2023 Land Rover Defender 130 D300 | King Of SUVs
I got the opportunity to drive what many believe is the king of the SUVs: The Land Rover Defender. Over the years, the Land Rover Defender has created a special place for itself, standing out from the crowd and becoming a symbol of off-road and ruggedness. However, does it truly deliver on all the high praises it receives?
Iconic King
Before we dive into exploring this standout SUV, the first thing you'll notice is its impressive presence. With its Pangea Green color paired with a contrasting white roof, and stretching almost 4.6 meters in length (including the spare wheel), this Defender is hard to miss on the streets. As you might expect from my reviews, let's start at the front. The round headlights, surrounded by a bright LED ring, immediately grab your attention. They are a nod to the classic Defender design but with a fresh, modern touch. These lights are not only bright and effective but also symbolize Land Rover's blend of tradition and innovation. Moving up, you'll see the black "Defender" logo and some cool black checkered patterns on the hood. However, it's a bit of a letdown to discover these patterns are made of plastic.
Looking at the Defender from the side, its strong and sturdy design is clear to see, thanks to its solid frame. This rugged look is even more noticeable with its big wheel arches, which neatly fit the large 22-inch wheels, designed with a unique 5-spoke “Style 5098” pattern. These wheels are built to handle all kinds of terrains, from city streets to off-road trails. When you look higher up on the Defender, you'll see the modern design touches that Land Rover has added. It still has the classic boxy shape the Defender is known for but with smoother, updated lines. These new lines give it a fresh, modern look, while still keeping the tough and adventurous feel that the Defender is famous for.
Checking out the back, the Defender's design keeps turning heads. The side-hinged tailgate is both a nod to practicality and functionality, with a full-size spare wheel mounted assertively, embodying the Defender's promise to conquer uncharted terrains. As the evening sun hits, the LED taillights with a box-shaped design come alive, signaling the perfect blend of past and future. The 2023 Defender 130 isn't just any car; it's special. Land Rover made sure to mix its classic looks with new design bits, making the Defender stand out and be remembered.
Royal Interior
When you hop into the Defender 130, the first thing you'll notice is how roomy it feels, especially with that big panoramic roof letting in lots of light. It got an extra row of seats, perfect for big families or folks who need lots of space for trips, work gear, or fun adventures. The seats are covered in nice Ebony-grained leather and have soft touches that make them look fancy. But they're not just for show; they're super comfy to sit in. With plenty of space for your legs and head, the Defender 130 makes sure you're comfortable, even on really long drives.
The Defender 130 beautifully blends luxury with its famous rugged style. Inside, you see features that remind you of its powerful off-road history, like it's ready for any challenge. But it also got some stylish touches, like the white panels on the steering wheel and dashboard sides, which have big bolts implying it's built tough and it looks good too. Land Rover made sure there's plenty of storage inside. You'll find handy spots for your personal belongings everywhere. There's even a neat space behind the screen and a useful 'Utility Pack' between the back seats. They've really made use of every space.
A lot of new cars are all about touchscreens now, but the Defender keeps some old-school buttons and knobs, like the shift gear selector, which feels cozy and familiar. But don't worry, it still has all the latest tech. The main attraction on the dashboard is the Pivi Pro system, with a big 11.4-inch touchscreen. It's easy to use, super smooth and comes with all the cool features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Ooh btw! If you love music, the Defender's 700W Meridian™ audio system is like having a concert right in your car. You'll hear super clear high notes and a deep bass that makes every song feel richer, but more about all the tech later! To sum it up, the 2023 Land Rover Defender 130’s interior mixes the best of old and new. It has a classic look but also comes with fancy features and the latest tech.
All-Terrain Power And Tech
The moment you settle behind the wheel of the Defender 130 D300, there's an immediate sensation of both comfort and power. The name already gives it away but this beauty runs on a 3.0L Diesel Turbo inline-6 engine. When you push down the gas pedal, you'll be thrilled by its amazing 300 HP (220 kW) and jaw-dropping 650 Nm of torque. All the power is seamlessly channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. But there's more than just power to marvel at. Considering the efficiency, Land Rover puts the average fuel consumption of the Defender at 7.9L/100km in combined city and highway journeys. With its large 89L fuel tank, you're looking at an impressive potential range - imagine cruising for up to 1127 kilometers without the thought of a refill.
Your connection with the Defender 130 is great and intuitive. The air suspension, harmoniously coupled with the Adaptive Dynamics system, ensures the car responds instinctively to every shift and turn of the road. Whether you're navigating in the city or on rugged off-road paths, the Defender's traction control adjusts without a hitch. Feel a wheel losing its grip? No worries, the Dynamic Stability Control is ever-ready to ensure a stable journey. And if you're someone who enjoys a bespoke driving experience, you'll love the Configurable Terrain Response settings. Here, you can modify the Defender's throttle, steering, and traction to suit your very own driving style.
Driving a Defender 130 D300 is not all about power, this SUV King is also a tech specialist. From the moment you step inside the vehicle, the air feels distinctly fresher, an accomplishment of the integrated air purification system that tirelessly works to eliminate dust and microbes. As you settle in, you'd be pleased to know that the system is constantly monitoring the CO₂ levels, how cool is that? Driving becomes a more heightened experience with the 3D Surround Camera System. It's almost as if you've been granted a new set of eyes, seeing every corner and blind spot. Whether you're weaving through city chaos, maneuvering into tight parking spaces, or adventuring into rugged terrains, the ClearSight Ground View technology gives you a comprehensive 360° view. Obstacles and potential hazards that once posed threats now become easily visible.
Commanding your attention on the dashboard is the 12.3-inch interactive display. Its crisp visuals and intuitive design invite you to delve into, customize, and control various vehicle and trip details. It's like the car is getting to know you, adapting to your preferences and needs with every touch and swipe. Yet, it's possibly the optional Head-Up Display system that might captivate you the most. Picture this: essential driving information projected directly onto the windshield, ensuring that your eyes remain where they should be - on the road. A tech feature I really want and appreciate!
King Or Prince?
At first glance, the Land Rover Defender 130 D300 appears to perfectly balance rugged charm with contemporary luxury. It seemingly checks all the desirable boxes for SUV enthusiasts. However, quality and brand reputation comes at a cost. The Defender 130 D300 is priced at a starting price of €94.200 (BE), while its counterpart, the Defender 90, is more accessible at €63.300 (BE). Given its sustainability features and the longstanding reputation of Land Rover in the SUV segment, I think this is the real king of SUVs.
