Land Rover revitalized the storied Defender marque in 2020, and these new and capable vehicles have been met with largely rave reviews and acclaim from the automotive industry. The Defender 90 featured retro-inspired looks and a compact size with only three doors, while the 110 has filled the role of the traditional, full-sized SUV in the lineup. From the streets to the outback, the new offerings have quickly shown that they are worthy of carrying the legendary Defender name.

Now, Land Rover has announced that their new family of Defenders is getting just a bit bigger, with the introduction of the new Defender 130.

On The Inside

The largest member of the Defender family, the 130 keeps the familiar aesthetics of the 90 and the 110, but now offers seating for up to eight via a third row of seats. This extra capacity comes without a change in wheelbase from its smaller siblings; while the Defender 130 is well over a foot longer than the 110, they simply stretched the body and extended the rear overhang to maximize interior space for both passengers and cargo. Third-row seats don’t always have the best reputation for comfort, but Land Rover has gone out of their way to ensure a plush experience for those in the very back. Standard equipment includes USB charging ports and cup holders, and the large seats feature armrests as well. With the third row folded down, you have a spacious 77.5 cubic feet of storage available for your bags, groceries, and camping supplies.

Of course, there’s plenty more to talk about than just the third row. Land Rover has put quite a bit of energy into making the interior of the new Defender as sumptuous as it can. Prospective buyers can choose from a wide array of high-quality leathers which are accented throughout the cabin by rich wood veneers and chrome trim. The center console also sports a curved 11.4” touch screen for easy navigation as standard. Look up and you’ll find a panoramic sunroof on every vehicle, as well as multi-zone climate control.

The Defender has radically changed from its humble and utilitarian origins many decades ago, and the new Defender 130 now gives eight people a chance to see the world from a new lap of luxury.

Under the Hood

There’s just a tiny bit of bad news for those planning to make use of the 8,200-pound towing capacity of the new Defender 130 – there’s no V8 available. Given the tremendous size of the vehicle, especially when loaded down with eight passengers, their luggage, and maybe a pair of jet skis, giving customers the option of a higher-output V8 would have made a fair bit of sense. That said, V8s are largely falling by the wayside in this era of fuel economy standards, turbochargers, and stellar 8-speed-and-up transmissions. The Defender 130 will be powered by two “mild hybrid” six-cylinder options. The best choice for most commuters will probably be the P300 motor, which has start-stop capabilities, and also some basic energy harvesting abilities on deceleration with 296 horsepower and 347 lb-ft. of torque. The other inline six on offer, the P400, is more powerful and makes 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. Both are turbocharged and displace 3.0 liters. The eight-speed transmission behind either of these will help make up for the absence of the V8, and the Defender 130 will likely be a great highway cruiser as well. Official fuel economy statistics aren’t out as of press time, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see highway MPGs in the mid-20s if Land Rover did a good job with the gearing.

The Defender 130 still looks to be a decent performer off-road despite its somewhat bloated appearance. The large rear overhang has been subtly carved away to maintain a 28.5 degree departure angle, down from the 40 degrees that the 110 and 90 boast. Although the loss of departure angle is a little disappointing for serious off-roaders, it’s highly unlikely that most of these trucks will ever see any extreme rock crawling. Still, with the standard air suspension and extra ground clearance over its more svelte, city-dwelling competitors, the Defender 130 should make a great mild overlander, perfect for a weekend cruising down Pismo Beach or hitting some gravel roads on the way to a favorite family camping spot.

Odds & Ends

There’s a few other sundry things that those looking into the new 130 might want to take note of, and a few things that also might get lost in some of the commotion around the more exciting features. A new color, Sedona Red, will make its way solely to this model. If that’s not exclusive enough for you, you might want to take a look at a First Edition; this “carefully curated” model will be available in three different colors and with a wide variety of options. LED headlights come standard on all trim levels, as well.

We all love our quirks and features, and here’s one of the coolest – the Defender 130 will also feature “Cabin Air Purification Plus” technology. Events of the past several years aside, this should be a great quality-of-life improvement for anyone who plans on spending a lot of time in their new Defender – sitting in traffic on the Beltway, or driving through a flash dust storm out West.

Concluding Thoughts

While they have always been incredibly capable vehicles, Land Rovers (and especially old ones) did have a reputation among enthusiasts for being a little… finicky. Over the past few years, Land Rover seems to have made it a priority to improve their build quality and reliability across their lineup, and the Defender 130 looks like the high point of those efforts so far. It offers the luxury touches and fit-and-finish that buyers spending $68,000 on a new vehicle will want, along with enough off-road capability to make it adventure ready for nearly every type of terrain. The new Land Rover Defender 130 checks a lot of boxes and is definitely near the top of the heap for those looking for a do-everything people hauler.

Land Rover has long been one of the most capable and respected manufacturers of off-road and overland transportation. The new 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 is no exception to this and solidly carries on the tradition of being an elegant yet rugged all-terrain solution. We’re going to take a look at what the

Beautiful Inside & Out

The 2023 Defender 130 is set to be as beautiful as it is functional. There are gorgeous interior aesthetic options, along with the latest tech upgrades. The 11.4” Pivi Pro touchscreen includes full integration with the GPS platform “what3words,” which helps to provide the most precise navigation and positioning data possible by giving the driver accurate navigation down to a specific 3m2 square anywhere on the planet. There’s also a customizable three-panel dashboard that can be tailored to the driver’s needs and preferences.

The exterior has been lengthened by more than 13 inches and now has the ability to provide full 2+3+3 adult seating. To enhance the all-terrain functionality, the body has considerable approach and departure angles. The significant cargo area inside is only enhanced with the addition of standard roof rails, and the 20-inch alloy wheels give the whole rig substantial ground clearance.

Mods & Upgrades To Consider Before You Leave The Pavement

If you’re a Land Rover fan, you’ve probably already read about all the bells and whistles that are going to come with the new Defender 130, but there is so much more you can do to customize your ride than the packages that the factory can install.

Skid Plates

Skid plates are one of the essential mods to consider for your Land Rover Defender 130. They are armored plates that protect the various portions of your undercarriage that are susceptible to damage from debris or scraping on approach or departure.

While the 2023 Defender does come with skid plates, aftermarket plates are going to be more robust and made from thicker plating to give you better protection. If you order one of the exterior upgrade packages, the factory plates will also be chrome, which, while they are attractive, aren’t highly functional.

Bumper & Brush Bars

Heavy-duty bumpers and brush bars are some of the best protection you can get for going through rough terrain where brush or small trees may be rubbing on your new Defender. They will help push the vegetation, scrub, and brush out of the way, as well as give you increased strength and functionality.

While your bars will help protect your Land Rover, they’ll also be a crucial point of attachment for other aftermarket upgrades. Your bars will be a great place to put auxiliary lighting, as well as a place to mount a winch to help with self-recovery if you get stuck on your adventures.

Auxiliary Lighting

Lighting is one of the easiest and most overlooked mods or upgrades you can do to your all-terrain rig. They’ll help you accurately navigate the trail so that you can more effectively traverse the terrain while avoiding potential hazards. They can help you determine the height of rocks you may need to crawl and help you figure out if you’ll need to hit that next hole or miss it to avoid rubbing or high-centering.

A Winch

If you ever plan to go wheeling off-road in either mud, sand, or significantly rocky terrain while alone, a winch is a must-have mod. A properly-installed winch will allow you to perform self-recovery and pull yourself out of just about any sticky situation.

Be sure your winch is rated for the full weight of your vehicle, as well as the added weight of all equipment, mods, and passengers it contains, and a generous percentage beyond that. Other things you’ll need with a winch are going to be a winch line, which can be steel or synthetic, and a fairlead. You may also want to upgrade your alternator or install a second battery to keep that winch fed while it gets you out of the muck.

More Juice

A second battery is always a great idea on any off-road or all-terrain vehicle. Not only will you probably have a winch that will tax your electrical system, but if you have additional auxiliary LED lighting like flood lights or spotlights, those will also need some substantial juice to stay operational.

A single battery may be enough, but you may find that running several accessories may cause your system to struggle to keep up. It can also be a lifesaver if you kill your primary battery while the Defender is off and you need to start up, giving you a way to get home when you may otherwise need a jump.

Spare Tire Rack

All-terrain adventures often involve traversing rocks, and those rocks can be deceptively sharp. Having your full-size spare on a rack can keep you able to swap out tires in the event of a puncture that can’t be patched on the trail. The rack itself will help keep that spare out of the way of trail rubbing, so it’ll be safe until you need it.

Snorkel Kit

For those that really want to give their Defender a chance for unbelievable adventures, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a snorkel kit installed. A snorkel will make sure that if you need to cross a creek or shallow river, your engine’s air intake is well above the waterline.

Even if you don’t plan on having to cross significant water, you may be on an outing and have a flash flood that cuts you off from your route, and that snorkel can be the difference between getting stuck and getting home.

Air Down & Rev Up

Now that we’ve covered what you can do with your 2023 Land Rover Defender 130, you should be ready to spend a little time wrenching on it before you really tackle some terrain. With that in mind, it’s time to get geared for the trail. Air down a little, then rev up and hit the road to put your new Defender through its paces.

Photo Gallery

But you’ll pay dearly for the privilege of ownership.

Are you not a fan of the all-new Land Rover Defender V8? Do you still believe a proper off-roader needs a ladder frame chassis and the kind of design DNA you get when the artist is only provided with a pencil and a ruler?

You’re in luck because there’s no shortage of tuning houses that will happily build you an old-school Defender with a V8 under the hood. Bowler arguably started the trend and did such a good job that Jaguar Land Rover eventually bought the company.

Ares is the latest outfit to get into the game. This well-known Italian coachbuilder usually specializes in creating magnificent supercars and epic restomods, but now it has turned its focus to the old Defender. Not for the first time, however.

The Ares Defender V8 Hardtop follows in the footsteps of the 2018 Defender Ultra V8. The new model was designed by the company’s Centro Stile in Modena and assembled in the ARES smart factory. It’s not just some hatchet job. Ares used its CAD systems, carbon fiber ovens, electrical system engineering specialists, drivetrain assembly, paint shop, artisan leather works, and metal coachbuilding facilities to create what it calls the “ultimate Defender.”

The Defender’s design is so iconic that you might not notice the differences right away. But look closer, and you’ll see a lack of visible body bolts and the inclusion of tinted rear windows and a premium-grade panoramic sunroof.

Ares says the 5,328cc V8 is all-new, and it replaces the four-cylinder turbocharged four-pot diesel that was standard on all Defenders in the later years. It produces 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends the power to a permanent 4WD system. All of the major mechanical components were upgraded to ensure the Defender could cope with the massive power increase.

Power is nothing without control, however. To ensure this Defender stays the right side up, Ares upgraded the brakes to larger performance discs with six-piston calipers. It also comes standard with an electronically adjustable ORAM suspension system offering sport and comfort modes.

In terms of style, the Ares Defender V8 Hardtop sits 1.4 inches higher off the ground on a set of 18-inch ARES Design alloy wheels wrapped in Cooper Discoverer off-road tires. The wheel arches are extended to accommodate the larger wheels, and the hood is made of carbon fiber. The new front end is also a single piece of carbon fiber housing LED headlights, while the rear has updated circular LED lights.

The interior boasts the finest leather, carbon fiber, wood, and aluminum trim, and Ares includes the latest infotainment with built-in navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Ares adds a bespoke instrument panel and a beautiful hand-stitched leather steering wheel to round it all off.

The order books are now open, and the Ares Defender V8 Hardtop can be yours for €235,000, which is roughly $250.000.

_{^{Article Credit: Gerhard Horn
Full Articles: https://carbuzz.com/news/ares-builds-the-ultimate-old-school-v8-defender}}

Land Rover realises its original vision for a family of Defender vehicles with the introduction of the Defender 130, ideal for adventures for up to eight occupants

• Adventure for all: NewDefender 130 features extended body for greater interior space, perfect for all-terrain family expeditions with up to eight on board in superior comfort
• Defender capability: Increase in body length retains the Defender’s unstoppable off-road capability and articulations, and three rows of seating in 2+3+3 arrangement
• Trademark design: Defender silhouette elegantly extended by 340mm, for enhanced interior space with vast maximum load capacity of 2,516¹ litres and three rows of full-size seating
• Sophisticated explorer: Exclusive new Sedona Red colour and Four Zone Climate Control are uniquely available on Defender 130, with standard air suspension for enhanced comfort
• Extended Bright Pack: Striking exterior option pack gives New Defender 130 a unique character, with Ceres Silver Satin finish to lower body cladding around the entire vehicle
• Versatile interior: Room for up to eight to travel in comfort across three rows, plus large, flexible load area and a comprehensive choice of Defender accessories
• Advanced technology: New Defender 130 is fitted with larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen as standard, while occupants enjoy purer air with advanced Cabin Air Purification Plus as standard
• what3words navigation: New Defender 130 can find and navigate to any 3m square on the planet, without the need for a phone signal, using the advanced Pivi Pro infotainment system
• Unique ambiance: Sophisticated interior provided by Light Oyster leather and new Natural Light Oak veneer, with white powder-coated cast metal Cross Car Beam and extended chrome detailing
• First Edition: Carefully curated First Edition represents the very best of New Defender 130 and is available in three high-specification configurations, each with a distinct design theme
• Celebratory commission: Land Rover celebrates Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year by gifting Her Majesty a specially commissioned Defender 130 for use by the British Red Cross
• Available to order: New Defender 130 is available from £73,895 (OTR) in the UK. Configure yours here: www.landrover.com/vehicles/defender/
• Hard Top enhancements: Toughest, most rugged commercial Defender Hard Top 90 and 110 family expanded with X-Dynamic and X specifications now available

ALONGSIDE THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DEFENDER 90 AND DEFENDER 110, THE DEFENDER 130 ADDS ANOTHER DIMENSION TO THE ALL-CONQUERING FAMILY OF ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES, WITH ADVENTURING OPPORTUNITIES FOR UP TO EIGHT ADULTS ACROSS THREE ROWS OF FULL-SIZE SEATING.

Like the Defender 90 and 110, the new 130 body design borrows its name from the original Defender family, inspired by the longest model in the line-up. It allows customers to effortlessly transport up to eight people across any terrain and is the ultimate demonstration of Defender’s breadth of talents.

A host of exterior and interior design enhancements and technologies distinguish New Defender 130, uniquely balancing comfort with customary Defender durability and capability.

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Land Rover is gifting Her Majesty and the British Red Cross a specially commissioned New Defender 130 to support operations in the UK. Land Rover engineers will work with representatives from the charity, of which Her Majesty The Queen is a patron, to adapt the Defender 130 before it goes into service later this year.

Land Rover has supported the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) since 1954 and is proud to maintain its relationship with the world’s largest humanitarian organisation.

Experts at the IFRC’s global fleet base in Dubai took part in Defender’s global testing programmed ahead of its world premiere in 2019.

New Defender 130 brings a new dimension of capability to our most durable and rugged family of vehicles. Its spacious interior welcomes and transports up to eight people in supreme comfort, enabling unparalleled sophisticated adventuring opportunities for families, with unique design signatures to create a distinct New Defender experience.

NICK COLLINS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VEHICLE PROGRAMMES, LAND ROVER

Defender 130 has its own colour palette, with a new, exclusive Sedona Red option ensuring the 130 stands out in the line-up. The exterior is complemented by the Extended Bright Pack – available in addition to the existing Bright Pack – which provides a distinct exterior design with Ceres Silver Satin finish around all lower body cladding and front and rear skid plates in Noble Chrome.

Inside, thoughtful storage and convenience solutions are provided for every passenger across all three rows of seating. This ensures Defender 130 caters for passengers in every seat, with effortless access to the spacious three-abreast third row in a bright and airy cabin.

The New Defender 130 is available in SE, HSE, X-Dynamic and X specifications, in addition to a First Edition. The First Edition is available in three combinations carefully curated by the designers, each one featuring a distinct colour and design theme:

• Fuji White with Extended Bright Pack with Light Oyster Full Windsor Leather interior and Natural Light Oak Veneer
• Sedona Red with Ebony Full Windsor Leather seats and Smoked Oak Veneer
• Carpathian Grey with Vintage Tan Full Windsor Leather and Rough-Cut Walnut Veneer

The First Edition model builds on the HSE specification with an extensive equipment list including Matrix LED headlamps, heated second and third-row seating, four-zone climate control, Meridian Sound System, Driver Assist Pack and Privacy Glass. All feature 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with a choice of P400 petrol or D300 diesel Ingenium six-cylinder powertrains.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Defender’s iconic silhouette has been elegantly extended by 340mm at the rear to provide enhanced interior space across all three rows, without compromising its unparalleled all-terrain capabilities.

With an unmistakable family resemblance, the Defender 130 features an extended rear overhang that provides even greater interior space in the third row of seats and load area.

The elegant profile is enhanced by the all-new Sedona Red exterior colour option – exclusive to the Defender 130 and adding even greater depth and sophistication to the design, while all models are fitted with a panoramic sunroof as standard, with a second sunroof above the third row also featuring on all Defender 130s.

To maintain the distinctive rear design of the Defender, Land Rover engineers have crafted a subtle boat tail-style uplift that also maximises the unparalleled all-terrain capability customers expect from Defender, providing a departure angle of 28.5 degrees². The surrounds for the rear LED lighting units have been re-engineered to maintain the three distinct lines that define Defender’s side profile as they rise subtly towards the rear.

Access to the spacious cargo area is unchanged, while a body-colour hard-shell cover for the spare wheel is available, reflecting Defender 130’s positioning at the pinnacle of the Defender line-up. Narvik Black roof rails are fitted as standard, while Defender’s full range of exterior accessories – including the Explorer, Adventure, Country and Urban packs – are also available.

The refined proportions of the 130 are enhanced by the optional Extended Bright Pack. In this specification, all lower body panels are finished in Ceres Silver Satin, providing a distinctive finish on vehicles finished in Hakuba Silver, Fuji White and Yulong White.

Ceres Silver detailing can be found on the bonnet louvres and side fenders of all Defender 130 models, perfectly complemented by 20-inch Luna alloy wheels, which are available in a Bright Silver finish.

The exterior finish is an extension to the Bright Pack, which features front and rear skid plates in Noble Chrome, complemented by Gloss Black lower bumpers and wheelarch extensions. The two options give Defender 130 customers a choice of distinctive and sophisticated exterior finishes.

SPACIOUS INTERIOR

For Defender 130, Land Rover is introducing enhanced colour and material options for customers looking for an even more refined experience, effortlessly balanced with the tough, rugged character and more interior space than ever.

Land Rover engineers have created an impressive interior space by effectively shrink-wrapping interior packaging components around the body-in-white, maximising the amount of usable interior space, without the need for a large on-road footprint.  

The elegantly extended rear creates uncompromised accommodation in the third row, with enough width to provide comfortable seating for three adults, while the Defender’s familiar outline ensures generous headroom in all three rows. Additional touches ensure a comfortable passenger experience in the third row, including heated seats, padded armrests, thoughtful storage and USB-C provision to charge devices on the move. Carpets are also fitted throughout to suit the 130’s unique character.

Large windows provide excellent visibility in all three rows of seating while the standard-fit panoramic glass sunroof, which is complemented by a second sunroof above row three, makes the interior light and airy for everyone. Additional comfort is provided by ventilation for each row, with additional ducting providing more heating and air-conditioning capacity via optional Four Zone Climate Control, exclusive to Defender 130.

Passengers in rows two and three also benefit from a small stadium rise, for superior visibility. Getting in to the third row is effortless, as the row two seats slide and fold forwards to provide wide access. From the tailgate, customers can simply lower the Defender’s Electronic Air Suspension with buttons inside the load area to aid with loading items into the rear.

For families, ISOFIX child seat attachments are found on up to five of the passenger seats, on the outer seats of the second and third rows, as well as the front passenger seat. The five-seat version of Defender 130 offers a vast load area of up to 2,516¹ litres with row two folded.

A new material finish – Natural Light Oak engineered wood veneer – is inspired by driftwood and lends a natural, modern look and feel, available to elegantly complement the Light Oyster Perforated Windsor Leather seating. With this choice of seating, the top roll and dashboard hoops are finished in Lunar – set against white powder coat Cross Car Beam elements that provide added depth and contrast. Vintage Tan Perforated Windsor Leather is available across the Defender line-up, while X-Dynamic models can be specified with Robustec fabric in Duo Tone finish.

Up front, Defender 130 features a larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen as standard following its introduction on Defender 90 and 110 V8, allowing enhanced control over the vehicle’s core functions via a crisp and intuitive display. The curved glass interface provides fast, state-of-the-art functionality and is responsive as soon as the vehicle is started, with a simple menu structure and Software Over The Air capability so it is always up to date.

New Defender 130 integrates the global location platform, what3words, giving customers accurate and precise navigation even in the most remote environments. British technology company what3words has divided the globe into a grid of 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares, each with a unique, easy-to-remember three-word address.

The integrated technology allows what3words addresses to be inputted directly to the navigation bar on the Pivi Pro Infotainment or via the connected car app, working seamlessly alongside the existing HERE connected navigation and mapping software.

Customers will be able to navigate precisely to any location in the world, faster and more conveniently than ever using just three words – whether finding the perfect place to explore off-road, locating an individual parking space or identifying a specific entrance.

Interior air quality on every trip is enhanced by Cabin Air Purification Plus, which makes its Defender debut in the new 130. It is fitted to the largest Defender in the line-up as standard and combines nanoe^TM X technology for allergen reduction and pathogen removal, to help significantly reduce odours and viruses. In addition, CO₂ Management and PM2.5 Cabin Air Filtration improve the cabin environment by monitoring interior and exterior air and adjusting accordingly, ensuring occupants experience the best available air quality.

Advanced nanoe^TM X technology is scientifically proven to significantly reduce viruses and bacteria and the Purge function allows customers to prime the cabin prior to departure remotely, using their smartphone, to ensure optimum air quality from the very beginning of every journey.

EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS

Defender 130 is available with a powerful and efficient choice of electrified powertrains, including the P300 and P400 mild-hybrid Ingenium six-cylinder petrols, and the D250 and D300 Ingenium six-cylinder diesels.

Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology underpins Land Rover’s six-cylinder Ingenium powertrains, providing seamless responses as well as enhanced fuel economy. It uses a 48V Belt-integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) that harvests energy normally lost under braking and deceleration, that is stored and utilised later in the journey, while also making the stop-start system more rapid and efficient.

Petrol:

• P300 – 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 300PS, 470Nm torque at 1,500-4,250 rpm
• P400 – 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 400PS, 550Nm torque at 2,000-5,000 rpm

Diesel:

• D250 – 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 250PS, 600Nm torque at 1,250-2,250 rpm
• D300 – 3.0-litre six-cylinder, MHEV, 300PS, 650Nm torque at 1,500-2,500 rpm

The P300 delivers effortless, refined performance from its 3.0-litre Ingenium six-cylinder powertrain and completes 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds (0-60mph in 7.5 seconds). The P400 achieves 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds (0-60mph in 6.3 seconds), with ample power and refinement.

The Ingenium diesel engines provide enhanced torque delivery, smooth responses and impressive fuel economy, alongside a 0-100km/h time of 7.5 seconds (0-60mph in 7.1 seconds) for the D300. The D250 also provides effortless performance with 250PS and 600Nm of torque from its six-cylinder powertrain and is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds (0-60mph in 8.4 seconds).

UNSTOPPABLE CAPABILITY

Every Defender 130 is fitted with Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard. The iAWD technology efficiently and effectively manages the powertrain and power distribution between the front and rear axles, optimising on-road efficiency and all-terrain capability as necessary.

Every Defender 130 is fitted with Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics and Land Rover’s advanced Terrain Response^® system for unrivalled all-terrain capability and driver confidence in all environments. The combination of advanced systems ensures comfortable and effortless progress across broken surfaces, delivering agile performance.

The Electronic Air Suspension system allows for up to 430mm of articulation, with 71.5mm of additional lift at the front (73.5mm at the rear) in off-road height to clear obstacles and assist when wading – Defender 130 will ford up to 900mm of water. The Defender’s off-road capability is managed by Land Rover’s Terrain Response^® system, which allows the driver to fine-tune the driving experience to any terrain via the Pivi Pro screen.

The foundations for the Defender’s all-conquering all-terrain capability rely on Land Rover’s aluminium-intensive monocoque D7x architecture. With a torsional rigidity of 25kNm/Degree, the Defender is three times more rigid than traditional body-on-frame designs and features the basis for the all-independent air suspension, twin-speed transfer box and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

Defender 130 provides towing capacity of up to 3,000kg⁴, while hitching is made easier with the Electronic Air Suspension – controlled via a switch panel inside the tailgate. Detachable and multi-height towbar designs are available for effortless towing.

DEFENDER 130 IN NUMBERS:

HARD TOP ENHANCEMENTS

Land Rover has strengthened the appeal of its unstoppable commercial 4×4 with the introduction of enhanced X-Dynamic and X specifications for Defender Hard Top 90 and 110, making the toughest and most rugged member of the Defender family even more attractive to a broader range of customers.

Both models are equipped with Land Rover’s powerful and efficient six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engines: D300 on X-Dynamic or X in the UK, priced from £57,408 (ex. VAT), D250 on X-Dynamic only in the EU. Additionally, air suspension is now also available as an option on all Defender 90 Hard Top models.