Leaked patent images reveal upcoming Land Rover Defender 130

For the most part, Land Rover’s Defender series has centered around the 90 and 110 variants, denoting their respective wheelbase measurements in inches. Now, leaked images hint at another configuration, which will reportedly be referred to as the Defender 130.

A patent filing in the U.S. shows what the upcoming Land Rover Defender 130 will look like

These pictures are part of a patent filing in the U.S. for the upcoming trim, which was previously spied in Germany decked out in black and white camouflage. Land Rover is said to be preparing the vehicle for launch in the coming months, positioning it as a luxury flagship against the likes of the Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Audi Q7, and BMW X7.

As the name suggests, it will be an extended wheelbase version, with the added length focused mostly on the rear overhangs. Note that the Defender 110 already offers three-row seating in a 5+2 configuration, so the 130 could simply be increasing legroom for the rearmost passengers, befitting its proposed luxury status. Based on the dimensions, the 130 sits 342mm longer than the current five-door Defender and 227mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.  

Note the longer overhangs at the rear

Also, this isn’t the first time that Land Rover offered more than two wheelbase options on the Defender. The 127 was introduced in 1983 specifically for heavy loads required by utility companies and military use. It became a common platform for conversion to specialized purposes such as mobile workshops, ambulances, and flatbed transport, with the South African release offering 4x4 capability and seating for up to 15 occupants. 

The Defender 130 is expected to be powered by the same gasoline and diesel engines offered on the 90 and 110. Moreover, the prototype spotted during testing reportedly had the same 3.0-liter inline-six mild-hybrid gasoline engine used on the Discovery model. 

The 130 will join its 90 and 110 siblings as a luxury-oriented flagship

Other expected configurations for the Defender platform are a pickup version expected to compete against the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Strada in overseas markets, as well as a shorter and more affordable Defender 80. These are consistent with Land Rover’s intent of marketing the Defender as a complete family of models.        

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