First Look: 2023 Land Rover Defender 130
Land Rover announced an extension of its Defender series Tuesday with the unveiling of the new Defender 130. Measuring 211 inches long, its body is 13.38 inches longer than the 110, and 30.6 inches longer than the 90. Front overhang remains unchanged at 33.3 inches, however, rear overhang grows to 58.7 inches from 35.1 inches without a rear-mounted spare tire, and 45.3 inches with it.
The numbers reveal its appeal
The added length pays big dividends for the new Defender 130, which not only offer room for 8, but can transport 13.7 cubic feet of cargo with all seats in use, more than the 110’s 10.7 cubic feet. Similarly, the 130 can haul 88.9 cubic feet with both rows folded, a bit more than the 110’s 78.8 cubic feet. Defenders were always known for their ability to haul people and their cargo; the 130 only adds to its capability.
Yet as you might expect, the added length brings with it a change in off-road agility. Approach angle is 37.5 degrees, departure angle 28.5 degrees, and breakover angle 27.8 degrees. That compares with the 90 and 110’s approach angle of 30 degrees, departure angle 37.6 degrees for the 90 and 37.7 degrees for the 110, and breakover angle of 24.2 degrees (90) and 22 degrees (110).
Exclusive features
Being a new model, Land Rover has equipped it to tempt you, such as the standard panoramic sunroof as well as a second sunroof for the third row. It’s also distinguished by a boattail uplift in the rear, in addition to black roof racks.
Inside, you’ll find the third row isn’t the penalty box it is in most other SUVs, with enough room for three full-size adults, the automaker claims. Being that this isn’t just a rugrat den, the third row provides heated seats, padded armrests, storage, USB-Cs and the forementioned sunroof.
A 130-exclusive four-zone climate control is optional
Unlike the 110, with its broad variety of drivelines, the 130’s menu is a far more limited. Power comes courtesy of two mild hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder powertrains: the P300, with 296 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque, and the P400, with 396 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Both come with all-wheel drive, a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, electronic air adaptive suspension with adaptive dynamics and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. Land Rover says the P300 runs 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, the P300 in 6.3 seconds.
New range-topping Defender for 2022
For its third year in production, the Land Rover Defender returns as the Defender 90 (with three doors) and Defender 110 (with five doors).
At the top of the heap is the new for 2022, V8 and V8 Carpathian Edition ($97,200-$107,200), with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 518 horsepower, 461 pound-feet to torque and unique induction and exhaust tuning. These last two models mark the return of the V8 to the Defender lineup, a tradition that started in the 1970s, and receive exclusive chassis settings. Its exterior is distinguished by unique exterior badging, quad exhaust tailpipes and unique 22-inch alloy wheels. Inside, you’ll find seats awash in leather and suede, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with satin chrome gearshift paddles unique to V8 models.
Carpathian models are further distinguished by the black roof, hood and tailgate. Other trim details include blue brake calipers, satin black tow eyes, gloss front and rear skid plates and front grille bar.
The rest of the line
At the other end of the Defender range, the trim walk starts with the S, X-Dynamic S ($47,700-$54,000), with a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium four-cylinder engine that delivers 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE, and X models ($59,500-$86,000) get a mild hybrid driveline that consists of a 3.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium inline 6-cylinder engine that along with its electric assist delivers 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
In addition, 110 models also can be fitted in XS Edition spec, with body-colored lower cladding, lower wheel arches, and distinctive 20-inch, contrasting alloy wheels, the electronic air suspension, among other standard goodies.
An eight-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive and locking differentials for tackling treacherous terrain is standard on all models. The fully independent suspension uses coil springs, but air springs are optional. With 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the capability to ford 35 inches of water, the Defender beats the Jeep Wrangler on both numbers.
Updates for all 2022 Land Rover Defenders now come with wireless device charging and the latest version of Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment, available for the first time with an optional larger 11.4-inch touchscreen.
Defender’s popularity strong
The Defender’s popularity has propelled it to the top of Land Rover’s sales charts. It was Land Rover’s second-most popular model in the U.S. in 2021 with sales of 19,413 units; only the Range Rover Sport outsold it last year with sales of 22,090 units. In fact, the Defender outsold the entire Jaguar lineup in 2021 by 2,081 units, despite the presence of Jaguar’s three crossover SUVs, which include the E-Pace, F-Pace and all-electric I-Pace.
That trend continued in the first quarter of 2022, with the Defender coming within 101 units of outselling the Range Rover Sport at 4,100 units. In contrast, Jaguar sold 2,815 units across its entire lineup. The slowing of Range Rover Sport sales can be attributed to the all-new model due out shortly.
An even more special version
Land Rover will be donating a specially-equipped Land Rover Defender 130 to Queen Elizabeth and the British Red Cross to support their operations in the United Kingdom. Land Rover engineers will work with the charity, of which The Queen is a patron, to specially equip the donated Defender 130, which is slated to be put to use later this year.
For the rest of us, the Defender is slated to arrive today, May 31, with prices starting at $68,000 in the U.S. For those interested in one, it can be configured online.
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