How much can you stretch the capability and size of a potent and big SUV? We just drove the biggest, and meanest, Land Rover Defender – the 130.
What’s the 130?
The Defender is available in three body types – two-door 90, four-door 110, and four-door but three-row seating 130.
In India, the 130 is available in four options – 3.0-litre diesel X-Dynamic HSE (Rs 1.49 crore), 3.0-litre diesel X (Rs 1.59 crore), 5.0-litre V8 petrol X-Dynamic HSE (Rs 1.65 crore), and 5.0-litre V8 petrol X (Rs 1.75 crore).
How’s it different?
The most significant distinction of the Defender 130 is its size. It’s built on the same 3,022 mm wheelbase as the Defender 110, but Land Rover has added a significant extension to the rear, increasing the overall length by 330 mm (giving it an extra row of seats that can fit three adults, and a lot of luggage).
How’s the drive?
We drove the 5.0-litre V8 petrol variant, which delivers potent and charismatic performance, with impressive acceleration that belies this SUV’s size and weight. Our test unit touched 100 km/h from standstill in about 6 seconds (similar to a sports car).
Any trade-offs?
The extra length of the 130, while great for interior space, seems to compromise on its off-roading capability – especially while navigating steep inclines or big rocks (as its departure and approach angles are different as compared to 90 and 110). But would you take an almost Rs 2-crore SUV (on-road price) off the road?
Put it another way, the Defender 130 is quite a capable machine – a luxurious and practical family SUV that can handle off-road trails when needed.
90, 110, or 130?
The choice between the three models depends upon your needs – the 90 (Rs 1.28-1.52 crore) is for an adventurous person or a couple; the 110 (Rs 1.05-2.79 crore) is for small families; and the 130 (Rs 1.49-1.75 crore) for those who don’t want to leave anyone behind.
