Defenders assemble! 2023 Land Rover Defender takes aim at Toyota LC300 and Lexus LX with new V8-powered flagship, extra-lux Outbound variant and plug-in hybrid option

Land Rover has revealed its refreshed 2023 Defender range, now topped by a V8-powered 130, as well as introducing a luxurious Outbound grade and a new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Australia will also receive the 110 Hard Top workhorse later this year, which ditches the rear seats for more storage capacity.

The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 that is currently on offer in the Defender 90 and 110 has now made its way to the three-row 130 bodystyle, producing 368kW/610Nm.

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While this is slightly less than the 386kW/625Nm outputs of the 90 and 110, the V8-powered 130 can still accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds.

Standing the 130 V8 apart from the six-cylinder P400 and D300 variants are two exclusive colours – Carpathian Grey and Santorini Black – as well as quad exhaust outlets, unique exterior badging and 22-inch wheels finished in Satin Dark Grey.

The new V8 Defender also scores a sliding panoramic roof, matrix LED headlights, blacked-out tail-lights, rear privacy glass, heated and cooled driver’s seat, quad-zone climate control, a head-up display and an 11.4-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

Pricing for the 130 V8 puts it at the top of the Defender tree, with Land Rover asking $237,900 before on-road costs, while the 90 V8 and 110 V8 are positioned at $221,550 and $226,500 respectively.

Meanwhile, the Outbound is built on the longest and largest Defender shape, the 130, but instead of the three-row seating offered in the existing D300 SE and P400 SE, the new flagship variant only has space for five passengers.

This means more space for gear, with Land Rover quoting a 1329-litre boot capacity, which can expand to 2516L with the second-row seats folded.

From the outside, the Outbound is distinguished by a Shadow Atlas Matt finish to the bumpers and front grille, gloss-black 20-inch alloys wheels and contrasting Anthracite side vents.

Boot space is rated up to 2516 litres.

Inside, buyers can option either full Windsor leather or durable Resist fabric, depending on where they plan on taking their new Land Rover, while rubber floor mats, additional storage areas, extra lashing points and another cargo net are also on offer.

Powering the Defender 130 Outbound is the P400 powertrain – a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol six-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology – boasting 294kW/550Nm.

Drive is, of course, sent to all four wheels, while braked towing capacity is rated at 3000kg.

The Defender 130 Outbound will set buyers back $138,400, which is a modest $2700 increase over the P400 upon which it is based.

The Defender 110 Hard Top workhorse is also now confirmed for an Australian arrival this year, and features independent coil-sprung suspension and a 3500kg towing capacity, with power coming from the 183kW/570Nm D250 3.0-litre turbo-diesel six-cylinder engine.

The Outbound is distinguished by a Shadow Atlas Matt finish.

With just seating for the driver and front passenger (and the option for a jump seat), the Hard Top is billed as a “combination of cargo space, practicality and premium comfort”.

Land Rover is touting the 110 Hard Top’s towing and off-road capabilities, as well as advanced technologies such as a surround-view monitor and Remote smartphone app, and it will set buyers back $110,000.

Finally, the Defender is now available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain – known as the P400e – that is offered exclusively in the 110 bodystyle.

Combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor means a total output of 297kW/640Nm – which makes it more potent that the petrol-only 294kW/550Nm P400 powertrain.

The P400e is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in 5.6s, while its 52km electric-only driving rage helps bring fuel economy down to just 3.4 litres per 100km.

The Defender is now available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Defender plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) also boasts DC fast-charging capabilities, allowing it to recoup up to 80 per cent of its batter in just 30 minutes.

The P400e powertrain will be available in X-Dynamic SE and X-Dynamic HSE trim levels priced at $127,600 and $139,300 respectively.

Other changes across the new Defender range include a loadspace floor tray for 90 and 130 eight-seater models, a new grab handle and quick-fold functions for the 90 seats, and a new County Exterior styling back for the 110 P300 and P400 variants.

The 2023 Defender line-up has also been trimmed, with the removal of the 75th Limited Edition grades.

Prices are also up across the board, ranging from $250 to $4050, depending on variant.