Land Rover is going rallying this year and has officially revealed its latest off-road competitor for the job – the Defender Dakar D7X-R. The off-roader will debut in the demanding “Stock” category of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), which begins with the legendary Dakar Rally in January 2026. Other than the eye-catching paint job and off-road-centric modifications, there’s more to this hardcore Defender than its road-going versions.Â
Note that even though it is based on the road-going Defender Octa 110 model and shares its D7X ladder-body architecture, the Dakar D7X-R is a non-commercial, rally-specific machine built for extreme endurance, and it won’t be available for road use.
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R: Upgrades at a glance
The Dakar D7X-R is equipped with a host of modifications essential for desert racing. It features massive 35-inch tyres, which contribute to a significantly higher ride height and a track widened by 60mm compared to the Defender Octa. Under-body protection, a robust front skid plate, and heavy-duty shock absorbers and dampers co-developed with Bilstein ensure it can withstand the legendary rally’s punishing conditions.
A key rally-specific feature is the bespoke suspension system, engineered to manage the weight of a large 550-litre fuel tank mounted towards the rear. Furthermore, Land Rover has incorporated a special electronic feature dubbed ‘Flight Mode,’ which momentarily adjusts torque delivery to the wheels to protect the engine and drivetrain during hard landings after jumps, which is a necessity in rally-raid racing. A comprehensive, race-spec roll cage is fitted inside for crew safety.
Land Rover goes sustainable for its V8 engine
The Dakar D7X-R retains the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine derived from the Defender Octa, which produces 635 hp and up to 800 Nm of torque in its production form. However, to comply with the FIA’s ‘Stock’ category rules, the rally version’s output will be restricted via an air-intake restrictor. The engine will run on sustainable fuel, highlighting a nod to environmental responsibility in the high-performance category.
To combat the intense heat of the desert, the vehicle features an upgraded cooling system, replacing the Octa’s triple-radiator setup with a single, large radiator assisted by four high-capacity 12-volt fans. A particle filter is also in place to prevent sand ingress into the engine.
A race-ready Defender
Visually, the D7X-R sports a striking dual-tone Geopalette livery, with desert-inspired colours on the lower body and a bright aqua roof symbolising rare desert waters. Inside, the cabin is stripped for racing, featuring a full roll cage, custom-fitted racing seats with six-point harnesses, and fixed windows with opening portholes. Emergency supplies, including eight litres of water and a full toolkit, are also mandatory additions.
The Defender Dakar D7X-R will debut under 14-time Dakar Rally champion Stéphane Peterhansel and his co-driver Mika Metge. The six-person driving and navigating team also includes Dakar stage-winner Sara Price.
