Ramajama,
I was basing it on looks alone. Don't make me break out the IQS numbers for the explorer v pretty much any LR. That's another story. And, since no one here has sat in an LR5 (as far as I know) then the only thing we have to go by is looks alone.
Any reasonable assessment of the two visually would lead to a conclusion that they look a lot alike. Compared to the LR4 which stands alone regarding how it looks.
So, there you have it.
And I've been in both the new explorers and I've been in the Disco sports. Your comparison I am assuming is not referring to 1) materials and 2) fit and finish as the new disco sport I rode in was more in line with a RAV 4. The dealership person who was using it to shuttle me to the office actually apologized for me having to ride in it. I was left with the impression that it was Land Rover's attempt to make their vehicles affordable to most people with a decent job. A prime example of the pitfalls of trying to mainstream exclusivity.
Hmm, so you've "been in" the new Explorers and Discovery Sports? Uhm, have you lived with them? Driven both for extended periods of time? Back to back even? Didn't think so.
Well, I have. Sorry man but you can't can't even compare the two if you matched model trim to model trim. The LR is on another level. Yes even the "mainstream" market oriented Disco Sport is way beyond the Exploder in every category I can think of. As side from the electric stow away seats, there's nothing I prefer the Exploder to over the DS.
The Exploder's brand new, 2k mile old leather seats already looked 10 years old, it rattled and squeaked like a boxcar full of B.B.s, the engine had a really great squeal to it that continued as you shut the engine off, all the cameras were so grainy they were useless, the engine was a slug that got 16 MPG on its best week, the ride and handling were horrible, the fit and finish inide was cheap, the controls were unintuitive, the Ford STYNC infotainment was maddening and unattractive and that's putting it nicely. Disco Sport is better in every category. And, last but not least, NOT ONE single person gave a second look to that run-of-the-mill ****. But they do at the Disco...all the time.....and the DS was claimed to be an Exploder clone as well. I guarantee it breaks more necks than a long in the tooth LR4. ( No offense intended, I still break my neck looking at LR4s
)
Now, I'm sure you rode in a base model DS of course that's not going to compare to a well equipped LR4 in size, scope and perceived appointments.
I'd apologize to you too if I was "the dealership person". Can't blame the "person" in the least. It's kinda their job to behave in that manor. So it's expected. I'm sure Mr Millionare gets apologized to as well if they had to shuttle him to the office in an LR4 instead of a RR autobiography....
In addition, give me a break with your comparison to a RAV4. That's world class comedy right there. Even when taking a *** shot at a lower trim level, that's just another example of stepping right out of the bounds of reality.
See, here's the deal. The point of any company is to grow and LR is no different. They are going to need to tap into a vein of the mainstream market segment. The DS does that well. By "mainstreaming LR's exclusivity" they can attract a buyer that normally wouldn't be a LR buyer but can still afford a nice, capable, upscale vehicle that's sized right in the middle of a very hot market AND without the uber luxury price. It's economics son.
LR are not gonna meet their goals buy building a $60-80K compact SUV. There's absolutely no reason LR shouldn't play in this market and that's what they are doing. They are doing it well. So well, that they are going to bring an even smaller Disco to market as well.
Furthermore, before you get too high and mighty, Personally, I LOVE LR4s but an LR4 is no RR. An LR4 is not that exclusive, I see a ton of them. IMO it's $70K price tag new is not worth the price of admission. Like a lot of people on here buy used, that's why I'd also never be dumb enough to buy one new. Not that I can't.
I live in the shadow of the most upscale neighborhood in my state. A gentleman inside those walls, who can buy any vehicle he wants, owns a Disco Sport exactly like mine. He bought it from my salesperson and the reason he bought it was because #1 he's a LR guy and #2 it fits a need for a vehicle of that size, it's well appointed, capable and it happens to be in the LR lineup. I guess he doesn't eschew the mainstreaming exclusivity angle and just wants a very nice vehicle that meets a need. Wow, that's novel.
If you think the new big Discovery looks like an Exploder then the resemblance ends at distant cousins. With the Discovery being the sexier, classier and more capable one of the two.... It's the one you'd rather take to the dance. And the choice would be easy.
Besides, I have a feeling that potential Discovery buyers will not be thinking "glorified Exploder" when they consider the Discovery. It will also open up new doors for potential buyers while the new Defender should be gobbled up by not only ********* LR4 fans but a great deal of new potential buyers who revere the Defender name and heritage.
Get ready for Defender 90, 110 and 130. From 2 doors to seats 8...Something for everyone.
Now if they will just bring the 4 door truck version that they are going to build to the US, there really will be something for everyone.....I might consider that worth the price of admission.
Exciting days to come for LR fans.
