2023 Land Rover Defender 130: A Driving Experience

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【Summary】The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 is a larger version of the Defender lineup. It has a similar design to the other models but is more than a foot longer. The interior is spacious and practical, with seating for up to eight people and ample cargo space. The diesel engine option offers good fuel efficiency and decent performance. While the Defender 130 is capable off-road, it feels heavy and lacks the comfort of the smaller models. It is also quite expensive, starting at over £73,000.

FutureCar Staff Aug 23, 2023 6:24 AM PT

2023 Land Rover Defender 130: A Driving Experience

The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 is a new addition to the Defender lineup, but is it a necessary one? This review explores the versatility and features of the oversized Defender.

Starting with the styling, the Defender 130 looks similar to other Defenders from the front. However, the extra length of the 130 is instantly noticeable when viewed from the side. Despite the increased dimensions, the longer design integrates well and gives the Defender even more presence.

The interior of the Defender 130 is mostly the same as the other models. The dashboard design remains skeletal, robust, and utilitarian, with plenty of grab handles and useful shelves. The standout feature is the large touchscreen and the buttons below it, which control various settings. The overall quality of the cabin is good, but it leans more towards solid and robust rather than luxurious. The seats are comfortable, but the plastics feel a bit van-like. The Defender 130 is more high-tech than its predecessors, with a touchscreen and digital instrument display.

When it comes to practicality, the Defender 130 shines. It can seat up to eight people, and the extra seats can be folded into the boot floor. However, in reality, the seats sit on the boot floor, creating an irritating step. Nevertheless, there is ample room for passengers and luggage. The boot space ranges from 290 to 1,876 litres, making it van-like in its capacity.

In terms of performance, the diesel engine option is the standout choice. The 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six diesel engine delivers 300hp and returns over 30mpg, which is impressive for a vehicle of this size and weight. The Defender 130 may not feel fast off the line, but it offers a refined and punchy driving experience.

On the road, the Defender 130 drives more like a truck than a car. It has vague and light steering, and body roll is noticeable in corners. However, its off-road capabilities are impressive, although the increased length may cause some issues on rough terrain. The ride quality is not the most comfortable, but it is better than the previous Defenders.

When it comes to value, the Defender 130 is not cheap. Prices start at over £73,000, and the tested X-Dynamic HSE model comes in at £80,000. However, even the base model comes well-equipped with leather upholstery, a sound system, heated seats, and satellite navigation.

In conclusion, the Defender 130 is a good option for those who need the extra space it offers. However, if the extra capacity is not necessary, the 110 model may be a better choice, as it offers slightly better off-road capabilities, on-road performance, and a lower price point.