Land Rover has introduced its first-ever Dakar Rally car. The new Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R has landed with updates that make us want one for ourselves. Check below what’s special about it.

Moreover, you can find the best used Land Rover cars at Cars24 UAE.

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What is special about the Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R?

The all-new Defender Dakar D7X-R is Land Rover’s tool to compete and tackle the W2RC or the World Rally-Raid Championship 2026, including the world-famous and notorious Dakar Rally. The project is being led by Stephane Peterhansel, who is a 14-time W2RC winner.

The Defender Dakar is based on the Defender Octa, and it will compete in the ‘Stock’ category in the next season. As the Octa itself is a very competent off-road vehicle, the changes that JLR has made to it are fabulous.

Being a ‘Stock’ category car, the changes allowed to it were limited by the FIA. However, the development team has done wonders with the improved aero kit, which is draped in a beautiful colour shade inspired by the sand, mud, and water - essentials of the W2RC. This livery is called Geopalette.

What are the changes made?

Starting with the body kit, it features redesigned fender flares, cut-out bumpers and sills, a wider air intake, dual snorkels, and LEDs on the roof. Meanwhile, it gets the bigger, more sturdy 35-inch off-road wheels with wider track tyres, improved ride height with the new Blistein dampers, and ventilated disc brakes.

Powering the car is the BMW M5-sourced 4.4-litre V8 engine, which is paired with an 8-speed transmission. The gear ratios have been revised with a lower final-drive ratio for better off-road performance.

The car also gets a ‘Flight Mode’ that adjusts the torque on the wheels while the vehicle is airborne, so that the landing is smooth and the driver gets complete control of the car.

Now, coming to the FIA-specific part, it is loaded with a 550-litre fuel tank! Yes, 550! Moreover, inside the cabin, you get six-buckle race seats, an FIA-approved rollcage, an FIA-approved navigation system, a 300-litre water tank, a tool kit, three full-size spare wheels, hydraulic jacks, and more.

About the W2RC Championship

Land Rover has tested the Defender Dakar prototypes over 6,000 km in Saudi Arabian deserts and the Middle Eastern region with harsh driving conditions. Speaking of the W2RC 2026, it is going to be a 5,000 km race that will spread over two weeks of time span and pass through the toughest regions of the world.

JLR’s Dakar team will include Stephane Peterhansel/Mika Metge, Rokas Baciuska/Orio Vidal, and Sara Pierce/Sean Berriman. These driver teams will be led by Ivan James as the Team Principal.

In terms of the competition, Land Rover will be battling head-on with the Toyota Land Cruiser GR Sport and the Nissan Patrol.