Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

It would be great if for a base model they had coils (for practicality they really must) but that would also require live axle to be useful. Probably too much of a wish list... Cheers

The OP's concern was that the new d5 doesn't look as capable offroad as its predecessor.

Its imposible for everyone to agree on a vehciles capabilities because we all expect different things and do different things with our vehicles. The term "offroad" is a bit of a loose term cause anything that isnt tarmac will be "offroad" to some and for others lifting wheels off the ground and scratching rock sliders is "offroad".
My personal opinion will be different to the next blokes for various reasons. I would never drive a d5 in the same situations ive put my defender in or through.
Would i feel comforable with the possiblity of damaging panels, rims, fuel tank etc....? No i wouldnt. Would i drive it through a tight track with high banks that could hit the panels....? No
Would i drive it up and through large rock steps....? No
Thats the offroad i do. Would it be a good tourer..? Maybe, but id pick a few cars in front of it.

Whether you want to admit it or not LR has decided to move into producing luxury cars, they've built a niche that people want to be a part off. LR can claim the d5 to be the greatest offroad vehicle of all time cause they want people to buy a luxury vehicle that promises to deliver adventure which only a small percentage of owners will ever do but hardy anyone will ever push the limit of. The people that LR market the d5 too are not the people that are going to drive them up to cape york, through the simo or any other difficult trip/track. They'll drive them to the hunter valley on a dirt road, maybe the barossa Valley for a wine tasting or maybe the beach. Thats my opinion and no one can say its wrong cause its my bloody opinion of "offroad". D5 is not my idea of "offroad"

My daughter is in the market, and almost bought a disco 5, however due to hubby pressure a BMW x3 40i is now top of the list. This is type of customer LR is chasing,
P.S am looking forward to borrowing the x3

Strangely though, the most significant aspect of D5 off road capability - Terrain response 2 -is not available on the base model coil sprung Disco 5! I don't get it. ...when it's the base model that is most likely to be a vehicle used in the bush.

There's always this if you like! Just to keep this thread going
Check out this article.
We've taken a wrong turn

Good for soccer players but but ugly.

Cheers

I hope the new Defender has EAS. The EAS on my 10 year old L322 with 265,000km has never let me down. I did replace the front air springs 9 mths ago as they were looking a bit sad and was going on a trip. It turned out that one shocks was dead.

I have the itemised service history of the previous owner. He replaced the compressor and rear shocks.

The ride on and off road is amazing. I can drop down in car parks or get an instant 2" lift for some rough stuff.

I'm sold on EAS. I reckon air springs are as reliable as a tyre that never touches the road.

Originally Posted by Zeros

Strangely though, the most significant aspect of D5 off road capability - Terrain response 2 -is not available on the base model coil sprung Disco 5! I don't get it. ...when it's the base model that is most likely to be a vehicle used in the bush.

Why would you want terrain response if you are going off road? For serious offroading you just need locking diffs. Even hill descent control is a poor concept that is not desirable for offroading. You want a car that responds to inputs in a predictable manner, so you, the driver, is in control.