Automotive

I rode in a PhP 25-million Defender OCTA, and it changed how I think about luxury

You don’t need to baby something that’s capable of so much more.

Published

November 26, 2025

Luigi Leonardo

Have you ever wondered what riding a PhP 25-million car feels like? Obviously, only a scant handful of people would ever dream about (or, much less, own) such a car. And, if you’re one of the few who have one, you would probably treat it like a baby. Well, that’s not what the Land Rover Defender OCTA, which is a PhP 25-million car itself, wants you to do.

I learned this firsthand when I spent a day with the Defender and the Defender OCTA. Far more than a simple driving test, the day showed off what the car can do under more extreme circumstances.

Under more controlled conditions

As much as I would have loved to find the Defender’s limit myself, the multi-million-peso price tag was just too much to swallow. So, I went with Land Rover’s more controlled tracks and experience to check out the capabilities of the offroad-focused vehicle.

First up were a series of artificial slopes and an elevating ramp. Now, going on offroad trails is fun; actual emergencies, however, are not. While Land Rover is naturally unable to manufacture an emergency, a series of humps that tilt the car 20 to 30 degrees to its side is a close enough estimate. Another, a series of alternating humps, lift one or two wheels of the ground. Finally, the ramp lifts the entire car up by its rear.

Though a mere blip in Land Rover’s extensive suite of offroad modes, the Mud Ruts mode is an essential part of the Defender’s toolkit to guide the car through uneven, slippery terrain. For other situations, the Defender also has Grass/Gravel/Snow Mode, Sand Mode, Rock Crawl Mode, Wade Mode, and Auto Mode.

But enough of the technicals for now. The Defender thrives on doing the work for you. All you have to do is point it in the right direction and apply a bit of power. The car pushes by itself. While us humans fear the unnatural feeling of having wheels off the ground, the Defender does this with ease. It was the face of stoicism.

Much of the same happened with the admittedly frightening ramp. Though we were suspended at a perilous angle, the Defender looked like an adrenaline junkie who can just ride a roller coaster with a straight face. Its powerful Hill Descent Control kept its wheels stuck to the ramp.

Now on the trail

Artificial circumstances are all well and good, but how about real-life situations? For that, we took the Defender to an offroad track made especially for the car.

Now, to be fair, yes, it was a customized trail that had little risk of unexpected incidents. But it was rugged enough to be a representation of what you might encounter in the real world. We went through rough roads, more realistic descents, and the occasional stream of water.

We also had a qualified instructor with us, but getting what you need from the car is as easy as flipping a switch. Just as in the artificial obstacle course, the offroad trail was something that the car can handle on its own.

In the likelier event that you don’t have an instructor with you, the Defender can offer all the information you might need to get past an obstacle. As I’ve said, the car can do the work for you, but it’s not an unseen force that does the talking. Among all the cars that I’ve tried with similar features, the Defender has the most comprehensive assortment of displays, including pitch, roll, and bank angle. It also has an impressive series of cameras to ensure that your prized possession escapes a situation relatively unscathed.

Interlude: All about that BASS

If it was built purely for offroad trails, the Defender will have a hard time justifying its high price tag. Thankfully, it’s not just a prize for the great outdoors. The car also has a luxurious suite of comfort and convenience features baked inside.

It’s easy to name the standard array of features, like the infotainment panel or the air conditioning, but the real pièce de résistance is what Land Rover calls the Body and Soul Seats (or BASS, for short).

Available only on the OCTA models of the Defender, the BASS offers immersive sound technology embedded inside the seats themselves. It vibrates according to the song you’re listening to. It’s very immersive and much like strapping a subwoofer to your back.

Alternatively, it also comes with a wellness mode that has six presets designed to keep you calm in tough traffic. As opposed to the immersive mode that can keep your blood pumping for exhilarating drives, wellness mode is more relaxing.

How to turn your Defender into a rally car

I’m not going to pretend that I have any sort of rally experience. So, when the final leg of my day with the Defender was announced as a high-speed, loose-gravel trail, I was frankly frightened… and a little bit excited.

Before we get into the experience, a short introduction to OCTA Mode is necessary. On its own, the Defender is as sporty as it gets. However, OCTA Mode, available only on the eponymous model, is what you might consider a sport mode on steroids, a beast unleashed. As the appointed driver said to me, it’s designed to reduce grip and enable power-sliding, making it perfect for trails like this. Though that sounds unsafe, it makes for a much more exciting experience out on the track.

Imagine telling a 635hp beast to run free. That’s what OCTA is.

And exciting, it was. As scared as I was at first, I learned to trust the car by this point. The experience was without compare.

For one, the Defender OCTA’s 0-60 is just an absurd 3.8 seconds. In no time at all, we were already barreling through the course at blinding speeds. Secondly, braking and cornering were also smooth. At no point did I feel that the car was out of control.

We also tried the mode on paved roads. Though it was less grippy, we still had the feel of the road underneath our tires. We weren’t skating on ice.

How I learned to stop worrying and love the Defender

The beauty of the Defender series is in how it melts fear. When you first see a beast like the Defender, you rarely have any idea of what to expect. However, the car quickly teaches you to let go of your fear.

There is no need to baby the Defender. Yes, it costs upwards of PhP 6 million (and PhP 25 million for the OCTA), but the ability to conquer rough terrain is part of what you’re paying for with the Defender. As they say, “when you’ve got it, flaunt it.” In this case, flaunting it isn’t just about leaving it out in the open; it’s about unleashing the beast and letting it roar.

Computex 2026

Acer introduces new e-bikers, e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026

Acer expands into smart e-mobility solutions

Published

June 1, 2026

GadgetMatch

Acer is showcasing its new range of e-bikes and e-scooters at COMPUTEX 2026, as part of its expansion into smart e-mobility solutions.

These offerings are powered by integrated software to deliver connected and intuitive riding experiences for evolving urban mobility needs.

Part of the new lineup are the Acer Nitro eCity Plus (e-bike) and Acer ES Series 3 Select (e-scooter). Both designed for urban commuting, these products feature versatile configurations, optimized performance, and enhanced portability for everyday use.

The Nitro eCity Plus comes with multiple riding modes and responsive power delivery for a smooth and stable ride. It also has a removable battery design for convenient charging.

Meanwhile, the ES Series 3 Select is about portability and efficiency. It has features for daily urban travel, and is lightweight, compact, and foldable.

It likewise boasts of multiple riding modes and comes with optimized braking and lighting systems.

Both of these electric mobility solutions can be controlled via the Acer eMobility app. Riders can check battery status and control lighting easily on the go with voice controls.

The app also provides a unified interface for e-bikes and e-scooters across Acer’s portfolio. It allows users to monitor vehicle status, battery levels, and riding data. Riders can also access functions like lighting control, device settings adjustment, riding history, and performance insights.

For peace of mind, several security features are also integrated. For instance, riders can activate an e-lock function via voice commands on compatible e-scooters. On e-bikes, the app also provides alert-based anti-theft notifications.

Automotive

This premium electric SUV doubles as a massive power bank

The BYD Sealion 7 packs 530 horsepower and a clever battery that can run your household appliances.

Published

May 31, 2026

MJ Jucutan

BYD has officially unleashed the Sealion 7, an all-electric SUV that bridges the gap between high-performance engineering and everyday utility.

The Sealion 7 serves as a practical, high-end tool for the modern lifestyle, taking the sophisticated foundations of a luxury sedan and expanding them into a spacious, high-riding crossover designed for the demands of daily life.

Battery built for safety and distance

The core of any electric vehicle lies in its battery, and the Sealion 7 utilizes BYD’s signature Blade Battery technology. This system features an incredibly slim and structurally sound design that discards the bulk of traditional battery packs.

The battery aced extreme safety tests that standard units often fail, which translates to total peace of mind and an impressive range of 542 kilometers on a single charge.

The Sealion 7 also functions as a massive power bank. Equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, the car lets you plug standard household appliances directly into the vehicle.

This feature offers a reliable backup power source during unexpected outages and provides a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

A digital sanctuary

Inside, the cabin offers a clean, uncluttered experience. A 15.6-inch touchscreen serves as the centerpiece, rotating between landscape and portrait modes to allow users to customize the interface for navigation or entertainment.

To keep things safe, the DiPilot system uses a network of sensors to act as a digital co-pilot. This setup includes a 360-degree camera that provides a clear view around and even “under” the car for easier parking. Sensors also monitor driver fatigue to ensure safety on longer journeys.

Uncompromising performance

While the Sealion 7 excels as a practical family vehicle, it also ranks as one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

Dual electric motors power an All-Wheel Drive system that produces an equivalent of 530 horsepower. This setup launches the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The motors deliver this power near-silently and instantaneously, providing a level of responsiveness that gas-powered engines struggle to match. It offers the speed of a sports car with the poise and stability of a large SUV.

Price, availability in the Philippines

The BYD Sealion 7 AWD carries a price tag of PhP 2,588,000. Beyond the initial investment, the Sealion 7 promises a significantly more affordable ownership experience than a traditional luxury SUV.

Because the vehicle uses fewer moving parts and a simplified mechanical layout, it requires only one service visit per year. Owners can expect maintenance savings of up to 50 percent compared to fuel-powered rivals.

A comprehensive six-year or 160,000 km bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year warranty on the battery support this reliability, ensuring the technology remains an asset for years to come.

Automotive

GAC Aion UT brings big car energy to the compact segment

This stylish electric hatchback defies its size with a lounge-like interior and an attractive price tag.

Published

May 21, 2026

MJ Jucutan

GAC Philippines is pivoting its electric strategy toward the urban enthusiast with the debut of the Aion UT.

This EV hatchback arrives with a proven track record in Europe and Australia and Latin America. It flaunts with a “Milanese” design aesthetic that feels more like a fashion statement than a utility vehicle.

By utilizing a dedicated EV platform rather than a converted internal combustion chassis, the Aion UT maximizes its footprint to deliver what the brand calls “big car energy.”

Spatial engineering and urban utility

The Aion UT effectively flips the script on the compact segment by offering a class leading 2,750mm wheelbase.

Consequently, the interior feels more like a chic lounge than a traditional car because it provides a massive 905mm of rear legroom.

This smart layout means three adults can actually hang out in the back without rubbing knees or feeling cramped.

Beyond just passenger comfort, the cabin handles the daily hustle with ease. It offers 24 different storage cubbies for your essentials plus 440 liters of boot space for your gear.

Furthermore, the car features Vehicle-to-Load technology, which literally turns the vehicle into a giant mobile battery for your gear when you are away from an outlet.

Real world power and the magazine battery

The Elite variant runs on a 100 kW motor that delivers instant punch for weaving through city traffic with 180 Nm of torque.

While the technical side involves a 47.1 kWh battery, you should think of the Magazine Battery tech as a specialized safety vault for your energy.

GAC builds these batteries to resist heat and pressure, which gives you total confidence while driving in tropical weather. When you eventually run low, a DC Fast Charger gets the car from 30% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, the car acts as a second set of eyes with an advanced safety suite. This system handles the heavy lifting by providing Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Warning and a 360-degree surround view camera and a system that prevents you from accidentally accelerating in the wrong direction.

A tech forward digital cockpit

The interior features a massive 14.6 inch central touchscreen alongside a sleek 8.88 inch digital instrument cluster.

This system acts as the brain of the car and handles all your media through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Everything feels intuitive and fast because the software mirrors the responsiveness of a premium smartphone. To match this digital vibe, the car comes in gemstone inspired colors like Emerald Green and Seine Silver and Champs Elysees Beige and Rococo White.

Price, availability in the Philippines

GAC is currently offering the Aion UT Elite FWD with a retail price of PhP 1,068,000 for the Philippine market.

However, early adopters can take advantage of an introductory price of PhP 998,000 if they reserve by June 30 2026.

This special offer includes an initial discount of PhP 50,000 plus an extra PhP 20,000 reduction for the first 400 units sold.

Every unit comes with a sleek black interior and a black ceiling to maintain that premium feel. Owners also get total peace of mind through an 8 year or 200,000 km warranty on the core electric system and two years of free roadside assistance.