Land Rover is adding to its popular Defender range with the introduction next year of the 130 eight-seater version.

It has been spotted on public roads for the first time and Autocar UK has exclusive photos of a camouflaged prototype near Land Rover's headquarters in Warwickshire.

It is positioned as the 'premium explorer' of the Defender range, while the entry-level 90 is the 'halo, image icon', and the 110 is the 'definitive Defender', says Autocar UK. 

The 130 is likely to command a substantial price premium over the other Defender models and be available in top-end trim levels only. In New Zealand, the Defender 110 starts from $103,900.

If available here, Land Rover NZ is expected to sell a limited number of the eight-seater as demand is low for such a premium SUV. The distributor may instead gauge interest in the product.

While the previous-generation Defender 130 featured an extended wheelbase over the 110, the new car's longer footprint comes courtesy of a visibly upsized rear overhang, which takes the vehicle's total length to 5.1m – 342mm longer than the 110, says Autocar UK.

The prototype was fitted with Land Rover's new mild-hybridised 3-litre straight-six petrol engine.