- The Defender Dakar is a road-legal version of the Dakar Rally-winning D7X-R competition car, which secured first, second and fourth places at the 2026 Dakar Rally.
Land Rover has introduced the Defender Dakar, a road-legal variant of its D7X-R competition car, which achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Dakar Rally by finishing first, second, and fourth. This limited-run model brings the rally's performance to everyday driving.1
The Defender Dakar is powered by a BMW-derived 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, producing an impressive 635hp and 750Nm of torque, unrestricted by race regulations. It retains the rugged architecture and driveline of the D7X-R, ensuring durability and performance on various terrains.
Visually, the Defender Dakar draws inspiration from the D7X-R, available in three color options, including the signature Dakar Sand with a Yanbu Turquoise roof, reflecting the race-winning livery. It features a 35-inch tyre package with Advanced All-Terrain Tyres on new forged 20-inch wheels.
The vehicle is equipped with coil suspension and Bilstein Advanced Dampers, along with new drive modes like Dunes and Gravel, plus a Flight Mode for smoother landings over challenging terrain. Registrations of interest are now open, with reservations starting in early 2027. Further technical details will be revealed at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
“The Defender Dakar is based on the D7X-R that dominated the 2026 Dakar Rally, securing a podium sweep. This road-legal conversion brings the rally-winning performance to public roads, likely appealing to off-road enthusiasts seeking extreme capability.”
