In a world where beauty and wellness now runs on data, Lauren Murdoch-Smith explores the devices, diagnostics and formulas reshaping our routines. This week ‘The Wellness Algorithm’ spotlights… The Land Rover Defender OCTA
1. Defender OCTA, from £148,245:
If you think this is a regular 4×4, then think again. Named after the toughest, most desirable, naturally occurring stone on earth, the diamond, this 4×4 is what I like to refer to as ‘tough luxury’.
The OCTA is the jewel within the coolest of the house of Jaguar-Land-Rover (aka: JLR) brands and offers more than just torque for petrol heads. What’s under the bonnet might be the most talked about features but step inside and JLR have built a sanctuary you can escape into. Think in-car wellness to influence how you feel on your journey.
2. The Formula:
Whilst this re-engineered version of the current Defender models has some impressive driving qualities – 6D Dynamics suspension, from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds and the ability to wade through water up to a metre high – it’s the wellness retreat within the car that has caught my attention. If you thought heated seats and Apple Car Play were the pinnacle of car extras, then this is like a owning your own wellness studio that goes wherever you go.
The ‘Body and Soul Seat’ or BASS, delivers a sensory audio experience which help you feel calmer, focused or energised depending on your need however this isn’t delivered through an app but sound you can feel and no, it’s not just a chair massage. It uses four transducers in each front seat which translates sound into synchronised vibrations across your body that works on touch, movement and bone conduction – the type of multi-sensory wellness you experience in sound baths and vibration therapy – leading the way in in-car wellness tech.
3. The Data Point:
The OCTA BASS tech was developed alongside Coventry University to support real-world driving. What does this mean for woman specifically? With the ability to calm and focus the driver, this could be the solution for driving anxiety that’s been recognised as a symptom for peri-menopausal and menopausal women. “It’s definitely something many women comment on during the hormonal change of perimenopause into menopause,” Dr. Liz Andrew, accredited menopause specialist and consultant at Menopause Care told Get The Gloss in 2025. “The issue is incredibly common – and not limited to taking the wheel. Some of us feel even worse in the passenger seat.”
Testing by Coventry University found BASS increased heart rate variability which is linked to relaxation and improved cognitive capacity, increased alertness if needed and the enhanced ability to respond to driving tasks. The tech also uses AI optimisation to adapt to real-time environment without the need for the user to adjust.
Lauren’s Last Word:
Finally, car brands are realising that high-performance, luxury cars need to appeal to more than just speed and walnut interiors for the ‘masculine market.’ Female-led wellness spending is on the up and this in-car tech, allows for smart, time saving, self-optimisation. Cars brands, are you listening and learning from JLR?
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