2025 Land Rover Defender 130 S P300: Modern Capability

The Land Rover Defender 130 S P300 continues to build upon the legendary Defender heritage while offering enhanced passenger capacity and versatility. As the longest member of the Defender family, the 130 variant combines uncompromising off-road capability with exceptional people-carrying capacity, making it an ideal choice for adventurous families or those who regularly transport larger groups.

Dimensional Advantages and Exterior Design

The Defender 130 S stretches 5,358 mm in length—340 mm longer than the Defender 110, with the additional space primarily benefiting the rear passenger compartment and cargo area. Despite its extended dimensions, the 130 maintains the iconic Defender silhouette with its distinctive high sills, alpine windows, and externally mounted spare wheel.

The S trim features 20-inch alloy wheels with an Alloy Silver finish, LED headlights with signature daytime running lights, and a body-colored roof. The extended body proportions are elegantly balanced, with the elongated rear overhang complementing the rugged aesthetic rather than appearing ungainly.

The P300 designation identifies this model’s powertrain—a robust yet efficient option within the Defender lineup. Body colour options include a range of sophisticated hues, from the classic Fuji White to the striking Carpathian Grey and the distinctive Sedona Red.

P300 Powertrain Capabilities

The P300 powertrain centers around the Land Rover Ingenium 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. This unit pairs with a smooth-shifting ZF eight-speed automatic transmission that provides responsive power delivery across various driving conditions.

Despite the substantial size, the P300 powertrain delivers respectable performance figures, achieving 0-100 km/h in approximately 8.0 seconds. The sophisticated engine management system includes intelligent stop/start technology that enhances fuel efficiency in urban driving environments.

The P300 engine incorporates twin-scroll turbocharger technology with ceramic ball bearings that reduce friction and improve throttle response. The direct fuel injection system optimizes combustion efficiency, while the integrated exhaust manifold speeds warm-up times and reduces emissions during cold starts.

Off-Road Credentials

True to its heritage, the Defender 130 S P300 excels in challenging terrain. The standard Terrain Response system allows drivers to optimize vehicle settings for various surfaces, including mud, sand, and rocky paths. Ground clearance stands at an impressive 291 mm, while approach, breakover, and departure angles of 37.5, 27.8, and 28.5 degrees, respectively, ensure the vehicle can tackle substantial obstacles.

The 130 S P300 offers a wading depth of 900 mm, supported by the Wade Sensing technology that provides real-time depth information through the central touchscreen. The electronic air suspension system can raise the ride height by up to 145 mm for extreme off-road scenarios or lower it by 50 mm for easier entry and exit when parked.

All-wheel drive comes standard, with a two-speed transfer case providing high and low range gearing. The center differential can be locked electronically, while an optional Active Locking Rear Differential enhances traction in slippery conditions.

Interior Space and Versatility

The most significant advantage of the Defender 130 lies in its eight-seat configuration, arranged in a 2+3+3 layout. The third row offers genuine adult-sized accommodation rather than the occasional-use seats found in many competitors. Headroom measures 986 mm in the third row, while legroom extends to 809 mm, ensuring comfort even on longer journeys.

With all seats in place, the cargo area provides 389 litres of storage space—sufficient for everyday use. Folding the third row expands this to 1,232 litres, while maximizing cargo capacity by folding both rear rows yields an impressive 2,516 litres of flat load space.

The S trim includes Resist upholstery with 12-way semi-powered front seats. The second row splits 40:20:40 for flexible loading options, while the third row features a 50:50 split. Both rear rows can be folded flat electronically via controls in the cargo area, enhancing convenience when loading larger items.

Technology and Comfort Features

The Defender 130 S P300 features the Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen as standard. This intuitive interface controls navigation, media, and vehicle settings, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless smartphone connectivity.

The cabin features three-zone climate control, allowing separate temperature settings for the driver, front passenger, and rear compartment. Four USB-C ports and two 12V power outlets are distributed throughout the cabin, ensuring all passengers can keep devices charged during longer journeys.

Driver assistance technologies include Emergency Braking, 3D Surround Camera, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, and Lane Keep Assist. The ClearSight Ground View technology effectively makes the hood transparent, displaying the terrain immediately ahead of and beneath the vehicle on the central touchscreen—particularly valuable during technical off-road driving.

Five Facts About the 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 S P300

1. The Defender 130 body structure undergoes over 62,000 individual engineering tests to ensure durability, including simulated exposure to temperatures ranging from -40°C to +50°C.

2. Despite its rugged appearance, the Defender 130 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.38, remarkably aerodynamic for a vehicle of its shape and helps to maximize fuel efficiency.

3. The P300 engine’s lightweight aluminum construction means the complete engine block weighs just 138 kg—approximately the same as two adult males.

4. The Defender 130 third row features stadium seating that positions passengers 92 mm higher than those in the second row, improving visibility and reducing motion sickness.

5. The electronic architecture in the Defender 130 processes up to 21,000 network messages simultaneously, with over 85 electronic control units managing various vehicle systems.

Questions and Answers About the 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 S P300

How does the Defender 130 differ from other Defender models?

• The 130 is 340 mm longer than the 110 model, primarily extending the rear overhang to accommodate a functional third row of seating and increased cargo capacity, offering a true eight-passenger configuration.

What engine powers the Defender 130 S P300?

• The P300 designation indicates a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

What is the maximum wading depth of the Defender 130 S P300?

• It can wade through water up to 900 mm deep, aided by the Wade Sensing technology that displays real-time depth information on the central touchscreen.

How many passengers can the Defender 130 S accommodate?

• This SUV features a standard eight-seat configuration arranged in a 2+3+3 layout, with full-size third-row seating suitable for adults.

What is the cargo capacity of the Defender 130 S P300?

• It offers 389 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, 1,232 litres with the third row folded, and 2,516 litres with both rear rows folded flat.

Does the Defender 130 S P300 come with air suspension?

• Yes, electronic air suspension comes standard, allowing the vehicle to be raised by up to 145 mm for off-road driving or lowered by 50 mm for easier access.

What is ClearSight Ground View technology?

• ClearSight Ground View uses cameras to create a virtual “transparent hood” view on the touchscreen, showing the terrain immediately ahead of and beneath the front of the vehicle—particularly useful during off-road driving.

What are the approach, breakover, and departure angles of the Defender 130?

• This SUV has approach, breakover, and departure angles of 37.5, 27.8, and 28.5 degrees, respectively, allowing it to tackle substantial obstacles despite its extended length.

What upholstery comes standard in the Defender 130 S trim?

• This trim includes Resist upholstery as standard, a durable and easy-to-clean fabric designed to withstand the rigours of active lifestyle use.

How does the third-row seating in the Defender 130 compare to competitors?

• The third row in this Land Rover SUV offers genuine adult-sized accommodation with 986 mm of headroom and 809 mm of legroom, positioning it among the most spacious third rows in the premium SUV segment.