Defender D7X‑R Rally: Britain’s New Desert Beast Heads To Conquer Dakar Saudi Arabia 2026

Defender Enters The Toughest Desert Rally With A Special Edition

As Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 starts as the opening round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), Land Rover is preparing to test the most extreme Defender version to date, through the Defender Dakar D7X‑R, based on the award‑winning Defender OCTA.​
This version is not just a cosmetic upgrade, but a complete engineering platform designed to prove that the Defender name can truly combine modern luxury with a rich heritage in the harshest desert terrains in the world.

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Defender D7X‑R At The Heart Of Dakar Saudi Arabia 2026

• The Defender Dakar D7X‑R is taking part for the first time in the official competition of Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026, from 3 to 17 January, with only one rest day.​

• Drivers will face nearly 5,000 km of timed special stages across extremely harsh terrain, turning the rally into a real test of:​

  • Chassis strength.

  • Drivetrain layout.

  • Mechanical and thermal endurance of the car.

• The D7X‑R has been developed specifically to compete in the “Stock” class of the World Rally-Raid Championship, making it as close as possible to a cleverly modified production vehicle rather than a full tubular-frame race car.

D7X‑R Engineering: Defender OCTA With Racing Character

Relying On Defender OCTA

• The D7X‑R is based directly on the production Defender OCTA, in full compliance with Stock class regulations that require preserving the core of the original vehicle.​

• Defender Dakar bodies are built:​

  • On the same assembly line as the standard Defender.

  • At JLR’s advanced facility in Nitra, Slovakia.

  • Using the same robust D7x body structure.

Main Engineering Modifications

• Wider track to enhance stability at high speeds, on sand dunes and rocky sections.​

• Increased ground clearance to provide better capability to clear obstacles and deep holes without damaging the underbody.​

• A completely new suspension system, specifically tuned for desert rallying, balancing:​

  • Impact absorption.

  • Control of body roll and attitude.

• An improved cooling system designed specifically to operate at:​

  • High ambient temperatures.

  • Long operating hours without any drop in performance.

Drivetrain And Engine

• The car uses the same transmission system and drivetrain layout as the Defender OCTA, with no changes to the basic architecture.​

• Engine:​

  • 4.4‑litre twin‑turbocharged V8.

  • Left mechanically untouched to underline the company’s confidence in its ability to withstand the harsh demands of rallying.

• The engine runs on advanced sustainable fuel, reflecting an effort to:​

  • Combine high performance.

  • Reduce environmental impact in a championship still largely dependent on internal combustion engines.

Defender Dakar Team: Big Names And Complete Preparation

Driver And Co‑Driver Line‑Up

• Dakar legend Stéphane Peterhansel with co‑driver Mika Metge.​

• The duo Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal.​

• Trailblazer Sara Price with her co‑driver Sean Berriman.​

• This line‑up combines:​

  • Legendary experience.

  • A new generation of rally‑raid stars.

  • Strong female representation, which increases the appeal of the Defender Dakar project in terms of media image.

Team Principal’s View

• Ian James, Team Principal of Defender Rally, describes the challenge as “epic on both the human and machine level,” confirming that:​

  • The D7X‑R delivered exceptional performance during pre‑rally testing.

  • The goal is for all three drivers to be in a strong competitive position.

  • Simply finishing Dakar Rally is a huge achievement in itself.

• This statement reflects the team’s awareness of the scale of the challenge; Dakar is known as a rally for “survivors” more than a race purely for “the very fastest.”

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Technical And Commercial Partnerships Strengthening The Defender Dakar Project

Technology And Product Partners

• Castrol: key partner for oils and lubrication under extreme operating conditions.​

• Bilstein: supplier of suspension solutions, perfectly aligned with the critical role of suspension in desert rallying.​

• Shackleton and Alpinestars: provide support equipment and protective clothing for the crew.​

“YETI” As Outdoor Gear Partner

• YETI joins as the official partner for:​

  • Coolers.

  • Bags.

  • Drinkware.

• It equips the team with premium outdoor gear suited to the rally environment.​

• Both sides will work together to:​

  • Develop new innovations tailored to Dakar’s challenges.

  • Bring the team’s stories to the public in a vivid and inspiring way.

• This helps link the world of adventure with everyday products for outdoor enthusiasts.​

“Bell & Ross” As Timing Partner

• As the official timing partner, Bell & Ross supplies the team with high‑precision, high‑performance watches that reflect a spirit of:​

  • Toughness.

  • Accuracy.

  • Adventure.

• The partnership connects:​

  • The Swiss brand’s aviation‑ and instrument‑inspired design identity.

  • With the Defender character built around being “designed to last.”

Defender D7X‑R Between Reality And Virtual Worlds: Strong Presence In Gaming

• Alongside its real‑world participation in Dakar Rally, the Defender D7X‑R is entering the gaming world through appearances in Fortnite and Rocket League.​

• This step allows the team’s real‑life adventure to be carried into a massive digital space, bringing Defender Rally closer to:​

  • Young audiences.

  • Gaming fans.

• It aligns with Epic Games’ approach to building interactive worlds and stories.​

• Defender Brand Director Mark Cameron confirms that these partnerships with YETI, Bell & Ross and Epic Games:​

  • Align with the “designed to last” philosophy.

  • Reflect a mission‑driven mindset and the will to face tough odds.

What Does The Defender Dakar Project Mean For The Brand Image?

• Defender’s participation with the D7X‑R version in Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2026 is not just a promotional appearance, but a public test of:​

  • The D7x platform.

  • The V8 engine.

  • In the toughest arena possible, in front of a global audience and demanding off‑road fans.

• Success in finishing the rally – let alone achieving competitive results – will:​

  • Strengthen Defender’s image as a vehicle that can truly combine:

    • Luxury.

    • Modern technology.

    • Solid mechanical capability.

  • In a world increasingly focused on SUVs “built to be seen” rather than “proven in the field.”

• For the Saudi and Gulf markets, where off‑road vehicles have a special status, the D7X‑R could become a new symbol linking:​

  • Land Rover’s history of adventure and exploration.

  • With the modern era of desert racing.