Consumers in the luxury SUV market are curious about Land Rover’s latest offering. JLR Korea officially launched the New Defender 130, a seven-seater gasoline model designed with ample space for third-row passengers.
This model competes directly with the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS in the full-size luxury SUV segment, boasting strong performance on and off the road.
Luxury Meets Practicality in a Spacious Interior
The New Defender 130’s interior combines elegance with functionality. The cross-car beam, finished in a metallic gray powder coat, is a signature design element of the Defender series. The seats feature Windsor leather in ebony and caraway hues paired with Kvadrat fabric, while the suede-cloth headlining enhances the premium feel.
A standout feature is the second-row captain’s chairs. A JLR spokesperson stated that these seats have individual armrests, wing-type headrests, 14-way power adjustment, and heating and cooling functions, ensuring maximum comfort on long trips.
The most notable advantage is the spacious third-row seating, which comfortably accommodates adults with a width of 1,200mm (47.2 inches) and legroom of 804mm (31.7 inches). This makes it comparable to rival models.
Even with the third row in use, the vehicle maintains 398 liters (14.1 cu ft) of trunk space, enhancing daily practicality. Folding both the second and third rows expands the cargo capacity to 2,291 liters (80.9 cu ft), making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Superior Off-Road Performance
The New Defender 130 is powered by a 3.0-liter I6 gasoline engine featuring mild hybrid technology.
The twin-scroll turbocharger and 48V supercharger deliver 400 horsepower and 56.1 kgf·m (405.6 lb-ft) of torque. The vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 6.6 seconds, providing agile handling despite its size.
The Defender truly comes into its own off the beaten path. An automotive expert highlighted that the Defender 130, built on Land Rover’s lightweight aluminum monocoque D7x architecture, offers a torsional rigidity of 29,000Nm/° (21,388 lb-ft/°), ensuring stability on rugged terrain. With an approach angle of 37.5°, a departure angle of 28.5°, and a maximum water-wading depth of 900mm (35.4 inches), it outperforms many competitors.
The electronic air suspension, which adjusts the ground clearance by up to 145mm (5.7 inches), allows the Defender to adapt to different terrains. While the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS also feature adaptive damping and air suspension, the Defender’s off-road capability remains a key advantage in extreme conditions.
Advanced Infotainment and Safety Features
The New Defender 130 is equipped with the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system. Its 11.4-inch curved touchscreen offers an intuitive interface, while the 12.3-inch interactive driver display presents clear navigation information. The system supports SOTA (Software-Over-The-Air) updates, which keep it current.
The SUV also includes advanced safety and convenience features. The 3D surround camera and ClearSight ground view improve visibility in challenging environments, while adaptive cruise control and an interior air purification system enhance comfort during long drives.
Competitive Landscape in the Luxury SUV Market
The Defender 130 enters a competitive segment dominated by the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The BMW X7 features split headlights and aggressive styling, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS offers a more classic aesthetic. The GLS provides generous second- and third-row space, whereas the X7 stands out with superior driver headroom. Both models come equipped with advanced digital systems and 3.0-liter turbocharged engines.
The Defender 130 differentiates itself by blending Land Rover’s heritage with modern functionality, appealing to buyers seeking a balance of off-road capability and on-road refinement.
JLR Korea priced the New Defender 130 P400 X-Dynamic HSE seven-seater, including a five-year service plan, at 150.27 million KRW (approximately $103,686). It is available for purchase through Land Rover’s online store, with rising reservation inquiries following its official launch.
Ultimately, consumer preferences in this segment are expected to be influenced more by personal taste than performance metrics. How the Defender 130 will perform in the highly competitive full-size luxury SUV market remains to be seen.
