2023 Land Rover Defender
© PHOTO BY LAND ROVER
The all-new extended 130 is elevating the off-road experience with innovative interior design.
The latest addition to the all-terrain vehicle family, the Defender 130, unveils a new realm of exploration, accommodating up to eight adventurers across three rows of generous seating. Drawing its name from the original Defender family lineage, the 130 model pays homage to its longest predecessor. Available in S, SE, X-Dynamic SE, and X trims, along with a captivating First Edition variant, the New Defender 130 reaffirms its mastery in offering unparalleled versatility for off-road escapades.
Innovative Interior Design
In the ever-evolving world of off-road vehicles, Land Rover's Defender 130 stands out as a beacon of luxury and practicality. The revamped interior of this legendary SUV introduces an array of new color and material options that not only enhance aesthetics but also elevate the overall all-terrain experience.
At the heart of this transformation is the inclusion of cutting-edge connected technologies. The spacious cabin now boasts a larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, seamlessly integrating entertainment and navigation for a modern off-road excursion while the standard Electronic Air Suspension ensures unparalleled comfort and support, even in the most rugged environments. Cabin Air Purification Plus and optional Four Zone Climate Control cater to passenger comfort in all rows. Land Rover's exclusive Four Zone Climate Control system guarantees optimal heating and air-conditioning capacity, a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to passenger satisfaction.
For families and adventurers alike, thoughtful storage and convenience solutions are scattered across all three rows of seating. Passengers in rows two and three have improved visibility due to a small stadium rise and natural light from large windows and a panoramic glass sunroof for an inviting and airy atmosphere. Accessing the third row is a breeze as row two seats slide and fold, offering wide entry. Lowering the Defender's Electronic Air Suspension5 via load area buttons aids rear loading. The 130 also boasts a large cargo space of up to 13.7 cubic feet with rear seats up and when seats are configured in a 40:20:40 split, it enhances cargo loading convenience.
Powertrains Redefining Performance
Land Rover's Defender 130 presents a formidable lineup of electrified powertrains, headlined by the potent P300 gas Ingenium and the dynamic P400 mild-hybrid gas Ingenium six-cylinder engines. The Ingenium powertrains showcase the prowess of Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology, ensuring seamless responses on every drive. The P300 variant astounds with its effortless 3.0-liter six-cylinder Ingenium powertrain, propelling the Defender 130 from 0 to 60mph in just 7.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the P400 shines by accomplishing the same feat in a mere 6.3 seconds, boasting both power and refinement.
Complementing these powertrains is Land Rover's standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system, seamlessly coordinated with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. This iAWD technology optimally allocates power between the front and rear axles, a testament to the vehicle's on-road efficiency and unparalleled all-terrain prowess. Land Rover's Defender 130 is equipped with Electronic Air Suspension alongside Adaptive Dynamics and Land Rover's Terrain Response system. The Electronic Air Suspension enables 16.9 inches of articulation, with an additional 2.8 inches of lift at the front (2.9 inches at the rear) in off-road mode.
This feature aids in overcoming obstacles and wading through water, with a remarkable fording capability of up to 35.4 inches. The Terrain Response system, accessible via the Pivi Pro screen, empowers the driver to tailor the driving experience for various terrains. Central to the Defender's prowess is Land Rover's aluminum-intensive monocoque D7x architecture. Boasting a torsional rigidity of 25kNm/Degree, it surpasses traditional body-on-frame designs in rigidity by threefold. This foundation supports the all-independent air suspension, twin-speed transfer box, and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, forming the bedrock of the Defender's unparalleled all-terrain dominance.
My press loan for the week was the Defender 130 with the dynamic P400 mild-hybrid gas Ingenium six-cylinder engine. The level of style and elegance you see and feel, not only when you climb into the vehicle for the first time, but also in the performance is pretty impressive. Though it is a real full-size 3-row that is powered by a mild-hybrid, the zero to 60 in 6.3 seconds is real and not smoke and mirrors. And it produces for long trips as well, producing a very respectable 19 MPGs combined. Again it's a full-size 3-row for $68,000. I've driven luxury compacts for this price that can't keep up.
In the Defender 130, Land Rover has once again pushed the boundaries of what's possible in an off-road vehicle, creating an interior that redefines luxury and convenience for modern adventurers while it conquers diverse terrains that ensure driver confidence. Oh, and it's eco-friendly. Go check it out.
Specifications
Engine: 395 horsepower Mild Hybrid 3.0L Turbocharged I6
Torque: 406 pound-feet
Transmission: 8-speed ZF Automatic, AWD (iAWD) system
Wheels: 20” 5 Split-spoke
Sound: Meridian 700w surround System
Touchscreen: 11.4”
Fuel: 17/21 (mpg city/highway)
MSRP (starts): $68,000
Learn More
For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Land Rover Defender
About Land Rover
Since 1948, Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range. Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar, and Range Rover Evoque each define the world's SUV sectors, with 80 percent of this model range exported to over 100 countries.