SHARP Drives: Land Rover Defender 130 V8 — The Granddaddy of Them All
This is the big one, the granddaddy of Defenders, the Defender 130 V8. It’s the biggest model in the lineup, with the biggest engine in Land Rover’s catalogue. It’s meant to go anywhere, with a boat, and half of a soccer team — and if there’s a river or a mountain or a sand dune in the way, it’s no problem.
Climbing up and into the big Defender, one can’t help but notice the subtle V8 badges on the bodyside. The air snorkel — to help the engine breathe when wading through wheel-deep water — is functional, but let’s be real, it’s more of a fashion accessory here. Nobody drives through rivers with their little-league team onboard. The snorkel looks badass though, and I think that’s the point.
Settling into the commanding driving position, one also can’t help but wonder who this mighty Defender is for? Forest rangers, and search and rescue crews? Maybe but they don’t need the V8, and their budgets probably don’t stretch to $160,000.
Wait, How Much is the Defender 130 V8?
Ah yes, good question. It costs $158,620 in Canada, before you dive into the deep options list. It’s a far cry from the $79,250 Defender 110’s starting price, but you’re getting a lot more SUV here. This chunk of British metal tips the scales at 2,669 kilograms, and it’ll tow up to 3,000 kg.
The 8-seat configuration is standard, while the 7-seat layout — with second-row captain’s chairs — is a $1,700 option.
The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 is a familiar one from the brand’s lineup, making 493 horsepower.
Is the V8 a Good Match for the Defender 130?
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
Land Rover Defender 130 V8
It’s a good question. The V8 makes a good first impression, starting with a hearty burble that tells you there’s a big engine without being so noisy as to annoy the neighbours. Tip into the throttle and there’s this sense of immense power waiting in reserve.
When you put pedal to metal, however, you soon discover the limits of 493 horsepower hauling 2.7 tonnes of SUV. This is no sports car. Taking 5.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h is a decent pace, but the sensation of driving such a big SUV quickly is a bit like throttling up in a big yacht. The height and size of the thing dulls the feeling of speed. Everything happens with a bit of a delay.
So, no, this isn’t an SUV for drivers looking for a hit of adrenaline. (Defender has the new OCTA for that.)
After driving this beast for a week, it became clear what the D130 V8 is all about and — crucially — who it’s for. First and foremost, let’s be real, this is a status symbol. The V8 badge on the flank and the subtle rumble of the supercharged motor is a flex. The smaller six-cylinder engines do get the job done, but to do so they’ve got to work a lot harder. It’s noticeable. If you’re ready to foot the V8’s (not inconsiderable) fuel bill, the added power is certainly nice to have in reserve.
The D130 V8 is also for families who want to get out and do things. The third row isn’t the most spacious for passengers, but folding the seats down makes for an absolutely massive cargo hold. There’s room for four, plus skis and luggage for an extended getaway. Once the snow is gone, you can load up the family and tow a boat to the lake, or hitch up an Airstream for a road trip across the continent. Drivers get added peace of mind knowing the big Defender is ready for whatever obstacles or nasty roads or inclement weather might get thrown its way.
So, who is it for? The D130 V8 works best as quiet luxury. It’s a luxury SUV for those who don’t want to be seen in a Range Rover. It’s a deep cut in the brand’s catalogue, but — for the right buyer — I suspect the Defender 130 V8 will quickly become irreplaceable.
