Just days after European reports suggested Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is developing an even longer three-row version of the born-again Land Rover Defender, the first images showing the possible design of the stretched ‘130’ have emerged.
The unofficial renderings were published by Russian auto website Kolesa.ru, and reveal the longer-bodied 2022 Land Rover Defender 130 as a squared-off wagon, with its extra length made obvious with additional rear overhang.
The longer body will enable a more spacious and potentially more luxurious cabin than currently offered in the Land Rover Defender 110, which already accommodates up to eight occupants across three rows.
The Defender was awarded Highly Commended status in the 2020 carsales Car of the Year and the move to 130 would certainly provide extra stretching space for third row passengers and an increase in boot capacity.
JLR is yet to confirm details, however reports out of Europe suggest the 2022 Land Rover Defender 130 will launch globally within 12 to 18 months and will “hit a sweet spot” yet to be accessed by the manufacturer.
The reports suggest the 130 will carry over the Defender 110’s 3022mm wheelbase, but add 340mm of length to the body, bringing its front-to-rear dimensions up to 5100mm.
Crucially, the longer Defender 130 will likely also form the basis of a tray-backed ute version of the off-road icon.
As for powertrains, anything from the British car-maker’s P400e plug-in hybrid to its thirstier 5.0-litre supercharged V8 could be on the cards for what is shaping up to be the flagship of the Defender range.
The next model being readied by Land Rover is the brand's $200,000-plus supercharged V8-powered Defender hero model, which will deliver a massive 368kW power punch.