I have had a loaner D5 for a week Ask Me Anything (LR4 owner)

[machmike]

Window tint. When you say better do you mean darker?

Where is the world are you? I prefer lighter tints as for 6 months out of the year there is very little daylight here as is.

I'm in Colorado. between us and Arizona, we have the most Sun in the USA, something around 330 days of Sun/Clear skies. Of course, Colorado has sun and snow which equals a VERY bright landscape.
The Tint is a very nice quality, not something like my 15 Tundra would have. The LR tint works well and is extremely high quality.

 

[machmike]

I have returned the loaner.

Quick Summary: The Discovery5 is 3x the luxury vehicle the LR4 is and 1/2 the Offroad machine. This would be a fantastic alternative to a minivan/Large Truck combo.

• I have to say it is built very well and is a great ride. Getting back into the LR4 I could feel the downgrade in the luxury department.
  • I would say go with a lighter colored headliner if ordering one. It will make the car feel taller.
• The technology is abundant and much better than the LR4.
• The D5 feels freaking heavy. I would say it weigh 800lbs more than an LR4 if I didn't know it was 400lbs less.
• The long nose is terrible. Hard to judge certain things.
• Reaching the glove compartment was nearly impossible. Is this thing that much larger than the LR4?
• Turn Radius subpar. I will actually go ahead and say it may be worst in class. This is a killer.. it was surprisingly so bad I would get irritated.
• Heating and Cooling is NOT good.
• Fit and Finish is better than LR4, Although choosing plastic instead of the rubberized finish was a VERY BAD choice.
• Seats are Better than LR4, but If you don't like RR style seating its a wash. I like both so its a wash to me.
• No mesh sunroof covers. I really like the mesh. ..I had no clue I would miss the strangest thing about the LR4..who knew?
• Looks grew on me like the Grinch's heart. So about 3x. A stubby nose and a rear bumper update would go a long way IMO.
• I had a loaded version. Sticker said 68k. I would say it was worth 55k.
• Offroad and heavy snow performance: a solid 8/10. Traction control system and launch control were better than LR4. I actually missed this aspect.
• I did feel like I was getting into a cheaper model truck when I got my LR4 back. That was a weird feeling.
• The LR4 felt very spry in comparison when I got it back.
• I take back that it was noisy. It was very VERY quiet off the highway, on the highway I think the 20" wheels are the issue.

Would I own one? I don't think so if it was my personal daily truck like the LR4. Would I own one to compliment my LR4? Surprisingly Yes...Only after I find out what the new Bronco is going to be like. This would be a great SUV for an active family. It can tow. Its better than an explorer or Jeep Cherokee. It fits that niche that is missing right now. A 7 person truck that isn't HUGE, can really tow a nice sized trailer, handle large dogs, tough terrain, and the serious weather. It also isn't a mega yacht like a Sequoia. You would have to buy a tundra extended Cab and a minivan as a pair to cover all the bases.

 

[catman]

Great review!

At 68k I would say it was not fully "loaded", but rather mid-range. They ramp the D5's all the way up to 90K with misc features. I think that is part of the rub with people, it's just a LOT of money for something that competes in the family hauler category. Did yours have the rear air vents? Lots of complaints about the lack of vents and subsequent lack of heating or cooling. I suspect this will be one of the major changes for 2019.

Current D5 inventory breakdown by pricing (from LR site):
under $55K (47)
$55K - $59,999 (183)
$60K - $64,999 (259)
$65K - $69,999 (755)
$70K - $74,999 (528)
$75K - $79,999 (261)
$80,000 and over (43)

 

[machmike]

It did NOT have the rear vents. This sucked. I can't imagine how much worse the heating and cooling would be with the full complement of vents. It barely functioned with the minimal vents. I built one out online to see what it may not have had. It looks like the 1k option for locking rear was not included. The upgraded sound system was out as well. No rear seat infotainment.


here is a wall of text

YOUR ALL NEW DISCOVERY HSE
HSE Si6

Base MSRP$58,490

Configured options:$8,870*

Delivery and Destination charge$995

TOTAL MSRP$68,355*

Accessories price excludes installation costs and taxes. Please see your retailer for details.
EXTERIOR VIEW
EDIT

• EXTERIOR COLORS Santorini Black$710

• WHEELS 21" 9 spoke 'Style 9002'$1,225

• ROOF OPTIONS Power Front Sunroof with Fixed Rear Glass Sunroof (Including Power Blinds)$0

• HEADLIGHTS LED headlights with signature DRL$0

• REAR GLASS Privacy Glass$0

• $1,935*

INTERIOR VIEW
EDIT

• REAR SEAT TYPE 7 Seats [Included]$0

• INTERIOR CHOICES Vintage Tan/Ebony Windsor Leather - Electric Front Seats with Driver Seat Memory (Seat Package 4)$1,245

• FINISHERS Natural Shadow Oak veneer$0

• HEADLINING Nimbus Headlining$0

• AUDIO Meridian™ Sound System$0

• $1,245*

OPTIONAL FEATURES
EDIT

• EXTERIOR FEATURES Heated Windshield$0

• EXTERIOR FEATURES Infrared Reflective Windshield$0

• EXTERIOR FEATURES Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors [Included]$0

• TOWING OPTIONS Tow Hitch with Electrical Connector$665

• MULTIMEDIA 2 12V power sockets in second row$105

• 7 Seat Luxury Climate Comfort Package$3,900
  • Heated Washer Jets
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Heated and cooled front and rear seats, with heated third row seats
  • Four-zone Climate Control
  • Heated Windshield
  • Windsor Leather

• Vision Assist Package$1,020
  • Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors
  • LED Headlights with LED Signature Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA)
  • Surround Camera System

• 7 Seat Package$0
  • 7 Seats
  • Two-Speed Transfer Case (High/Low Range)
  • Electronic air suspension

• $5,690*

STANDARD FEATURES

• STEERING WHEEL OPTIONS
  • Multifunction Steering Wheel with Remote Audio Control
  • Premium Leather Steering Wheel
• ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
  • 8 Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Brake Pad Wear Indicator
  • Brake Pre-fill
  • Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
  • Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
  • Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD)
  • Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
  • Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
  • Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
  • Electronic Traction Control (ETC)
  • Front Axel open Differential
  • Gradient Acceleration Control (GAC)
  • Hill Descent Control with Off-Road ABS
  • Hill Launch Assist
  • Roll Stability Control (RSC)
  • Speed Proportional Steering Functionality
  • Trip Computer with Message Center
  • Traction Control System
  • Speed Limiter
  • Single-Speed Transfer Box (High Range Only)
  • Active Vanes (Upper)
  • Coil Suspension
• EXTERIOR FEATURES
  • Body Colored Door Handles
  • Power Fold, Heated Door Mirrors with Approach Lights
  • Automatic Headlights/Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
  • Signature hi-line Tail Lights
  • Rear Heated Windshield
  • Power Windows (front and rear) with remote power locking (global close) and Power operated child locks
  • Rear Screen Wash Wiper
  • Variable Intermittent Front Wipers
  • Discovery Script Hood and Rear
  • Rear Fog Lights
  • Reversing Lamps
  • Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL)
• WHEEL OPTIONS
  • Reduced Section Alloy Spare Wheel
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Reduced section alloy spare wheel
• TOWING OPTIONS
  • Front and Rear Towing Hooks
  • Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) (require an official JLR towbar)
• INTERIOR FEATURES
  • Electrically adjustable steering column
  • Premium carpet mats
  • Auto-Dimming Interior Rear View Mirror
  • Ambient Interior Lighting
  • Rear Reading Lights
  • Twin Front Cupholders with Cover
  • Upper Secondary Glovebox
  • In-Fascia Storage
  • Overhead Sunglasses Storage
  • Shopping bag hook
  • Three-zone Climate Control
  • 2 Shopping Bag Hooks in trunk
  • Analog Instrument Panel
  • Rotary Shifter
  • Ambient Lighting overhead downlighters only Single Color (White)
  • Standard treadplates
  • Driver and Passenger Sunvisors with Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
  • Footwell Lamps (1st row)
  • Front and Rear Puddle Lamps
  • Front Map Lights
  • Grab Handles R1 & R2
  • Illuminated Glovebox
  • In cabin trunk release (switch)
  • Large Bottle Holder (2 Literss)
  • Lower Main Glovebox
  • Luggage retention loops x 4
  • Rear Face Level Ventilation (B Pillar)
  • Storage - Central Hinged Twin Lidded Storage
  • Storage - First and Second Row Door Bins
  • Storage - Lower Center Console Storage
  • Storage - Outboard Driver Side Storage Bin
  • Storage - Rear Left/Right Storage Cubby Box
  • Storage - Third Row Storage
  • Tailgate lights for loadspace
  • Bright Treadplates
• SEATING
  • 60:40 Load Through Rear Seats with Manual Slide and Recline
  • Row 2 outboard position. 2 ISOfix Child Seat Fixings
  • Headrests For All Occupants (2nd Row and 3rd Row for 7 seat variants)
• SAFETY AND SECURITY
  • Audible Seat Belts Warning (inc third row)
  • Customer Configurable Autolock (doors lock on driveway)
  • Front Side Impact Airbags
  • Perimetric Alarm
  • Rear Seat Belt Pre-Tensioners (outer seats on Second Row, Third Row)
  • Rollover Deployment of Restraints
  • Side Curtain Airbags
• CONVENIENCE
  • Emergency Braking
  • Rear Parking Aid with Visual Display
  • Front Parking Aid with Visual Display
  • Rear Camera
  • Keyless Entry
  • Garage Door Opener (HomeLink®)
  • Cruise Control
  • In Cabin Trunk Release
  • Push Button Start Stop
  • Remote Trunk Release
• LOADSPACE
  • Powered gesture tailgate
  • Powered Inner Tailgate
  • Single piece tailgate
• MULTIMEDIA
  • Sirius XM™ Satellite Radio & HD Radio
  • Navigation Pro
  • Protect
  • Remote Premium
  • Pro Services and Wi-Fi Hotspot
  • InControl Apps
  • Interactive Driver Display
  • 1x 12V Charging in Upper Glovebox
  • 2 USB charging ports in second row
  • 1 x 12V in the Cubby Box
  • Color TFT Message Center
  • Dynamic Volume Control
  • Touch Screen
  • Trunk Area 1x 12V Charging points

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• PERFORMANCE AND MASS (MANUFACTURER’S ESTIMATES)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION
• WEIGHTS
• TOWING (TOWING PACK OPTION)
• ROOF CARRYING
• TURNING CIRCLE
• OBSTACLE CLEARANCE
• WADING DEPTH
• VEHICLE LENGTHS
• VEHICLE HEIGHT & WIDTHS
• OFF-ROAD GEOMETRY
• LOADSPACE CAPACITY - REAR SEATS FORWARD
• LOADSPACE CAPACITY - REAR SEATS FORWARD
• LOADSPACE CAPACITY - REAR SEATS FORWARD
• LOADSPACE CAPACITY - REAR SEAT UPRIGHT
• LOADSPACE CAPACITY - REAR SEAT UPRIGHT

 

[Davidinseattle]

I have returned the loaner.

Quick Summary: The Discovery5 is 3x the luxury vehicle the LR4 is and 1/2 the Offroad machine. This would be a fantastic alternative to a minivan/Large Truck combo.

• I have to say it is built very well and is a great ride. Getting back into the LR4 I could feel the downgrade in the luxury department.
  • I would say go with a lighter colored headliner if ordering one. It will make the car feel taller.
• The technology is abundant and much better than the LR4.
• The D5 feels freaking heavy. I would say it weigh 800lbs more than an LR4 if I didn't know it was 400lbs less.
• The long nose is terrible. Hard to judge certain things.
• Reaching the glove compartment was nearly impossible. Is this thing that much larger than the LR4?
• Turn Radius subpar. I will actually go ahead and say it may be worst in class. This is a killer.. it was surprisingly so bad I would get irritated.
• Heating and Cooling is NOT good.
• Fit and Finish is better than LR4, Although choosing plastic instead of the rubberized finish was a VERY BAD choice.
• Seats are Better than LR4, but If you don't like RR style seating its a wash. I like both so its a wash to me.
• No mesh sunroof covers. I really like the mesh. ..I had no clue I would miss the strangest thing about the LR4..who knew?
• Looks grew on me like the Grinch's heart. So about 3x. A stubby nose and a rear bumper update would go a long way IMO.
• I had a loaded version. Sticker said 68k. I would say it was worth 55k.
• Offroad and heavy snow performance: a solid 8/10. Traction control system and launch control were better than LR4. I actually missed this aspect.
• I did feel like I was getting into a cheaper model truck when I got my LR4 back. That was a weird feeling.
• The LR4 felt very spry in comparison when I got it back.
• I take back that it was noisy. It was very VERY quiet off the highway, on the highway I think the 20" wheels are the issue.

Would I own one? I don't think so if it was my personal daily truck like the LR4. Would I own one to compliment my LR4? Surprisingly Yes...Only after I find out what the new Bronco is going to be like. This would be a great SUV for an active family. It can tow. Its better than an explorer or Jeep Cherokee. It fits that niche that is missing right now. A 7 person truck that isn't HUGE, can really tow a nice sized trailer, handle large dogs, tough terrain, and the serious weather. It also isn't a mega yacht like a Sequoia. You would have to buy a tundra extended Cab and a minivan as a pair to cover all the bases.

Machmike,

What year and trim level do you drive now? WE've got a 2015 Lux and both the fit and finish and the seat comfort are impeccable. The gaps are all uniform, materials are nice to the touch and that upgraded leather still smells new when you open the door. Wondering if you're making an apples to apples comparison?

Great write up. I'm no fan as it just looks too pedestrian for my taste.

 

[toddjb122]

I have had a loaner D5 with 300 miles on it.

Here are my initial observations:

Much bigger than I thought. For that matter than it looks while moving
Feels very heavy.
Drives like a ford explorer (older ones)
Turning radius is NOT good. I had to do a 3 point turn on a residential street.
More road noise than I expected. Maybe those 20" are the culprit.
...
Rear Cargo area and the sitting platform is terrible. Space is adequate.
...
I asked the LR dealer if I could take it on their offroad course. It is the molded up/down/tilt 45deg rock obstacle course that is about 200 feet long. They said "Unfortunately Land Rover is NOT that company anymore" "We haven't used the course in 10 months".

This is a very timely post, thanks. I've watched this vehicle a lot and of course posted my thoughts. Had one park next to me yesterday and for the first time it kind of grew on my. It did look more modern than the LR4 (Explorer similarities and a*s-end aside) and when I peeked in the windows I thought the interior looked nice. Very similar to what I have in the LR4, but updated...

Why is the cargo area bad? I understand that the sitting platform would suck (but kind of hoped you'd tell us the opposite). When I peeked inside it looked like all the seats fold down just as they do on our LR3/4s.

Sad to read the dealer's comments on the offroad course. Sh*t, that used to be part of the sales pitch (having the sales guy drive you through that course). If that is not their program any more at the sales level.... that is a very bad sign. LR dealers used to have to build those courses. My dealer had a small lot and they still built a big stone mound in the back lot that would stress articulation and approach angles.

I'd agree that some rock sliders or nerf bars would make the truck look better. Haven't seen that yet.

I did not know they compromised the turning radius. That's one of the huge benefits of the LR3/4. Love how tight they turn around.

 

[machmike]

Machmike,

What year and trim level do you drive now? WE've got a 2015 Lux and both the fit and finish and the seat comfort are impeccable. The gaps are all uniform, materials are nice to the touch and that upgraded leather still smells new when you open the door. Wondering if you're making an apples to apples comparison?

Great write up. I'm no fan as it just looks too pedestrian for my taste.

FYI:
I was incorrect the D5 I drove did have the HD package.

MY LR4:
My LR4 is the 2016 HSE with HD package/vision with everything except rear seat entertainment. I didn't buy the LUX as the wheels are too large (I run 18" compos with KO2) and the extra small amount of leather on the doors didn't make up the price difference. It wasn't a good value for the LUX package. The fit and finish are fantastic, seats are super comfortable and everything is great on my LR4. I recently drove 18 hours straight and proceeded to 4x4 in the deserts of New Mexico about 20 miles from the border for 4 days and I never once had any fatigue or comfort issues with the Lr4. The designer of the seats should get an award.


I can honestly say at first I wasn't as impressed with the D5, after a week I would say as a whole it is much nicer than the LR4 even the LUX from a fit and finish POV. I LOVE my LR4 and wouldn't trade it for a D5 or even consider it. The D5 is more like a Range Rover. It is very nice but not my style. Like I said though I did miss a few things about it. I really liked the seat color combination.


BONUS: Just to compare (also because we all joke about it) I went to the Ford dealer and drove a loaded Ford Explorer. I can safely say The D5 exceeded it in nearly all categories (even looks).

 

[machmike]

This is a very timely post, thanks. I've watched this vehicle a lot and of course posted my thoughts. Had one park next to me yesterday and for the first time it kind of grew on my. It did look more modern than the LR4 (Explorer similarities and a*s-end aside) and when I peeked in the windows I thought the interior looked nice. Very similar to what I have in the LR4, but updated...

Why is the cargo area bad? I understand that the sitting platform would suck (but kind of hoped you'd tell us the opposite). When I peeked inside it looked like all the seats fold down just as they do on our LR3/4s.

Sad to read the dealer's comments on the offroad course. Sh*t, that used to be part of the sales pitch (having the sales guy drive you through that course). If that is not their program any more at the sales level.... that is a very bad sign. LR dealers used to have to build those courses. My dealer had a small lot and they still built a big stone mound in the back lot that would stress articulation and approach angles.

I'd agree that some rock sliders or nerf bars would make the truck look better. Haven't seen that yet.

I did not know they compromised the turning radius. That's one of the huge benefits of the LR3/4. Love how tight they turn around.

The cargo area is not bad per se but it can't quite hold a small 4 step ladder or other items like the LR4 can. I swear they made it about 1" too narrow or something, maybe its too rounded or something. It is also hard to load stuff into it, normally I would pop the lower 3rd down on the LR and crawl in, well on the D5 its a pain in the ass to lower that little lip and put it away and not worry about it collapsing. When I lowered the lip it just made me another foot away from my goal....= fail.
I'm nitpicking, but at 70k shouldn't we all?

That turn radius though....argh...it just sucks. I can't let that one go.. so bad.

 

[teekster]

I have had a loaner D5 with 300 miles on it.

Here are my initial observations:

• Much bigger than I thought. For that matter than it looks while moving
• Feels very heavy.
• Drives like a ford explorer (older ones)
• Turning radius is NOT good. I had to do a 3 point turn on a residential street.
• More road noise than I expected. Maybe those 20" are the culprit.
• Seats are better than LR4 - This really surprised me
• Some controls are still set for right-hand drive (***). An example includes volume knob for the radio.
• Navigation system - 10+ this is what the 16 LR4 should have had.
• Kids have a really tough time climbing in.
• Visibility is worse than LR4.
• Rear Cargo area and the sitting platform is terrible. Space is adequate.
• The back end is as hideous as we all think.
• Looks grow on you a bit.
• Too much plastic in strange places on interior
• Door handles awkwardly placed in the interior. They are very low on the door panel IMO.
• Feels like an extra 2" for rear passengers - nice
• Glass tinting is much better than LR4
• Headroom feels lower. This could be an illusion though.
• Sun visors are much less effective in this interior. (Should I chalk this up to no sun days for testing in Britain?)
• Air vents are less effective at lower speeds. They are further away from the driver.
• LATCH system for car seats is easier to use, however, the weird panel to conceal them gets in the way of the seats.

Currently, I would NOT consider purchasing this vehicle.

I asked the LR dealer if I could take it on their offroad course. It is the molded up/down/tilt 45deg rock obstacle course that is about 200 feet long. They said "Unfortunately Land Rover is NOT that company anymore" "We haven't used the course in 10 months".

Our dealership has moved twice in the last 15 years. The current and most recent locations do not include an off-road course, however, they still set up off-road events at least 2x/ year. We took a d5 out and it performed admirably.

 

[dngvt]

I love this, thanks. My 2013 LR4 might get replaced this spring. From outside, and I have not looked closely at the interior, the new D5 just looks dumbed down vs the LR4. Then again, the LR4 looks dumbed down compared to my old Series I Disco and yet I love it. Then again, my usage is continued to get dumbed down so it might be a perfect fit for my needs. More luxury, excellent snow and dirt road performance. If it loves a day like today in New York, then I'll just love it. Thanks again for the great review.