If you’ve followed Land Rover’s storied relationship with the Dakar Rally, you know it’s been a long, complicated one. Range Rovers dominated the early Paris-Dakar years in the late ’70s and ’80s, establishing both the vehicle and the event as icons of extreme off-road adventure. But despite periodic factory support and memorable privateer efforts — including the widely celebrated Race2Recovery wounded-veterans campaign in the 2010s — Land Rover never maintained the kind of sustained, top-tier works program that brands like Mitsubishi, Peugeot, and Toyota have deployed.
Now, after years as assistance vehicles and Dakar Classic participants, Defender is getting a proper factory comeback with the all-new D7X-R, set to compete in the 2026 World Rally-Raid Championship.
Built From OCTA DNA
The Defender Dakar D7X-R starts life on the same assembly line in Nitra, Slovakia as the production Defender OCTA — Land Rover’s most capable off-roader to date. It’s competing in the W2RC’s new “Stock” category, which mandates that the bodyshell remains unmodified from its production origins. That means the D7X-R carries over OCTA’s tough D7x body architecture, transmission, driveline, and that BMW-sourced 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Though FIA regulations require an air-intake restrictor to limit power from the OCTA’s 626hp output, the mechanical bits stay the same, and it’ll run on advanced sustainable fuel compliant with FIA standards.
Desert-Ready Modifications
Where the D7X-R diverges from its road-going sibling is in its preparation for the brutal realities of rally-raid competition. The suspension system has been completely overhauled with performance dampers developed alongside new partner BILSTEIN — single coil-overs up front and parallel twins at the rear. The track width increases by 60mm, ride height goes up, and the whole package sits on 35-inch tires for improved ground clearance. Approach and departure angles get better thanks to modified front and rear bodywork, while extended under-floor protection guards against the relentless pounding of desert terrain.
Cooling was a major focus given the extreme temperatures in Saudi Arabia’s Empty Quarter. A single large radiator replaces the OCTA’s trio of smaller units, with optimized airflow through a redesigned grille and bonnet. Four 12V fans assist at low speeds, and a particle filter keeps sand out of the air intakes. The eight-speed automatic transmission carries over but gets a lower final drive ratio to maximize low-speed torque. Inside, the rear seats are gone, replaced by three spare wheels, eight liters of water, tools, compressed air, and spare parts — all secured to an FIA-spec roll cage.
Flight Mode and Competition Details
Perhaps the coolest tech addition is “Flight Mode,” a bespoke calibration developed by Defender Rally that automatically adjusts torque delivery when the D7X-R gets air over dunes to protect the driveline upon landing. The 550-liter fuel tank (~145 gallons) handles the lengthy stages (last year’s longest was nearly 500 miles), while vented brake discs with six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers provide the stopping power needed when racing flat-out against the clock.
The livery, called “Geopalette,” draws from desert landscapes with sand, stone, and earth tones contrasted by aqua accents inspired by rare desert waters. Three crews will pilot the D7X-Rs: Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel with Mika Metge, Rokas Baciuška with Oriol Vidal, and Sara Price with Sean Berriman. Team Principal Ian James leads the operation, and they’ve already logged over 6,000km of off-road testing ahead of the debut.
Spec Sheet
Model: Defender Dakar D7X-R
Category: W2RC Stock
Engine: 4.4L twin-turbo V8 (power restricted per FIA regulations)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with lower final drive ratio
Fuel: Advanced sustainable fuel (FIA-compliant)
Tires: 35-inch
Fuel Capacity: 145 gallons
Suspension: BILSTEIN performance dampers (single coil-over front, parallel twin rear)
Brakes: Vented discs, 6-piston front/4-piston rear calipers
Production Location: Nitra, Slovakia
Pricing & Availability
The Defender Dakar D7X-R makes its competitive debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally starting January 3, 2026 in Saudi Arabia. The team will compete throughout the full W2RC season, with rounds in Portugal, Argentina, Morocco, and the UAE following Dakar. This is a competition-only vehicle.
Recap
Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R
Land Rover’s finally bringing Defender back to Dakar with a proper factory effort after decades of privateer entries and support roles. The D7X-R is built from the OCTA but modified for rally-raid competition, debuting in Saudi Arabia this January.
