Land Rover Goes Big With 3-Row Defender 130

Land Rover has just introduced the new Defender 130. This new model adds to the Defender 90 and Defender 100 models already in production. The Defender 130 is a three-row SUV with full-size seating in all three rows.

The Defender 130 is laid out in a 2+3+3 layout and can seat eight adults. As you can see from these images, the Defender 130 offers ample space for adults in each seating position. “New Defender 130 brings a new dimension of capability to our most durable and rugged family of vehicles,” said Nick Collins, Executive Director, Vehicle Programs, Land Rover .“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.”

The Defender 130 now offers up to 89 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Even with all three rows in use the Defender 130 offers 13.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. This chart will help illustrate its carrying abilities.

The Defender 130 doesn’t sacrifice off-road capability in its expanded size. Every Defender 130 comes with Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (iAWD) system and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission as standard. The iAWD technology manages the powertrain and power distribution between the front and rear axles, optimizing on-road efficiency and also all-terrain capability. Air suspension adds to the Defender 130’s already impressive ground clearance of nearly a foot. The vehicle can ford nearly three feet of water. Both gas and hybrid engine options will be available. Max towing is a whopping 8,200 pounds.

The New Defender 130 is available in S, SE, X-Dynamic SE, and X specifications, in addition to a First Edition. The Defender 130 starts at $70K and the Land Rover configuration tool is now in operation on the company’s website.

Defender 130 images courtesy of Land Rover.

John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. John's interest in EVs goes back to 1990, when he designed the thermal control system for an EV battery as part of an academic team. After earning his mechanical engineering degree, John completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers, in the semiconductor industry, and in biotech. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American news outlets and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on TikTok @ToknCars, on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin

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