By Clive Moleme

The 2025 Defender 130 is as much an event as it is a car. Massive, imposing, and brimming with presence, it is the SUV you buy if the regular Defender is not enough, whether you need seven seats, extra length, or simply want to make a statement. It delivers on its promise, but not without compromise.

Power options include Land Rover’s silky 3.0-litre inline-six mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 294 kW and 550 Nm, as well as a torquey diesel offering 257 kW and 700 nm (we were in the latter). Both are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. On the open road, the Defender D350 feels largely unbothered by its 2.6-tonne bulk, cruising in near silence and devouring long distances with ease. Push it harder, however, and you are reminded of its size. Body roll and sheer mass ensure it never feels agile.

Where the Defender truly shines is off-road. Terrain Response, low-range gearing, and a class-leading 900 mm wading depth make it one of the most capable luxury SUVs on sale. The air suspension keeps the ride plush, and ground clearance can be adjusted at the push of a button.

Step inside and it is rugged luxury all the way. Leather, metal, and chunky switchgear combine function with flair, while the Pivi Pro infotainment system anchors the tech offering. Space in the first two rows is excellent. The third row, while usable, is best suited to children or shorter trips. With all seats in place, boot space is limited, but fold them down and it transforms into a cavernous load area.

Safety and convenience are well covered. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a high-resolution camera system make city manoeuvres far easier than you might expect in something this size.

Pricing starts at R2,143,500, which is no small amount. That said, for families who want genuine off-road ability wrapped in luxury, very little else comes close to the Defender 130. It is big, bold, and brilliant when used for what it was built for. It may be overkill in the city, but on the highway and off the beaten track, it is very much king.