2020 Land Rover Defender (no 8 Seat Configuration?)

[Tim718]

When the new defender was announced, the press leaks all talked of an 8 seater set up. But now it’s released I can’t see this is possible? On the builder you can only select either the 6-seat or the 7-seat. Is there a reason LR won’t allow 8 seat configuration? Essentially it’s just the front boost seat optioned with the standard 5+2 so couldn’t see why this would be a problem? Any ideas?

[LaserTam]

Would 8 seats make it a minibus? Isn't there different laws about who can drive a minibus, need different driving licence or some such??

[100SRV]

Used to be that the LWB was available as eleven or twelve seats, the latter exempt from VAT because it was classed as a minibus. The driver has(d) to be over twenty-one to drive it however.

"Under UK law minibuses are only considered to be vehicles with 9 to 16 seats. Smaller vehicles like 8 seater cars aren't considered minibuses, and under most situations are legal to drive on standard car licences."

[bakerstreet]

I can see why they ditched it. Would have meant the vehicle needed to be a lot bigger and lets face they weren't going to fit side inward side facing seats in 2020 were they?

[Tim718]

bakerstreet said:

I can see why they ditched it. Would have meant the vehicle needed to be a lot bigger and lets face they weren't going to fit side inward side facing seats in 2020 were they?

How so? Is it not just the 7seat version (already available) with the jump seat where the front arm rest goes (already available) ?

So the 7seat option with this opted:
https://cdn.motor1.com/images/mgl/XPGO2/s1/land-ro...

Edited by Tim718 on Monday 9th December 12:41

[100SRV]

bakerstreet said:

I can see why they ditched it. Would have meant the vehicle needed to be a lot bigger and lets face they weren't going to fit side inward side facing seats in 2020 were they?

I have a 12 seat Station wagon and agree 100% - there is no way you'd fit twelve adults in there unless they were very skinny people. Even four adults is a tight fit for those in row 2.

[Jim1064]

My 2005 Defender td5 has the 4 side-facing seats in the back - so 8 seats + driver - and is therefore exempt from the London congestion charge
(but unfortunately not the ULEZ charge).

[Triple7]

Yeah, 8 seat still there. 3+3+2.

Went to preview this week. It’s huge and plenty of space, so can accommodate with no problem imho.

[Familymad]

Didn’t find it huge inside. Same size as current D5 and that’s a disappointment considering it’s external girth

[The Wookie]

The 130 is going to have a bigger rear overhang and the extra seats isn't it?

Edited by The Wookie on Monday 6th January 17:23

[Throttle Body]

The Wookie said:

The 130 is going to have a bigger rear overhang and the extra seats isn't it?

That is what I thought too.