Land Rover Defender Dakar 2027: Specs and Features
The Land Rover Defender Dakar 2027 arrives as a road-legal version directly inspired by the D7X-R race car, which made history by winning the 2026 Dakar Rally.
The 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar belongs to the category of high-performance luxury SUVs designed for demanding tasks, standing at the top of the Defender lineup in terms of power and toughness. It is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 635 horsepower and up to 750 Nm of torque, making it an engineering masterpiece that combines fierce off-road performance with an imposing road presence.
Browse Land Rover cars at the best prices
2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Car and model name | 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar |
| Category | High-performance SUV designed for road use and racing |
| Body type | Lightweight integrated D7x aluminum monocoque |
| Powertrain type | Internal-combustion gasoline engine with twin turbochargers |
| Engine and displacement | 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo |
| Number of cylinders | 8 V-shaped cylinders |
| Maximum power | 635 horsepower |
| Maximum torque | 750 Nm |
| Drivetrain | Full-time four-wheel drive designed for demanding tasks |
| Wheel and tire size | 20-inch alloy wheels with 35-inch off-road tires |
| Driving modes |
|
| Suspension system | Coil-spring suspension with advanced race-proven Bilstein dampers |
| Key exterior equipment | Carbon-fiber hood and air vents, roof-mounted spotlights, metal underbody protection |
| Key interior equipment | 2+2 seating layout, front racing seats, space for mounting the spare wheel and air compressors |
Mechanical Specifications
The 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar relies on an exceptional powertrain featuring a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of producing up to 635 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. The engine has been reinforced with an enhanced cooling system specifically developed to withstand extreme temperatures and the pressure generated during strenuous driving in harsh desert environments.
The vehicle is based on the lightweight, reinforced aluminum D7x structural architecture, the same system used in the D7X-R race car and the Defender OCTA model.
The following table outlines the mechanical specifications of the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar:
| Mechanical specification | Technical details |
|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo |
| Total power | 635 horsepower |
| Torque | 750 Nm |
| Cooling system | High-efficiency cooling system designed for racing and extreme conditions |
| Structural suspension system | Coil-spring suspension with advanced Bilstein dampers |
| Dedicated driving modes | Desert and Dunes mode, Gravel mode, and safe landing mode (Flight Mode) |
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar embodies the fierce identity of global rally cars with touches of rugged luxury. The front end begins with a reinforced metal underbody protection plate designed to protect the internal components, topped by an aggressive front grille and a lightweight carbon-fiber hood that gives the vehicle a purely sporty character.
From the sides, the vehicle features a significant increase in track width and ground clearance compared with standard models, along with extended wheel arches secured by exposed bolts that give it a broad and powerful appearance. The vehicle rides on new 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in advanced 35-inch all-terrain tires. The sides also feature raised carbon-fiber air vents designed to handle various environmental conditions.
At the rear, the sporty touches continue with a dedicated rear cover and tailgate panel, along with the distinctive mud flaps that combine classic and sporty styling.
Key exterior design specifications of the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar:
- Hood made entirely from lightweight carbon fiber.
- Lower and raised air vents made from carbon fiber.
- Lighting units and additional spotlights mounted on the roof.
- Fixed metal roof with metal underbody protection for the front end and lower sections.
- Wide, extended wheel arches with exposed fastening bolts.
- 20-inch alloy wheels with 35-inch off-road tires.
- Rear mud flaps with a rally-specific sporty design.
- Dakar Sand exterior paint with a Yanbu turquoise roof and matte protective film options.
Interior
The interior of the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar combines rugged luxury with a racing-oriented character. The cabin features a 2+2 seating layout, with the first row equipped with dedicated racing seats developed exclusively for this model to provide maximum support and body protection for the driver and passenger during high-speed off-road driving. Optional four-point racing seat belts are also available to enhance the authentic racing experience.
Key interior equipment of the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar:
- 2+2 interior seating layout.
- Dedicated front racing seats designed to provide full body support.
- Optional four-point racing seat belts.
- Rear storage area equipped to carry and secure racing helmets.
- Rear cargo area with a dedicated spare-wheel holder.
- Integrated air compressor in the rear cargo compartment for adjusting tire pressure.
- Highly durable interior trims and materials combining luxury with extreme resilience.
Who Is the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar Suitable For?
- High-performance car enthusiasts seeking powerful V8 performance and an imposing road presence.
- Outdoor adventurers and desert dune-driving enthusiasts looking for a rally-spec vehicle.
- Car collectors and limited-edition enthusiasts seeking exclusivity and a vehicle with an established sporting heritage in the Dakar Rally.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar
What engine powers the 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar?
The vehicle is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine equipped with twin turbochargers.
How much power and torque does the vehicle produce?
The engine produces 635 horsepower and up to 750 Nm of torque.
Is the vehicle designed only for racetracks, or is it road legal?
The vehicle is a road-focused version that is fully road legal.
What is Flight Mode?
It is a technical mode developed for the race car to adjust the suspension systems and ensure a smooth and safe landing when the vehicle jumps over uneven terrain.
What are the wheel and tire sizes fitted to the vehicle?
The vehicle uses 20-inch alloy wheels with advanced 35-inch all-terrain tires.
What is the seating layout of the interior?
The cabin features a 2+2 seating layout with dedicated racing seats in the first row.
What exterior color options are available for this model?
The primary color combination consists of a Dakar Sand body with a Yanbu turquoise roof, with other options such as Narvik Black and Alaska White available with matte protective film.
What equipment is integrated into the rear luggage compartment?
The compartment includes a dedicated spare-wheel holder as well as an integrated air compressor for adjusting tire pressure.
Conclusion
The 2027 Land Rover Defender Dakar represents the ultimate expression of SUVs designed for adventure, combining the brute force of rally cars with road-focused equipment.
Thanks to its 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 635 horsepower, the vehicle delivers an unparalleled performance experience directly inspired by the car that won the 2026 Dakar Rally.
Images
