Thread: Disappointed in the D5 / waiting for the Defender

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Had a good sticky at a D5 today and I like it.
Obviously it's not the same as a Defender like mine, but I still like it. The D5 has a wider range of capabilities than the Defender, which is more narrowly focussed. I doubt if I could get 12 bags of goat poo in the back of a D5.
The new Defender will have to combine the versatility of the D5 with the off road capabilities of the Defender. If LR achieves that, it will be awesome.

One of the most sensible posts in recent time on this thread...

If it can't carry 12 bags of goat poo, is it "really" a LR?

Back onto topic header: I agreed at first, then I drove a D5 around the course at Solihull, the car is very capable. It is growing on me.
I'm also happy to see the SVX version, which at least is going in the right direction (I personally would've liked to see the V8 diesel, and larger fuel tanks for touring).
The new defender will be very different to the old (no doubt the AULRO server will melt down then).
Things change, and generally for the better, but not to everyone's liking.
Cheers

I don’t know about Goat Poo but my D4 has had 20 bags of concrete mix in the back without a problem (well GVM maybe)...

It dropped lower and lower as we loaded it and the bloke from Mitre 10 was laughing “can’t carry much can it”

I smiled, closed the tailgate and started the engine...

The look on the guys face as it has risen back to ride height was priceless..

And another bit of good news,looks like aftermarket 18" rims will be available in the very near future for the D5.

Now we just need a few other after market accessories to appear,,bars,cargo barriers,rock sliders,etc😉

I've also had a good walk around the D5 ...and the Velar.

If I wanted a luxury 4x4 sports wagon and I had the money I'd buy the Velar over a D5. It looks better, it's more technologically advanced and it is just as capable off road. I think the D5 is trying to be all things to all people, which simply isn't possible.

Personally I've always thought the D4 was too luxurious, but compared to the D5, the D4 looks decidedly pragmatic. Hence I understand the disappointment of many in the D4 fraternity. IMHO Discovery no longer fills the gap between Defender and Range Rover. It is a virtual Range Rover and will take sales from RRS. but not as many as Velar.

If the next Defender is anything like a more affordable G Professional Wagon I'll be excited and that means I agree with the OP, "disappointed in D5, waiting for Defender". But even then if I wanted a luxury wagon I'd choose the Velar.

Originally Posted by 1nando

Just stating how simple it is to overcome mud or any other difficult terrain in my defender mate. With elcokers front and rear and a Ashcroft centre atb the thing is pretty much unstoppable.
One lever and 2 buttons...

Actually looking at my post today I feel it was uncalled for,I apologise for it. Pat

At the end of the day each person wants their own particular mix of attributes from a vehicle. If you can find a vehicle that fits those perfectly, or well, or near enough, then thats good for you. Its understandable that a proportion of people may not.

Large companies pay for social media analysis, so if a large body of people are complimenting, or criticising, particular attributes in vehicles, it should get back to headquarters, and may influence future vehicles. We do have power here. We should voice our thoughts, both compliments and criticisms.

Critical minds and critical thinking are what create the best designs, it drives the challenging process of making better things.

Originally Posted by Zeros

I've also had a good walk around the D5 ...and the Velar.

If I wanted a luxury 4x4 sports wagon and I had the money I'd buy the Velar over a D5. It looks better, it's more technologically advanced and it is just as capable off road. I think the D5 is trying to be all things to all people, which simply isn't possible.

Personally I've always thought the D4 was too luxurious, but compared to the D5, the D4 looks decidedly pragmatic. Hence I understand the disappointment of many in the D4 fraternity. IMHO Discovery no longer fills the gap between Defender and Range Rover. It is a virtual Range Rover and will take sales from RRS. but not as many as Velar.

If the next Defender is anything like a more affordable G Professional Wagon I'll be excited and that means I agree with the OP, "disappointed in D5, waiting for Defender". But even then if I wanted a luxury wagon I'd choose the Velar.

Single speed TC so i wouldn't think so.
Review on 'Drive' also states no locking diffs,whether that is correct,who knows.
Space saver spare is interesting.