Thread: D4 to D5 Move Thoughts

Well I have done a few hundred Kms so some thoughts for those who might be considering this move also.

1. Storage. The D5 is smaller. Those side window pockets in the rear of the D4 were cavernous compared to the D5. Where do I put all my shopping bags now? The same can be said of the glove boxes - smaller. Center console feels about the same. Large enough to lose stuff in it easily. The big test here was simply taking everything out of the D4 and having stuff left over in the laundry basket as I tried to fit it all back in. These are just day to day items too - not 4wd accessories.

2. Heat. I have found that there is a lot more heat coming through the windscreen and dash area than on the D4. ItÂ’s slope probably responsible. I did have a dash mat on the D4 but none on the D5 but still you can feel it.

3. Seating. This is definitely different. I was use to having the arm rest on the seat there to use. Whilst it is still there it sits under the center console so that is where my elbow now goes. I am 6’3” and I fill the seat up. The seating position feels narrower. The side support is better though. My wife (5’3”) finds the seats arm rest better as that is where her arm naturally falls. The seats do seem to slide further to the rear. I don’t feel quite as high, that command position you get on the D4 but still good.

4. Vision. Not as good as a D4 and this is often spoken about. Definitely harder to see the corners even for a tall person. Putting the 2nd row center headrest down makes rear vision much better. Mirrors are easy to use but with my car, fitted with tinting, I see lots of reflections of the dash vents when using the mirrors. Something to consider if you are thinking about tinting.

5. Power. Well there is a lot more of it in the sd6. Far more responsive and get up and went. Yet to try it off-road but I am sure if will show there as well as towing.

6. Fuel Efficiency. No figures as yet but on first look much better. Not only can I feel the weight difference obviously the car can also.

7. Driving. Highway and country roads only so far. No comparison. D5 is much nicer to drive though it is a long time since I drove a Disco with road tyres on it. Wife and I are not quite agreeing on road noises. She thinks it is noisier and I think about the same. Unfortunate that, it should be quieter.

8. Technology. No comparison as far as media goes. More accessory points for use by passengers etc. Love the automatic access level when you stop.

9. Add on. Not the variety that is available for D4 and expensive. I thought they would have begun to lower in price by now and have a greater range but perhaps not. Time will tell on this one.

Well I am still easing into it but I am not disappointed with the change, on road anyway. I will have to do some more changes before I take it off road to try out. I might have been a bad buying choice but I don’t feel comfortable taking it off-road with huge 22” road tyres on it. So the question is 18” or 20” rims with off-road tyres.

I would have to say the biggest disappointment so far is storage loss. The greatest advantage is how much less it weighs and the power.

Probably not a good time to respond as mine is currently having a holiday at a dealers trying to find a parasitic power drain.

Still finding the D5 better to drive on the road than the D4. Still very little off road, but gravel roads are also better than D4.

Still waiting to tow with it as I need to fix the power draw issues before I can take the van out. The electrics are starting to scare me to be honest, though that might be just the dealer I bought it from.

Unable to decide between a Traxide dual battery system (fitted to my D4) or a DC-DC charger due to the battery/power drain issues I am having. Not sure how well the alternator works compared to D4. It does not appear to want to fully charge the battery. I have just put a new battery in so when I get the power drain issue fixed I will get a better idea of what is going on. I have installed a BM2 battery monitor to help out.

Ron, haven’t found an issue with the turning circle as yet but it is a big vehicle. At this time I still like the power and have not noticed the ad-blue usage.

Wife tells me the 3rd row seats are not as comfortable as the D4. Headrests on 2nd row not as comfortable either (comments from a few passengers).