L405 tested and dissapointed
Discussion
Took out a 2015 AB yesterday for a long drive and was so dissapointed with the ride and the way you tipped from side to side unsupported in the seats.
Is it worth taking out the new sport as its less lofty? Is it any better in this respect? Does the suspension at least ride as smooth as i could forgive this if it doesnt have me looking out of side windows as i corner or my head wobbling side to side as i go down an undulating straight road.
Jumped in my XF and it was a joy after the Range Rover, thats not right!
Really could do with the extra space for the pooches but im not putting up with being thrown about like that, XF estate is the other option but fancy a change.
Is it worth taking out the new sport as its less lofty? Is it any better in this respect? Does the suspension at least ride as smooth as i could forgive this if it doesnt have me looking out of side windows as i corner or my head wobbling side to side as i go down an undulating straight road.
Jumped in my XF and it was a joy after the Range Rover, thats not right!
Really could do with the extra space for the pooches but im not putting up with being thrown about like that, XF estate is the other option but fancy a change.
The sport is noticeably more stable in the corners, a little firmer as the trade off but not crashy. Would recommend looking for one with ARC, believe standard on the tdv8 amongst others. Target 16MY (65 plate) as the infotainment/hvac controls are slightly nicer than the 14/15MY variants.
Failing all of this, given you're coming from an XF and seem to want some more engagement that is a lot to ask from 2500kg of anything (SVR excepted), have you considered the middle ground Velar? This is my favourite as it offers you a bit of both worlds.
Failing all of this, given you're coming from an XF and seem to want some more engagement that is a lot to ask from 2500kg of anything (SVR excepted), have you considered the middle ground Velar? This is my favourite as it offers you a bit of both worlds.
Thanks shanksy,
the only reason im considering the sport tbh is because they had the latest facelift there with the very similar front end to the 405.
we dont like the look of the velar back end or its seating height, the sport felt so similar to the 405 to sit in and its looks werent too far away, played with the LR build site this afternoon and it has all the toys of the 405 AB so if it cures that loffty sway it could be a winner.
will have to see how much more harsh the ride is then because i wasnt ‘that’ impressed with the RR. The 9 year old XJ we took out was leagues ahead of it.
the only reason im considering the sport tbh is because they had the latest facelift there with the very similar front end to the 405.
we dont like the look of the velar back end or its seating height, the sport felt so similar to the 405 to sit in and its looks werent too far away, played with the LR build site this afternoon and it has all the toys of the 405 AB so if it cures that loffty sway it could be a winner.
will have to see how much more harsh the ride is then because i wasnt ‘that’ impressed with the RR. The 9 year old XJ we took out was leagues ahead of it.
Well the Autobiography seats can be adjusted, side bolsters can be tightened it feels almost like a bucket seat so maybe you didn't play enough with the seat buttons.
You need to have the adaptive dynamics which I believe is standard on the 5.0 Supercharged and although not a sportscar makes a massive difference in handling.
No SUV will handle like a sportscar but if you want better handling go for a Sport/SVR or if you want the best handling Range Rover proper go for the SvAutobiography Dynamic.
You need to have the adaptive dynamics which I believe is standard on the 5.0 Supercharged and although not a sportscar makes a massive difference in handling.
No SUV will handle like a sportscar but if you want better handling go for a Sport/SVR or if you want the best handling Range Rover proper go for the SvAutobiography Dynamic.
We did play with every seat setting, so much so the salesman came back out to see if we were ok as we were sat in car park for quite a while 
the bolsters are very low so no upper back lateral support like some sports seats, although they helped they were pretty inafective in comparison to the cars sway.
I wasnt expecting sports car handling as i owned an l322 before, what i was expecting was a far better level of body control compared to previous model and more seat support, and it offered neither, a slight improvement but nothing major tbh, was really hoping but alas, no dynamic pack is going to eradicate what was pressent.
I’ll try the sport and see how it goes.
the bolsters are very low so no upper back lateral support like some sports seats, although they helped they were pretty inafective in comparison to the cars sway.I wasnt expecting sports car handling as i owned an l322 before, what i was expecting was a far better level of body control compared to previous model and more seat support, and it offered neither, a slight improvement but nothing major tbh, was really hoping but alas, no dynamic pack is going to eradicate what was pressent.
I’ll try the sport and see how it goes.
Triple7 said:
Go try a Sport. There is no reason why you would want to spend the extra for a FFRR imho....
Intersting comment, it’ll need to be better in body control without a loss in ride comfort though, maybe a tall order, assume the AB has air suspension & i suppose dynamic is a must to give it a fair shout?What engine was it ? There is a real difference between the way the L405 with the 3.6 handles compared to the 4.4 (which has some active dynamics)
I had the 4.4 AB which I loved (when working) and although no sports car didn’t really find it wanting. But had a 3.6 as a loaner from the dealers for one of the periods (literally months) mine was unavailable and it was nowhere near as nice in the handling department. Certainly to the extent that I’d not want to own one.
I was a bit suprised at how noticeable the difference was, especially as the 3.6 is less nose heavy and should in theory bring advantages.
Maybe try another one to see if it was vehicle specific?
I had the 4.4 AB which I loved (when working) and although no sports car didn’t really find it wanting. But had a 3.6 as a loaner from the dealers for one of the periods (literally months) mine was unavailable and it was nowhere near as nice in the handling department. Certainly to the extent that I’d not want to own one.
I was a bit suprised at how noticeable the difference was, especially as the 3.6 is less nose heavy and should in theory bring advantages.
Maybe try another one to see if it was vehicle specific?
Indeed. You need to make sure you have the Dynamic suspension. I had both L322 and L405 Supercharged Autobiography and they're night and day handlingwise. So I suspect the one you tried didn't have the Dynamic package because you simply have to feel the difference.
The L322 handles like a boat, L405 with Adaptive Dynamics offers a great balance between handling and comfort.
The optional dynamic suspension significantly reduces roll in corners and improves handling.
The L322 handles like a boat, L405 with Adaptive Dynamics offers a great balance between handling and comfort.
The optional dynamic suspension significantly reduces roll in corners and improves handling.
Tdv8, 2014, 60k miles, no mention of active dynamics so i assume it had some, i did look for settings for comfort / sport etc but couldnt find anything, just the wheel for ride height we i adjusted as low as possible to make sure it wasnt running in some extra heght mode.
I’ll try one with active as well as the sport with active and see what gives, hoping it makes the difference suggested as it really does give us everything else we need.
Thanks for advice
I’ll try one with active as well as the sport with active and see what gives, hoping it makes the difference suggested as it really does give us everything else we need.
Thanks for advice
Edited by Pvapour on Tuesday 16th October 11:27
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