Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X-R Ready Competition

Land Rover made the bold decision to enter the 2026 Dakar Rally, which takes place early in the new year. The company decided to compete in the ‘stock’ class, for near production vehicles. The Defender Dakar D7X-R has already been testing for some time ahead of its competition debut. Land Rover has now shown that car in its full competition colours. The Dakar D7X-R will compete in a livery inspired by the tones and textures of the desert. The all-new ‘Geopalette’ design takes its cues from the arid landscapes that characterise the Dakar. It combines sand, stone and earth tones with a hint of Aqua, drawn from the rare desert waters that bring contrast and clarity.

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Defender is driving into the unknown – to overcome the dunes, handle the heat and race flat-out against the clock. We know Dakar represents one of the toughest challenges in motorsport – but that’s exactly why we are entering. Following an intense testing program, the team is ready for the adventure ahead and the Defender Dakar D7X-R has been built to take it on. With world-class partners and some of the best rally-raid drivers on the planet, we’ll give it our all. I’m incredibly proud and excited to make our competitive debut in the W2RC and I look forward to what the season will bring
– Ian James, team principal of Defender Rally
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V8 Power

The Defender Dakar D7X-R is based on the company’s high-performance Octa derivative. The body shell has to come from the same production line as per the production car, as per the mandated regs of the class. This isn’t space-frame or carbon-fibre monocoque. In addition, the 4,4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine has to remain standard. Although, it does breathe through FIA air restrictors to limit power. The standard eight-speed transmission has been retained, but the overall gearing has been shortened. Changes from the standard road car include a 550-litre fuel tank to feed the V8, a competition-spec roll cage, 35-inch tyres, a raised ride height and widened tracks.

Experienced Driving Force

The Defender Dakar D7X-R race machines will be crewed by three pairs of experienced drivers and co-drivers. Dakar-legend Stéphane Peterhansel and Mika Metge; Rokas Baciuška and Oriol Vidal; and Sara Price with Sean Berriman, will be flying the Land Rover flag over the two weeks of the event. The team has already completed over 6 000 km of off-road testing with Defender Dakar D7X-R in prototype form to prepare for the grueling off-road race.