2023 Land Rover Defender 130 review

This is the biggest Defender yet. In fact it’s enormous. An additional 600mm in length, it is longer than a long-wheelbase S Class Mercedes. What does this space provide? Room not only for a third row of seats, but that row to comprise three seats to fit reasonably proportioned adults. They can be raised or lowered and even leave a decent amount of boot space.

Visually the car looks slightly rear heavy because despite the 130 nomenclature which, like 90 and 110 used to refer to the wheelbase in old-style Defenders, the wheelbase is the same as the standard 110, with all additional metal grafted onto the hind quarters.

But my goodness it works. I drove one with a 3-litre mild hybrid diesel and enjoyed wafting around in it, cushioned by the air suspension that comes on all 130s. It would be imperious off-road but what struck me was not just what a fine family bus it would be. Indeed it left me struggling to think of reasons why someone might choose a seven-seat Discovery over this eight-seater. I prefer the look and the more rugged interior ambience of the Defender. I just wish you could spec it with a jump seat in the front as you can the 90 and 110, but nine seats would make it a minibus. It’s also worth pointing out that you can buy a 110 with a third row, but it has only two far more occasional seats and costs almost the entire boot. AF

Land Rover Defender 130 X Dynamic

• Price £83,435
• Engine 3 litres, six cylinders, diesel, turbocharged, mild hybrid drive
• Power 296bhp
• Torque 479lb ft
• Weight 2589kg
• Power to weight 114bhp per tonne
• Transmission Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 7.5sec
• Top speed 119mph
• Economy 235mpg (WLTP)
• Verdict Now this is a people carrier.