A longer version of the Defender is in the works, as Land Rover turns the nameplate into a sub-brand, adding to the 90 and 110 models with the upcoming 130. Strictly speaking, the Defender 130 won’t feature an extended wheelbase compared to the existing 110. Instead, the eight-seater will add length aft of the rear wheels. Rather than focusing on increased legroom for second-row passengers, attention will be paid towards the third row. The Defender 110 already features the option of a foldable third row, with two seats that fold into the floor. However, in that instance, legroom is for kids at best. It’s understood that the upcoming Defender 130 will be offered worldwide.
This is evidenced in these images, where the Defender 130 prototype is captured testing on European roads. The rear overhang is far greater than what it is on the 110. While this lightly camouflaged Defender prototype doesn’t disguise much stylistically, it does leave us asking whether it’ll sport the same kind of “Safari Windows” as found on the 110; the outer edges of the roof where they’d normally be found don’t give much away in these images.
Thanks to a leaked presentation in 2019, we know that the Defender 130 will measure 5100 mm long and has a wheelbase that spans 3022 mm. While the wheelbase is the same as the Defender 110, the Defender 130 will be 342 mm longer overall.
The Defender 130 appears to be at least two years late, originally planned for a launch in 2020. However, it’s expected to carry over the same petrol and diesel drivetrains as found in 90 and 100, including mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and a V8 model. If rumors are to be believed, the V8 edition could spawn in time for a switch to a BMW-based 600 hp unit.
