The Land Rover Defender is known for its off-road prowess. Still, the Octa variant redefines that by adding more power and tweaking the off-road capabilities to match that. We attended the launch of the Octa, and you can check out our thoughts here.
Related: Land Rover Defender Octa vs Mercedes-AMG G63: Here's our winner
However, the Defender Octa isn't the only performance SUV in its range. Let's see how the price and what you get for the Octa compares to its contemporaries like the BMW X5 M Competition and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid for this comparison. Value for money? Let's look into this.
Land Rover Defender Octa
Powertrain and Suspension
Propelling the Octa is a BMW-derived 4.4-litre twin turbo mild-hybrid petrol V8 that makes 467kW and 750Nm. That is all channelled to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with high and low-range gears. With dynamic launch control engaged, this can send the Octa from 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds flat. You'll also find an electronic active limited-slip differential as well. Handling-wise, there is a 6D Dynamics suspension with pitch and roll control and some revised and strengthened suspension components to cope with the performance demands.
Standard Equipment
As standard in the Octa, you'll find exclusive features such as the Octa mode, which is an offroad-focused driving mode in addition to Terrain Response. The Octa in Edition One trim features exclusive paint options and carbon fibre details. Durable Ultrafabrics material graces the interior and performance seats, and it is complete with the Body and Soul interactive music integration.
Safety
The Defender Octa features 6 airbags and standard ADAS systems, such as lane keeping and blind spot assist. This is in addition to the 5-Star Euro NCAP rating the base Defender already received.
Practicality
The Defender Octa is a 5-seater SUV. This is the 110 Defender, though, so you can expect decent space and practicality with this vehicle. The boot area ranges from 786 to 1875 litres, depending on how you arrange the split rear seating. The towing capacity is rated at 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked.
Price
The Defender Octa in this trim costs R3 499 100. The purchase price includes a 5-year /100 000 km maintenance plan and a 5-year /100 000 km warranty.
BMW X5 M Competition
Powertrain and Suspension
The X5 M is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with 48V mild hybrid technology. This setup develops 460kW and 750Nm, which are sent to all four wheels via a new 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The xDrive all-wheel drive system is paired with the Active M differential on the rear axle and thus can enable the X5 M to have a rear-wheel bias. Suspension-wise, there is adaptive M suspension Professional with electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation. 0-100 km/h is done in 3.9 seconds.
Standard Equipment
The X5 M features features like matrix LED headlamps, a prominent rear diffuser, an M Cockpit with BMW Curved Display, your choice of Harmon Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins Diamond sound systems, and a whole host of M-themed accoutrements, both inside and out. It's not just aesthetics; M Performance parts are also aplenty.
Safety
You'll find 6 airbags in the X5 M. There are also your standard ADAS systems such as Lane Departure, front collision warnings and more to note. Going off of the 2018 rated X5 of Euro NCAP, this vehicle received 5 stars.
Practicality
The X5 M is a 5-seater SUV. Regarding boot space, you'll find a range of 650-1870 litres, depending on how you arrange the split rear seating. Towing capacity is rated at 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked.
Price
The BMW X5 M Competition costs R3 281 901. It includes a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and a 2-year/unlimited km warranty.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-hybrid
Powertrain and Suspension
Powering the Cayenne in this trim is a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol engine with a mild hybrid system comprising 544kW and 950Nm. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. With launch control, 0-100 km/h is rated at 3.7 seconds. Suspension-wise, the Cayenne has adaptive air suspensions, specifically two-chamber, two-valve tech with controlled vibration dampers in front and rear. Porsche Active Suspension Management handles the show here.
Standard Equipment
Notable standard equipment includes 18-way adjustable adaptive sports seats, HD Matrix LED headlamps, and an air-quality system that regulates the car's air circulation. These are just a few, apart from the revised interior with switchgear and controls.
Safety
Notable safety equipment includes 8 airbags, which can be increased to 10. Standard ADAS systems include Warn and Brake Assist with pedestrian protection and Driver Awareness Detection, to name a few.
Practicality
The Cayenne in this trim is a 5-seater SUV. Regarding boot space, it ranges from 539-621-1557 litres depending on how you arrange the split rear seating. Towing capacity is rated at 750kg unbraked and 3000kg braked.
Price
The Cayenne in turbo e-Hybrid trim comes in from R3 587 000 and in that purchase price is a 3 year /100 000km maintenance plan which can be increased to 5 years optionally, 2 year /unlimited km vehicle warranty and 8 year /160 000km hybrid battery warranty.
Who wins?
We'll give the win here to the Land Rover. This is due to the fact that while the Defender Octa is a good onroad performer, you have the added ability to perform offroad, too. As a value-for-money proposition, the Defender takes it. In second place is the Porsche due to its ridiculous power output. You can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings for the Defender, X5 and Cayenne, as well as sell your car.
