May 30th 2022
The three-row Land Rover Defender appeared on the scene in August 2021 when Motor1 caught a disguised prototype during testing. It suggested us some alterations that could make it a more family-friendly SUV. The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 debuted yesterday for the U.S. markets featuring seating for up to 8 occupants, valuable standard amenities, and two obtainable electrified powertrains.
For the U.S., the British automaker offers it in the S, SE, X-Dynamic SE, and X variants in addition to a First Edition model. The automaker has stretched the SUV by 13.38 inches at the rear, which is evident from the prolonged back overhang. Of course, the extended rear gives extra space inside for the third-row occupants. Similarly, we find more room for the cargo. In a five-seat layout, you get 43.5 cu ft (1,232 liters) of boot space. In an eight-seat layout, with two rows folded, you get up to 80.9 cubic feet (2,291 liters) of storage.
The automaker claims the seats in the third row can easily facilitate three adults with substantial headroom for all the occupants. Every row has its individual ventilation system as well as elective four-zone climate control limited to Defender 130. Entry to the third row is also easy, owing to the foldable and moving second-row seats. Furthermore, loading is effortless with a button in the load section that manages air suspension.
Inside, we see a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and an 11.4-inch instrument cluster (typical for the X trim). Besides, the new Defender 130 features the Cabin Air Purification Plus system, employing a patented tech to reduce and remove pathogens as well as get rid of smells and viruses. New shade arrangements and trim polishes are accessible solely for the new Land Rover Defender.
For the U.S. markets, the 2023 Defender 130 is accessible in two electrified gasoline mills – Land Rover doesn’t offer the V8 for now.
The P300 comes equipped with a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid turbocharged powerplant churning out 296 horsepower (218 kilowatts) and 347 pound-feet (470 Newton-meters) of torque, available between 1,500 and 4,250 rpm.
The P400 gets a stouter form of the six-cylinder engine creating 395 hp (290 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) that is accessible between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. Both the engines pair with the standard all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission created by ZF. Air suspension and the Terrain Response system are also regular features for the new Defender 130.
Undoubtedly, the Land Rover SUV performs exceptionally on all types of terrains with a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds (3,720 kilograms) and a maximum payload capacity of 1,760 lbs (798 kg). If you find potential in the new Defender 130 as an overlanding machine, understand that its highest roof load is 662 lbs (300 kg) in static mode and 360 lbs (163 kg) in motion.
The 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 is available for order at a starting price of $68,000 (excluding destination and delivery fees). The new Defender SUV should also be here in the UAE soon.
Source and Images: Motor1