Thread: D4 or RRS?

Originally Posted by BMKal

With only a few exceptions, they are basically the same vehicle, just with a different body dropped over the same running gear.

This isn't the case if you look at the D4 and the latest RRS (MY 2014 on).The new RRS has the L405 Range Rover architecture and is a completely different vehicle.

Having both a D4 and L494 RRS at home at the moment I think I can give a good comparison. Yes, the D4 is a more practical vehicle in fact I don't think there is a 4wd on the market that can compare to the D4 for practicality. All it really needs is greater fuel capacity and a higher GVM to be perfect.
The 35/30/35 seats all fold flat and give an unrivalled load space and there are lots of pockets in doors, a double glovebox and decent seat pockets in the back. The RRS is limited for storage with only a single glovebox and smaller door pockets and rear seat pockets. The rear seats don't fold flat and fold 60/40, the load space is wider but shorter and the angle of the rear glass is poor for loads. The centre seat is flat and I wouldn't want to sit in it too long. The outer seats are nicer though and have an adjustable backrest. The centre console on the RRS is better as it is deeper and you can fit bottles taller than a can in it. The D4 seats are plusher than the RRS, the RRS seats hold you in better and are more adjustable, the RRS head rests are superior as they don't push you head forward.

I like sitting in the RRS better as the cabin encloses you with the higher centre console but the D4 is still a lovely place to sit and it comes down to personal preference. My RRS has heated/cooled seats which are very nice and unlike the D4 you can select squab or backrest heating/cooling individually. I prefer the RRS digital TFT dash as it displays more information such as GPS and off-road info. The RRS 925W Meridian ICE is superior to the HK premium system in my D4 but both are very good.

The ride is firmer on the RRS but swapping from 275 40 22 tyres to 255 55 20s improves it a lot. The RRS kills the D4 for handling (CVD and Dynamic response) and braking (6 piston Brembos) as you would expect but the D4 has a better turning circle. The RRS goes a little (lot) better but does have 100kw more and weighs substantially less so that is expected. Fuel economy so far is 2l/100 better in the RRS. Fuel tank is 105l but 120 would be better.

Looks are personal but the RRS is pretty unique I don't think it looks like any other vehicle except the other Range Rovers in the family.

Living with the RRS shouldn't be a problem it still has plenty of room in the load space for what I want and I will make a set of drawers for it and my fridge. Accessories are lacking but I don't need a bullbar or wheel carrier. I can add a second battery easily, roof rails and run 275 55 20 tyres which there are a few of and even a LT BFG KO2.

Thanks for everyone's input to the thread, In the end it was neither, I'm now the proud owner of an 8 month old D5 with 5500 km.
The car has a stack of options that I'm having trouble sorting even with the help of TOPIx, but I'll take that up on the D5 thread. Hopefully the original dealer will help but I haven't asked yet.
Thanks
Greg