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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 – twodoor 90, fourdoor 110, and fourdoor but threerow seating 130.

In India, the 130 is available in four options – 3.0litre diesel XDynamic HSE (Rs 1.49 crore), 3.0litre diesel X (Rs 1.59 crore), 5.0litre V8 petrol XDynamic HSE (Rs 1.65 crore), and 5.0litre 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 5.0litre 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 tradeoffs?

The extra length of the 130, while great for interior space, seems to compromise on its offroading 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 2crore SUV (onroad 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 offroad trails when needed.

90, 110, or 130?

The choice between the three models depends upon your needs – the 90 (Rs 1.281.52 crore) is for an adventurous person or a couple; the 110 (Rs 1.052.79 crore) is for small families; and the 130 (Rs 1.491.75 crore) for those who don’t want to leave anyone behind.