Land Rover has launched a new version of the Defender, which can seat up to eight adults.

The Defender 130 measures more than 5.3 metres in length and can be specified with two or three rows of seats. It joins the existing 90 and 110 models as the largest Defender to date.

Its launch follows the unveil of the new Range Rover Sport, begin maart.

Nick Collins, executive director, Vehicle Programmes, at Land Rover, said: “New Defender 130 brings a new dimension of capability to our most durable and rugged family of vehicles. Its spacious interior welcomes and transports up to eight people in supreme comfort, enabling unparalleled sophisticated adventuring opportunities for families, with unique design signatures to create a distinct New Defender experience.”

Dealers are already accepting orders for the new model, which costs from £73,895. Buyers can choose from HSE, X-Dynamic SE, X-Dynamic HSE and X specifications. There is also a First Edition model to mark the vehicle’s debut.

Land Rover has confirmed two mild-hybrid petrol engines (P300 and P400) and a diesel (D300) engine for the Defender 130.

The P300 completes the 0-60mph sprint in 7.5 seconds, while the P400 takes 6.3 seconds. The Ingenium D300 diesel engine is more efficient and has a 0-60mph time of 7.1 seconds.

Vehicles equipped with three-row seating have a luggage capacity of 389 litres with all the seats in place. The second and third row can be folded, providing up to 2,291-litres of space.

For Defender 130, Land Rover has introduced enhanced colour and material options for customers looking for an “even more refined experience”.

The interior is equipped with a new, larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen, while a four-zone climate control system is available on eight-seat models to ensure all passengers are comfortable.

To ensure the Defender 130 retains the model’s off-road capability, it comes with air suspension as standard and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. Changes to the Defender’s rear bumper were made to ensure the 130 has sufficient clearance as a result of its longer rear overhang.

The Land Rover Defender was named New Car of the Year at the 2021 AM Awards.