2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350 SE review (video)

It’s long been the icon of rugged British off-roading, capable of tackling anything from desert dunes to mountain trails. The modern Land Rover Defender, however, has morphed into a sophisticated luxury SUV while aiming to retain its legendary capability. Then the Defender 130 takes the formula further as a stretched version to better accommodate three rows of seating, promising eight seats of genuine practicality.

Sitting among the vast range, this D350 X-Dynamic SE pairs a six-cylinder turbo-diesel mild-hybrid powertrain with an extensive luxury feature set, targeting buyers who want the ultimate combination of utility, performance, and comfort.

2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350 SE X-Dynamic: Specifications

Engine: 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six 48V
Output: 258kW@4000rpm / 700Nm@1500-3000rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Four-wheel drive, dual-range
Wheels: F & R: 20×8.5, 255/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2535kg
Power-to-weight: 9.82:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.1L/100km
Our consumption: 10.1L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 89L/Diesel

Power efficiency: 31.85kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.46 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.31 seconds*
60-110km/h: 5.07 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.30 seconds at 148.3km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.880g*
100-0km/h braking: 42.98m in 3.54 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.480g*
Decibel at idle: 46*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 76*
Starting price: $136,000

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350: How much does it cost?

It faces stiff competition from the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, Lexus LX 600, Mercedes-Benz GLS, and BMW X7. Prices for this tested variant start from $136,000 (before on-road costs), making it $36k more than the base Defender 130 but below the top-tier V8 petrol and limited editions. Once buyers get swept up in the myriad of options, that price can run up really quick.

Against those competitors, this is a sharp but not outrageous figure. For example, the Toyota LandCruiser Sahara starts at around $140k, while the more luxurious Lexus LX 600 starts from about $160k. German rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 and BMW X7 xDrive40d are also above $170k, and their option lists can push them past $200,000 quite easily.

Land Rover provides an industry typical five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of complimentary roadside assistance on the Slovakian-built Defender. Service intervals are determined by individual driving styles and conditions with what Land Rover calls ‘Intelligent Servicing’. Individual service costs are not advertised, but there is a five-year/102,000km prepaid service plan available for $3500.

2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350: Interior & packaging

One of the biggest drawcards is how successfully the Defender balances old-school toughness with modern-day polish, both inside and out. From the outside, the Defender 130 retains the boxy proportions and upright stance that pay homage to the original, but stretches the rear overhang to accommodate more third-row room and boot space (the 110 is available with a third row as well).

The result is a long, purposeful-looking SUV that manages to avoid appearing unwieldy, thanks to clever surfacing, slim LED lighting, and good ground clearance that preserve its rugged aesthetic. The exposed spare wheel on the tailgate and Alpine roof windows continue Defender’s iconic design language, while subtle trim flourishes on this X-Dynamic SE grade add a touch of urban sophistication, such as the black wheel arches and window surrounds.

Then stepping into the Defender 130, the first thing that strikes you is its scale. With a wheelbase extended by 435mm over the 110, the cabin feels more like a premium van than a traditional SUV, but Land Rover has done an excellent job keeping it refined. The X-Dynamic SE trim strikes a balance between rugged cues and luxurious touches. Leather-wrapped surfaces, brushed metals, and rubberised panels and flooring create a practical yet premium environment.

The driver enjoys an upright seating position with excellent visibility and a commanding view over the bonnet – a nod to its off-road heritage. Front seats are wide and supportive, with 12-way adjustment. But heated or cooled seats are an optional extra cost.

The second row is equally spacious, offering ample legroom and headroom for adults, and optional captain-style seating if you don’t need the eighth seat. Climate controls, charging ports, and completely moulded rubber floor mats are available.

And then the third row is surprisingly usable. Most large SUVs with three rows compromise on comfort for the last row, but the Defender 130 can actually carry adults without discomfort. Thoughtful touches include air vents, USB charging, and high-quality materials throughout, even for the rearmost passengers.

Cargo space is versatile. With all seats upright, the boot offers 389 litres of storage – adequate for day-to-day needs. Folding the third row opens up 1232L, and lowering both rear rows creates a cavernous 2291L. Access is easy thanks to a side-opening tailgate and mid-level floor height, while the flat load floor ensures heavy items slide in effortlessly. Though, the uniquely side-hinged tailgate does not shelter you from rain, and the door lock-in mechanism is one more thing to handle compared with top-hinged tailgates.

Practicality extends to the smaller details. Cupholders, multiple charging points, door bins, and a tall centre console with flexible storage make life easier for families. The cabin is also remarkably quiet at cruising speeds, with insulation dampening diesel clatter and road noise, although sharper bumps can still transmit through, with some creaks and rattles from the door jams on rough roads.

Compared to competitors, the Defender 130’s interior blends rugged durability with luxury better than the LandCruiser 300, which feels more utilitarian. While the LX 600, GLS and X7 offer higher levels of plushness and finesse but less tactile ruggedness. The Defender’s design is also arguably more adventurous, appealing to buyers who value the ‘outdoorsy SUV’ ethos.

On the multimedia front, the Defender 130 impresses with Land Rover’s latest Pivi Pro system, accessed via a 13.1-inch touch-screen as standard. The menus are clear, quick to respond, and support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air software updates.

A digital driver’s display complements the main screen, providing crisp navigation and vehicle information with neat, customisable layouts. Connectivity is comprehensive, offering multiple USB-C ports across all three rows, a wireless charging pad, and even an optional household power outlet for running small appliances. Defender also offers a tyre inflator compressor that tucks neatly into the wall of the boot.

Sound quality is equally impressive on the standard Meridian 11-speaker sound system with subwoofer; delivering crisp, immersive sound throughout the cabin. Buyers wanting more can option the Meridian Surround sound system.

Safety tech reflects the Defender’s dual role as both luxury family-hauler and go-anywhere adventurer. Highlights include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, 360-degree surround-view cameras, front, rear and side parking sensors, forward and reverse collision mitigation, driver condition monitoring, telematics, rear traffic and collision monitor, and an exit detection system to warn passengers of approaching traffic before opening a door.

2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350: Powertrain & handling

The D350 engine is a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo-diesel with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance, producing 258kW and 700Nm. This torque-heavy unit delivers effortless acceleration, even with its 2591kg heft (kerb), while the mild-electric side ensures a fast and smooth boost on take-off.

It can launch from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.8 seconds. Our tests scored a time of 7.31. Power is transferred through an eight-speed automatic transmission, which keeps the engine in its optimal power band thanks to a nice spread of ratios while offering smooth and swift gear changes.

An official combined fuel consumption average of 8.1L/100km is reasonable for a large diesel SUV with this much power/torque. But real-world urban driving can edge that figure higher – like our 10.1L/100km average. The mild-electric side doesn’t seem to help in reducing fuel consumption a great deal as this is the sort of reading we’d expect from an all-diesel setup.

On-road handling is stable, with mild body roll for a vehicle of this size. Steering is light enough for urban manoeuvres yet provides a reassuring weight at highway speeds. The ride, while comfortable, prioritises control over absolute plushness, especially over sharp potholes or expansion joints. Compared to something like the LandCruiser 300, which is softer but less precise, or the GLS and X7, which are much more luxury-oriented but less adventurous, the Defender 130 strikes a unique middle ground.

Off-road, the Defender 130 remains a class leader. Air suspension allows ground clearance to range from 218.5mm to 293mm, and the long body, while less agile than the 110 or 90, offers stability on undulating tracks.

Approach (30.1 degrees), break-over (22 degrees), and departure angles (24.5 degrees) are well-sorted for off-roading, and the full-time all-wheel-drive system with terrain management modes allows confident tackling of mud, sand, and gravel. Traction control, low range, and hill descent control further enhance capability.

For towing, the 130 D350 is rated at 3000kg, which is slightly down on some rivals. With a GVM of 3380kg, you’re left with 480kg by the time you add together the 2591kg kerb weight and 300kg download. That’s not bad. You also have a 6380kg GCM to play with.

Land Rover offers a range of accessories and go-further bits, including chunky all-terrain tyres (as fitted here), steel bash-friendly rims, side steps, roof ladder, nudge bar (as tested), and external storage boxes.

2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Genuine seven or eight-seat practicality: Thanks to its 435mm stretch, the third row is properly usable for adults.
• Powerful diesel engine: Effortless torque, good efficiency for the class, and strong towing performance.
• Luxury and ruggedness combined: X-Dynamic SE trim offers premium finishes without compromising utility.
• Unmatched off-road ability for its size: Terrain management, air suspension, and low range make it a leader in the segment.
• Prestige and styling for all scenes: The Defender badge continues to command attention and respect in any setting.

2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350: Key considerations before you buy

• Price of add-ons: The X-Dynamic spec does not get all the luxury bells and whistles. Ticking some boxes can send the overall price soaring.
• Size constraints: It’s big. At over 5.3 metres long, tight carparks and city streets may become challenging.
• Side-hinged tailgate: It mostly comes down to personal preference here, but we found the side-hinged tailgate less practical. It doesn’t provide shelter if its raining, the stay open mechanism is less straightforward (especially on a hill), and you require more clearance to other cars or objects behind.

2025 Land Rover Defender 130 D350: Video