Defender D7X-R: Gearing Up for Dakar Glory

The legendary Dakar Rally is set to welcome a bold new contender: the Defender D7X-R prototype. Built to compete in the Stock category for production-based vehicles, this rugged machine is the latest evolution of the Defender legacy—engineered for one of the toughest motorsport events on the planet.

A Star-Studded Driver Lineup

The Defender team has assembled a powerhouse trio of drivers for its 2026 debut. Leading the charge is American rally icon Sara Price, a former motocross champion and one of the few women to win a Dakar stage. She’ll be joined by 14-time Dakar champion Stéphane Peterhansel and Lithuanian rally-raid prodigy Rokas Baciuška, the 2022 FIA T4 World Champion.

Tested in the Harshest Conditions

Before its competitive debut, the D7X-R has already been put through its paces in the unforgiving Sahara Desert. These early tests are part of an intensive development program designed to fine-tune the vehicle’s performance and durability under extreme conditions.

A New Chapter for Defender

This marks a significant milestone for the Defender brand, which is evolving into a performance-driven nameplate under JLR’s motorsport strategy. The D7X-R is more than just a rally car—it’s a symbol of Defender’s ambition to conquer the world’s most demanding off-road challenges.