Land Rover Unveiled New Defender Dakar D7X‑R for the 2026 Dakar Rally

Land Rover is going racing next year at the Dakar Rally, and now it has a prototype Defender in testing to prove it.

The brand’s Defender Dakar D7X‑R prototype began testing recently in the Sahara Desert, the automaker said on Wednesday, revealing images of a four-door car in camouflage livery kicking up sand and appearing to have some fun.

The Defender Dakar D7X-R is a version of the new Defender Octa, a $153,625 performance car that is intended for off-road adventures. The Dakar version will compete in the stock category and among its drivers will be Stéphane Peterhansel, a Frenchman who has won Dakar 14 times, and the Lithuanian Rokas Baciuška. A third driver is still to be announced. Under the hood of the Defender Dakar D7X‑R is a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine likely making 626 brake horsepower, just like the Defender Octa.

“The World Rally‑Raid Championship is the pinnacle of rallying and off‑road competition, whilst Defender is an iconic and capable 4×4, so for me it’s the perfect match,” Peterhansel, 59, said in a statement. “Despite competing in many Dakar Rallies before, both on bike and in cars, I’m looking forward to entering the Stock category, and I’m excited to take it head-on with this team. It’s been amazing to get behind the wheel of the Defender D7X‑R prototype for the first time in Morocco. Whilst it’s early days, our testing is moving in a positive direction for our preparation for our Dakar Rally debut in 2026.”

Land Rover said that the test in the Sahara Desert was intended to be very similar to conditions at the 2026 Dakar Rally, which is expected to be held in Saudi Arabia early next year. The brand is also a sponsor of the event, providing support vehicles, as it did for the 2025 race. Until at least 2028, Land Rover Defenders will also be used to chart the course of the race.

Dakar is a historically significant race that first ran in 1979, but its racing roots go back even further. It is known as one of the toughest races in the world, combining endurance, speed, and extreme conditions, and, like in other motorsports, has been used by manufacturers to show off their wares. Land Rover will be hoping for a good showing in a competition that has been a proving ground like few others.

Click here for more photos of the Land Rover Defender Dakar D7X‑R.

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