Defender has revealed the Dakar, a limited-run road-legal version of its Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R competition car. Based on the Defender Octa, the Dakar retains the rally car’s body architecture, transmission, driveline and 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Reservations are scheduled to open in early 2027, while full technical specifications will be revealed during the 2027 Dakar Rally.

DEFENDER DAKAR GETS RALLY-DERIVED HARDWARE

The Defender Dakar features a wider track, increased ride height and 35-inch all-terrain tyres mounted on forged 20-inch wheels. It uses coil suspension with Bilstein Advanced dampers and gets Dunes and Gravel drive modes. A new Flight Mode is also designed to improve stability during landings over uneven terrain.

The exterior features roof-mounted auxiliary lights, a fixed metal roof, a carbon-fibre bonnet, raised carbon-fibre air intakes, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, signature mud flaps and additional underbody protection. Buyers can also choose finishes including the Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination inspired by the D7X-R.

RALLY-FOCUSED INTERIOR

The cabin gets a more purpose-built layout than the Defender Octa, with a 2+2 seating configuration and unique front race seats. Four-point racing harnesses will be available as an option, while the rear storage area has been designed to accommodate race helmets.

The load bay also gets dedicated mounting points for the spare wheel and an air compressor, further highlighting the Dakar’s rally-inspired character.

626BHP TWIN-TURBO V8

The Defender Dakar uses the same 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine as the D7X-R rally car. The engine is rated at 626 Bhp and 750Nm in the source specifications.

The SUV also retains the D7X body architecture, transmission and driveline from the rally car. Defender states that the engine runs unrestricted compared with the competition version.

RESERVATIONS AND AVAILABILITY

Reservations for the limited-run Defender Dakar are scheduled to open in early 2027. Defender has not yet announced pricing or production numbers, while complete technical specifications are expected to be revealed during the 2027 Dakar Rally.

WHAT MAKES THE DEFENDER DAKAR SPECIAL?

The Defender Dakar brings rally-derived engineering to a road-legal SUV, combining a roughly 626bhp twin-turbo V8 with a wider track, 35-inch tyres, specialised suspension and dedicated off-road drive modes. Its limited-run nature and direct connection to the D7X-R rally car make it one of the most focused Defender models yet.