Land Rover’s new Defender Octa ‘Black’ does exactly what it says on the tin

Fresh off the release of its new Range Rover Sport SV ‘Black’, Land Rover has now applied the same approach to its wide-arched Defender Octa. Yep, looks like a proper thug.

That paint is called ‘Narvik Black’, and it's apparently the ‘truest black in the Defender paint palette’. Customers can also add a protective matte film over it… because caution is precisely what this car is all about. Oh no, that's not right is it...

As many as 30 exterior elements have also been reskinned in either gloss or satin black for the erm Black, including the quad-exhaust tips, badging and even the underbody armour. Your choice of 20 or 22in alloys will get the same treatment, as do the brake calipers nestled in behind. 

It’s a similar ethos inside, featuring darker detailing across the dashboard, centre console and almost every piece of trim and switchgear. Chopped carbon fibre can also be optioned into certain sections if you're the kind of person that thinks Mansory makes some tasteful SUVs.

The final change involves the seats, which gain unique patterns and detailed stitching, and debut a new type of semi-aniline leather and Kvadrat fabric upholstery. Otherwise, it’s a familiar 13.1in multimedia screen and a 15-speaker Meridian sound system. 

No technical upgrades are mentioned either, so the Octa Black retains the 626bhp/553lb ft twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8, good for 0-62mph in four seconds across just about any environment. Explains why Land Rover fancies its chances at the forthcoming Dakar Rally. 

We’ve yet to hear about a release date or pricing for the Black, but do consider that a standard Octa costs at least £148k. Things do be getting expensive these days.