Land Rover unveils 626-horsepower Defender Dakar

Land Rover has unveiled the 626-horsepower Defender Dakar.

At the Monterey Car Week in California, USA, Land Rover has unveiled the new Defender Dakar, a road-going version of the 2026 Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R.

This model is the most extreme and powerful Defender in the brand's lineup, incorporating a number of race-specific features.

Under the hood is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine with 626 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. In terms of power, it surpasses even the racing D7X-R, but unlike it, the Defender Dakar is designed for use on public roads.

The main changes have been made to the chassis. Instead of the "air suspension", Bilstein springs and shock absorbers adapted for fast off-road driving are installed here, and 35-inch off-road tires are mounted on 20-inch forged discs.

The car has received special modes for driving on sand and gravel from the rally-designed Defender, as well as an unusual "flight mode". This mode allows the driver to "direct" the almost three-ton SUV into real flight by specially adjusting the operation of the "suspension" after a jump, during landing.

The exterior is also as reminiscent of a racing car as possible: a carbon hood, additional air intakes, lights on the roof and the characteristic colors of the Dakar. The interior is equipped with sports seats, four-point seat belts, and a 2+2 seating layout.

Land Rover is currently only accepting orders from potential buyers. Prices, exact numbers and full specifications will be announced during the Dakar Rally in January 2027, after which official orders will open.