Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

Originally Posted by Tombie

So........

If we take the statement “wouldn’t want to scratch $100k of vehicle off road” out of the equation....

People would take a new D5 offroad?

I certainly would, regardless of price, because that’s what I would buy it for!

Not on the OEM tyres i wouldn't...

Agree with both of scarry's points. Tyres are paramount to a 4wd's capability. It gives one the ability to cater pressures to different terrains and the confidence to attack tough terrain without fear of/or a very unlikely chance of punctures.
I remeber watching one of Stefans youtube vids where he couldn't climb a massive dune, he was struggling. If im not mistaken he had to drop the pressures below or around 10psi. You would not be able to do that with 20 inch rims and low prifile tyres.

Yes without dual range transfer case Velar is less capable than D5 with dual range, however it still has rear locking diff, terrain resonse 2, 8 speed gearbox, etc. which is enough for 99% of the market for an urban focussed SUV - which realistically will be the majority market for D5 too.

My personal perspective is that:

1. If I wanted a new HD 4x4 wagon now, I wouldn't choose a D5, I'd wait for new Defender or get a mortgage and buy a G Professional Wagon.

2. If I wanted a new SUV now, I wouldn't choose a D5, I'd choose a Velar. Because, it's sexier, has dual everything else including touch screens and if that's the type of vehicle I wanted it would be spending 99% of its time on road.

The D5 has enticed me to look because I like Land Rovers. The D5 is obviously very capable, but to me it's really crossed the line and become too luxurious to be a bush vehicle, it's too Range Rover-like and it's shape is not as practical for load carrying or visibility as the D4 was. The D5 is certainly a technologically advanced and capable 4x4, but I wouldn't take one out bush for extended periods.

If money were no option and I had $100,000 to spend right now, I'd buy a new G Professional Wagon (or a second hand G350 with under 50,000km on the clock for under $100,000). ...I still wouldn't choose a D5.

Obviously this is simply my personal preference and others might love the D5. ...I'll look forward to seeing you out bush or on the road and I'll certainly wave if you will...

Originally Posted by scarry

Not on the OEM tyres i wouldn't...

How many D4’s went properly off road on the OEM tyres? So many AULRO threads about alternatives. This is hardly a reason to be critical of the D5 compared to the D4.

Originally Posted by TB

How many D4’s went properly off road on the OEM tyres? So many AULRO threads about alternatives. This is hardly a reason to be critical of the D5 compared to the D4.

The majority of drivers who use their vehicles off road change their tyres from OEM. Changing wheel size is another matter. Vehicles with low profile tyres and large diameter wheels are clearly primarily aimed at on-road majority use by manufacturers. But having said that, there are very few 4x4s that don't require some form of modification to become capable and durable off road. If wheels and tyres is all you change, it's no big deal.

Originally Posted by TB

How many D4’s went properly off road on the OEM tyres? So many AULRO threads about alternatives. This is hardly a reason to be critical of the D5 compared to the D4.

Not being critical at all,just a mod that needs to be done for any off road work or remote area travel.The vehicle is not ready for this type of work without the mod.

As said,very few vehicles have OEM tyres suitable for off road use.

LR products are actually one of the few vehicles that have OEM suspension that is suitable for off road work,the Discovery 3/4/5 is a good example.

In fact,for my needs,i also need a bar,cargo barrier,rack and dual battery system.

If these aren't available for the D5,there won't be one in our driveway.

And for those that go on about bars,i hit a roo very hard last week,it would have been a show stopper if it wasn't for the bar,which is now very slightly bent.

Originally Posted by AllTerr

Was just about to say that. I was there too and remember having to stop every 20 minutes to wait for the VW gearboxes to cool.....

Somehow i have never overheated mine despite doing heaps of serious 4wding including heaps of soft sand. But for sure i havent towed a camper trailer through the high country, and never would.

With a few basic mods done the right way the Amarok becomes very capable offroad, mine beats a 2.5" lifted patrol with 33" tyres basically all the time, and creams defenders, as long as neither have aftermarket diff locks fitted.

However, the lack of adequate low ratios particularly in reverse coupled with ridiculous reverse torque limiting (until you tune it out), are significant annoyances.

Originally Posted by 1nando

Agree with both of scarry's points. Tyres are paramount to a 4wd's capability. It gives one the ability to cater pressures to different terrains and the confidence to attack tough terrain without fear of/or a very unlikely chance of punctures.
I remeber watching one of Stefans youtube vids where he couldn't climb a massive dune, he was struggling. If im not mistaken he had to drop the pressures below or around 10psi. You would not be able to do that with 20 inch rims and low prifile tyres.

If you cant get near at least 8" of tyre sidewall height on a vehicle, you just cant take it seriously as a serious offroad vehicle. The rims and tyres will get too damaged making it unreliable, a hassle and expensive.