New Defender purchase

[EdJ]

I test drove the Defender 90 last week. Really impressed, and have been agonising all week whether we could replace our Range Rover with one. Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that we can't due to the lack of space, and not so easy access to the back seats, but I'm now thinking about getting the 110.

Question now is whether to go for the hybrid, or the V6 P400 engine. I'm impressed with everything I read about the V6, but have had a good experience with the hybrid in my Range Rover for the last 3 years. Has anyone got the Defender PHEV yet?

A key aspect that the family loved about the 90 we test drove, was the jump seat in the front. We will likely go for this, but I'm suspecting it won't be a good resale point as it means you cannot opt for the two extra seats in the boot. Anyone with a jump seat have any views? Would you spec it again?

I'm being quoted 6 months delivery by my dealer - these cars are clearly popular.

[55north1west]

EdJ said:

I test drove the Defender 90 last week. Really impressed, and have been agonising all week whether we could replace our Range Rover with one. Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that we can't due to the lack of space, and not so easy access to the back seats, but I'm now thinking about getting the 110.

Question now is whether to go for the hybrid, or the V6 P400 engine. I'm impressed with everything I read about the V6, but have had a good experience with the hybrid in my Range Rover for the last 3 years. Has anyone got the Defender PHEV yet?

A key aspect that the family loved about the 90 we test drove, was the jump seat in the front. We will likely go for this, but I'm suspecting it won't be a good resale point as it means you cannot opt for the two extra seats in the boot. Anyone with a jump seat have any views? Would you spec it again?

I'm being quoted 6 months delivery by my dealer - these cars are clearly popular.

Did your test drive 90 have air suspension? I’ve added it as an option and wonder what you thought of it?

[EdJ]

55north1west said:

Did your test drive 90 have air suspension? I’ve added it as an option and wonder what you thought of it?

It did indeed, and was very comfortable. I didn't do too many miles, and most of them were slow and around town, but it didn't feel any less premium than my L405 Range Rover and when you factor in the quality of the materials, and the modern infotainment, I'd say it felt a notch above.

[Davel]

On my LR Experience day, my instructor flt that the standard suspension should be good enough for almost every situation.

I didn't spec it on my car.

I used a 110 on that day and was very impressed although I prefer the shorter 90 personally.

[55north1west]

EdJ said:

55north1west said:

Did your test drive 90 have air suspension? I’ve added it as an option and wonder what you thought of it?

It did indeed, and was very comfortable. I didn't do too many miles, and most of them were slow and around town, but it didn't feel any less premium than my L405 Range Rover and when you factor in the quality of the materials, and the modern infotainment, I'd say it felt a notch above.

Excellent thanks, I’ll happily take RR ride quality. We added it for the access height, the air suspended cars seem to sit 2 inches lower at rest. We haven’t had a chance to get a test drive and cannot wait to get our new car, build date forecast of 1st week October, hopefully delivered just in time for winter

[Shanksy87]

EdJ said:

I test drove the Defender 90 last week. Really impressed, and have been agonising all week whether we could replace our Range Rover with one. Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that we can't due to the lack of space, and not so easy access to the back seats, but I'm now thinking about getting the 110.

Question now is whether to go for the hybrid, or the V6 P400 engine. I'm impressed with everything I read about the V6, but have had a good experience with the hybrid in my Range Rover for the last 3 years. Has anyone got the Defender PHEV yet?

A key aspect that the family loved about the 90 we test drove, was the jump seat in the front. We will likely go for this, but I'm suspecting it won't be a good resale point as it means you cannot opt for the two extra seats in the boot. Anyone with a jump seat have any views? Would you spec it again?

I'm being quoted 6 months delivery by my dealer - these cars are clearly popular.

In my experience the P400e works best if you’re a more gentle driver as the electric motor’s torque fill makes for very smooth progress. The P400 with the inline 6cyl MHEV engine is a bit lazier at the low end but the mid range torque makes it more satisfying if you tend to lean on the loud pedal a bit more. Another way to look at it is if you drive around towns and suburbs the PHEV is best, but the MHEV is nicer if you’re out in the sticks. My money would get the P400 110, or the V8 if budget allows.

[mjw0321]

55north1west said:

Excellent thanks, I’ll happily take RR ride quality. We added it for the access height, the air suspended cars seem to sit 2 inches lower at rest. We haven’t had a chance to get a test drive and cannot wait to get our new car, build date forecast of 1st week October, hopefully delivered just in time for winter

I’ve just got a 110 to replace my Range Rover and the Defender rides better than the Range Rover! Probably to do with the fact that the RR had 22”s and the Defender has 20’s, but I’m still very impressed.

[clelland3]

My PHEV 110 order from last september now delayed till at least sept/oct 21 - dealer reckons mine will be first one in edinburgh....bought a 110 d200s in the meantime to get used to car - and love it - looking forward to more power tho in new car - ordered jump seat for fun factor - will report in when arrived.

[cidered77]

Taking a 90 on an extended test drive on Saturday.

Totally impractical, not enough space in the back, doors very heavy, not a good time to be dropping 60k+ on a diesel car.... so of course we want it badly. sigh.

As there is some 17k's difference between my configorated spec and the wife's (she even ticked the ruddy shower - "useful for her cross country running apparently!!) ,what do we think the must-have options are, beyond those that are more subjective/taste based (e.g.a ruddy great ladder on the side).

How is the air suspension? anyone know if makes a huge different to ride quality if you're on the smaller steel wheels anyway?

3 zone climate control - assume the standard one is fine?

Does the adaptive cruise control work well? Have it on the Yaris, and love it for long boring drives... but needs to work to the point you don't notice, of course.

For the sound system - any upgrades a must do? or standard setup ok?

Much appreciate any insight from any owners or serial test drivers out there.....

[petemurphy]

been playing with the configurator - do people go for the bigger computer screen? only 180ish i think so why would you not - does it not look as well fitting? never actually seen one on one so wondered why not seeing how cheap it is cw other options. thanks

[595Heaven]

cidered77 said:

Taking a 90 on an extended test drive on Saturday.

Totally impractical, not enough space in the back, doors very heavy, not a good time to be dropping 60k+ on a diesel car.... so of course we want it badly. sigh.

As there is some 17k's difference between my configorated spec and the wife's (she even ticked the ruddy shower - "useful for her cross country running apparently!!) ,what do we think the must-have options are, beyond those that are more subjective/taste based (e.g.a ruddy great ladder on the side).

How is the air suspension? anyone know if makes a huge different to ride quality if you're on the smaller steel wheels anyway?

3 zone climate control - assume the standard one is fine?

Does the adaptive cruise control work well? Have it on the Yaris, and love it for long boring drives... but needs to work to the point you don't notice, of course.

For the sound system - any upgrades a must do? or standard setup ok?

Much appreciate any insight from any owners or serial test drivers out there.....

The ride on coil suspension is fine. My 90 is on 20”s and it is very relaxed. Air suspension that I had on my 110 is better, but the main advantage is for access mode and for additional off-road ground clearance. Small children and elderly would prefer the access mode tbh.

Adaptive cruise works well. Will come to a complete stop and then start again so good in queues.

I’ve got Meridian in the 90, and it is a lot better than the base audio. Huge difference.

Enjoy the drive!

[cidered77]

595Heaven said:

The ride on coil suspension is fine. My 90 is on 20”s and it is very relaxed. Air suspension that I had on my 110 is better, but the main advantage is for access mode and for additional off-road ground clearance. Small children and elderly would prefer the access mode tbh.

Adaptive cruise works well. Will come to a complete stop and then start again so good in queues.

I’ve got Meridian in the 90, and it is a lot better than the base audio. Huge difference.

Enjoy the drive!

Hah, the height issue just hit me earlier today .. and mitigation for lack of luggage space for holiday trips (roof rack, of course ladder too..) must put it above most 2.0/2.1 height restrictions… Google search took me back to the very thread I posted in a few hours ago!

Thanks for your info… and yes, looks like air suspensions must to creep it under 2m with a roof rack. Can measure myself at the dealer at the weekend.

[Shiverman]

cidered77 said:

Taking a 90 on an extended test drive on Saturday.

Totally impractical, not enough space in the back, doors very heavy, not a good time to be dropping 60k+ on a diesel car.... so of course we want it badly. sigh.

As there is some 17k's difference between my configorated spec and the wife's (she even ticked the ruddy shower - "useful for her cross country running apparently!!) ,what do we think the must-have options are, beyond those that are more subjective/taste based (e.g.a ruddy great ladder on the side).

How is the air suspension? anyone know if makes a huge different to ride quality if you're on the smaller steel wheels anyway?

3 zone climate control - assume the standard one is fine?

Does the adaptive cruise control work well? Have it on the Yaris, and love it for long boring drives... but needs to work to the point you don't notice, of course.

For the sound system - any upgrades a must do? or standard setup ok?

Much appreciate any insight from any owners or serial test drivers out there.....

Exactly the same thoughts as you on being impractical but Mrs Shiver loves it.

To make it worse we went petrol with 22” wheels and a little street presence courtesy of URBAN.

Spec level is P300 X Dynamic SE and it seems to have most of the essential toys and rides well on springs.

[EdJ]

I was really impressed with the cruise. Unlike in my Range Rover where you have to tap the accelerator after after a coming to a stop, the Defender picks things up again by itself.

Funny you mention about the larger screen. I thought a “no brainier” to spec it, but my 12 year old son said that the smaller screen was way cooler. What do I know?

[cidered77]

Shiverman said:

Exactly the same thoughts as you on being impractical but Mrs Shiver loves it.

To make it worse we went petrol with 22” wheels and a little street presence courtesy of URBAN.

Spec level is P300 X Dynamic SE and it seems to have most of the essential toys and rides well on springs.

Very nice: "murdered out", as i believe the kids say.....

This configurator is very addictive ... got a D250 to 69k, can't see which obvious options to remove. Maybe the A bar protection is a bit of a luxury for a cliched family commuter never likely to go much off road. But...it just ... looks... so... cool.

The other big issue for me at the moment is how long will this covid used car price boom last for? Offered 20.4k on the website on our Disco Sport - was 16k or so when i first did that a few months back. On assumption any top line discount will be modest - that's potentially several thousand off if i do it now. Dammit - too tempting.

[Shiverman]

cidered77 said:

Shiverman said:

Exactly the same thoughts as you on being impractical but Mrs Shiver loves it.

To make it worse we went petrol with 22” wheels and a little street presence courtesy of URBAN.

Spec level is P300 X Dynamic SE and it seems to have most of the essential toys and rides well on springs.

Very nice: "murdered out", as i believe the kids say.....

This configurator is very addictive ... got a D250 to 69k, can't see which obvious options to remove. Maybe the A bar protection is a bit of a luxury for a cliched family commuter never likely to go much off road. But...it just ... looks... so... cool.


The other big issue for me at the moment is how long will this covid used car price boom last for? Offered 20.4k on the website on our Disco Sport - was 16k or so when i first did that a few months back. On assumption any top line discount will be modest - that's potentially several thousand off if i do it now. Dammit - too tempting.

Murdered out sounds about right!! It is certainly getting attention. My wife swapped from a Porsche Macan Turbo Performance and she is massively impressed. Yes it's slower and has poor boot space, but the cabin space is great and ride comfort is too.

Ours was bought from Urban so we didn't have the opportunity to spec it - thankfully - or I'd have been like you. I think our car was about £61k new (only a few options on top of the X Dynamic SE spec) and it doesn't seem to be missing much IMO. The extra's for us was the Urban upgrades that they did and which sold it to Mrs S.
I have been shopping the accessories list already and am sorely tempted with the snorkel and a few other bits. LOL

I think the COVID car price boom is here for a little while but it was a big factor in us selling the Macan. We ran the car for 11 months and got back what we paid for it. I know the Defender won't fair so well as it's new, but my man maths will factor the time period of free 11 months motoring in the Porsche.

I also think Defender 90's may keep their money quite well for a while as there is limited stock and reduced new builds which pushes people to the used market. Just my thoughts and I may be wrong but change now while money is strong on your old car or wait and when prices drop on the Disco, you'll have to go pre-owned on the Defender or have a higher cost of change.
I think new is the only car I could justify ATM as secondhand values are too inflated for my liking.

Good luck with your decision and I'm sure you'll love it if you jump in.

[cidered77]

Shiverman said:

Murdered out sounds about right!! It is certainly getting attention. My wife swapped from a Porsche Macan Turbo Performance and she is massively impressed. Yes it's slower and has poor boot space, but the cabin space is great and ride comfort is too.

Ours was bought from Urban so we didn't have the opportunity to spec it - thankfully - or I'd have been like you. I think our car was about £61k new (only a few options on top of the X Dynamic SE spec) and it doesn't seem to be missing much IMO. The extra's for us was the Urban upgrades that they did and which sold it to Mrs S.
I have been shopping the accessories list already and am sorely tempted with the snorkel and a few other bits. LOL

I think the COVID car price boom is here for a little while but it was a big factor in us selling the Macan. We ran the car for 11 months and got back what we paid for it. I know the Defender won't fair so well as it's new, but my man maths will factor the time period of free 11 months motoring in the Porsche.

I also think Defender 90's may keep their money quite well for a while as there is limited stock and reduced new builds which pushes people to the used market. Just my thoughts and I may be wrong but change now while money is strong on your old car or wait and when prices drop on the Disco, you'll have to go pre-owned on the Defender or have a higher cost of change.
I think new is the only car I could justify ATM as secondhand values are too inflated for my liking.

Good luck with your decision and I'm sure you'll love it if you jump in.

Currently at this sort of look - adding a ladder, and the fabric roof. 69k which is a huge amount, but also - by definition it's a silly impractical car, so figure makes sense to go "all in"! And yes - my PHD in man maths is driving similar conclusions on time to buy. It's a niche product likely to sell way less than the 110, if waiting lists remain as is - i am hopeful residuals remain healthy. Plus chuck in the benefit of a strong p/x, and with all those options - got to think there is a dealer out there willing to shave off a little. Even if my local dealer is not....

I know every car can be configured to an extent, but do love how you can make such difference looks depending on which direction you go. Murdered Out and Cheesy Retro (tm) - completely different but very cool interpretations just with two cars there.

[EdJ]

Completely agree with the thoughts around the 90 vs the 110. I'm still agonising over whether I could get away with the 90. I figure that if we have the jump seat in the front, one of my children could sit there, and then we fold 2/3rds of the rear seats down and there's loads of room....

The other frustration is that the 90 isn't available as a hybrid. I've got very used to using next to no petrol on my local driving, and given I do a lot of sub 30 mile driving, the hybrid really does feel like the way to go. But then again, maybe I should see this as one of the last opportunities to buy a car with a proper engine... etc etc...

[Shiverman]

cidered77 said:

Currently at this sort of look - adding a ladder, and the fabric roof. 69k which is a huge amount, but also - by definition it's a silly impractical car, so figure makes sense to go "all in"! And yes - my PHD in man maths is driving similar conclusions on time to buy. It's a niche product likely to sell way less than the 110, if waiting lists remain as is - i am hopeful residuals remain healthy. Plus chuck in the benefit of a strong p/x, and with all those options - got to think there is a dealer out there willing to shave off a little. Even if my local dealer is not....

I know every car can be configured to an extent, but do love how you can make such difference looks depending on which direction you go. Murdered Out and Cheesy Retro (tm) - completely different but very cool interpretations just with two cars there.

Looks awesome. I love a bit of cheesy retro! Looks exactly like the 90 I grew up with and my mum used to drive us in to France and Ireland towing a caravan for the summer.

Agree on your thoughts of being a nickel vehicle. My mum saw ours today and was really into it and totally agreed with our own non-sensical decision.

If you can get a good delivery date and maybe a little discount I’d go for it!!

[Leithen]

EdJ said:

Completely agree with the thoughts around the 90 vs the 110. I'm still agonising over whether I could get away with the 90. I figure that if we have the jump seat in the front, one of my children could sit there, and then we fold 2/3rds of the rear seats down and there's loads of room....

The other frustration is that the 90 isn't available as a hybrid. I've got very used to using next to no petrol on my local driving, and given I do a lot of sub 30 mile driving, the hybrid really does feel like the way to go. But then again, maybe I should see this as one of the last opportunities to buy a car with a proper engine... etc etc...

The centre front jump seat makes the 90 much more attractive to me, but do the rear seats split when it's a six seater? The build your own configurator says '40:20:40 fixed rear seats with centre armrest".