Land Rover Wants to Put the Defender to the Dakar Test

Defender will be the official car partner of Dakar starting from 2025 before participating in the race from the 2026 edition.

Starting from the 2025 Dakar edition, which will take place from January 3 to 17, and until 2028, the Defender will be a key partner of the world’s most famous Rally-Raid. The manufacturer will provide a fleet of vehicles to ensure transportation for officials and VIP guests throughout the competition. Additionally, six specially equipped Defenders will be made available for reconnaissance missions, allowing organizers to test future routes.

But being an official automotive partner of a competition in which you do not participate is a bit of a drawback. Land Rover has also announced its plan to enter an official team starting in 2026. This project aims to demonstrate the robustness and exceptional capabilities of the Defender in one of the most demanding off-road competitions in the world. Still, it is important to ensure that the new Defender is capable of handling sand, as underperformance would be a not so glorious advertisement… Details of the program will be revealed during the 2025 Dakar edition.

Available in 90, 110, and 130 versions, offering up to eight seats, every Defender aims to ensure an adventure that began in 1948. And since luxury must now go hand in hand with eco-responsibility, the Defender 110 is available in a hybrid electric version. To preserve its soul, the Defender is also offered in utility versions for the 90 and 110 models.

During the 47th edition of Dakar, which will take place for the sixth time in Saudi Arabia, the Defender fleet will accompany teams on a spectacular route from Bisha to Shubaytah. The highlight of this edition will be a three-day crossing of the Empty Quarter (Rub al-Khali), where the outcome of the race will be decided.

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