Land Rover has revealed the Defender Dakar D7X-R, a race-prepared version of the Defender Octa, built exclusively for the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship. The SUV will compete in the Stock category and will not be offered for sale to the public.
Rally-Focused Modifications
Based on the D7X ladder-body platform shared with the Defender Octa, the Dakar D7X-R gets significant upgrades for desert racing. It swaps the Octa’s 20-inch wheels for massive 35-inch off-road tyres, increasing ground clearance for better obstacle clearance. The track has been widened by 60mm to improve stability at high speeds over rough terrain.
Supporting these changes is a reinforced suspension setup with heavy-duty shocks and dampers jointly developed with Bilstein. Added underbody protection and a stronger front skid plate further enhance durability for the demanding Dakar stages.
Race-Ready Design
The Dakar D7X-R features a desert-inspired exterior livery and a stripped-out interior tailored for competition. Key additions include a full roll cage, racing seats, and a massive 550-litre fuel tank designed for long-distance stages without frequent refueling.
While the SUV retains the Octa’s platform and powertrain, all upgrades focus on endurance, cooling, and structural strength to handle nearly 5,000km of racing over two weeks.
Not for Public Sale
The Defender Dakar D7X-R is a purpose-built rally entrant and will not be sold commercially, marking Land Rover’s most dedicated motorsport project yet.