting flight, an experience where the natural world infiltrates the urban jungle.

Bespoke Olfactory: Guests will explore Defender OCTA materiality through an individualised olfactory experience and be taken on a journey to discover their signature scent with Tom Ford Experts.

Themed panel discussions

Additionally, a series of themed panel discussions with be held across the two days at Defender House, each inspired by Defender OCTA’s power, performance and capability, these include:

Embrace the Impossible: Ant Williams, elite athlete and dual world record holder will inspire and talk of adventure, achievement and dreaming big.

Power and Performance: Be inspired to reach your peak performance with the Wallabies. As proud partners of the Wallabies, Defender is committed to maximising power and performance in the most extreme conditions.

In the Elements: Producer and DJ Chis Keene will demonstrate how to connect the sounds of the urban jungle with the transformational nature of technology to produce empowering and energizing music.

Defender have partnered with one of Australia’s most recognised and respected chefs Sean Connolly (Gowings at QT Hotel and Cygnet by Sean Connolly), who will treat VIP night guests at Defender House to a sustainable menu inspired by Defender OCTA.

The Defender experience doesn’t end within the walls of Defender House. Guests are invited to take over the city and embark on a unique test drive around Sydney in the latest range of Defender vehicles.

 Showcase the New Defender OCTA at SXSW Sydney

Penny Ferguson, Managing Director, JLR Australia, said: We are excited to showcase the New Defender OCTA at SXSW Sydney, the essential destination for global professionals that celebrates the convergence of tech, music and culture. Defender OCTA is the definition of breadth of capability and the ultimate companion for the urban jungle with capability to take on nature’s most epic adventures.”

New Defender OCTA. The toughest, most capable and most luxurious model in the unstoppable 4×4 family, taking the capability of Defender 110 to an unparalleled level.

Powered by a 4.4‑litre Twin Turbo mild‑hybrid V8 engine, the OCTA model is the most extreme and most powerful Defender ever, with 467kW and up to 750Nm of torque enabling 0‑100km/h in 4.0 seconds. Heavily revised chassis components with innovative technologies, including 6D Dynamics suspension, ensure its dynamic capabilities are taken to new heights.

The exterior is bolder and tougher than ever, with a distinct character. The ride height is raised, its stance widened, and wheel arches extended for incredible presence. Redesigned bumpers give improved approach and departure angles, while tough underbody protection gives drivers the confidence to explore further over rough terrain. And it will wade deeper than any production Defender before it too – through up to one metre of water.

¹The figures provided are NEDC calculated from official manufacturer’s tests. Figures may vary according to environment and driving style. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ.