What's with JLR?/Defender rant

Rich S · Jan 17, 2018

I get frustrated reading about LR's "plans for the new Defender" on various automotive sites. I'm of the opinion their management team has abandoned it's core supporters by lending a deaf ear, first discontinuing then being hell bent on making any future Defender look like everything else on the road, as they have done with the Discovery 5 (and Jaguar models as well). Why doesn't someone at LR poke their head out of the sand and see MB's new G-Wagon. MB seem more than excited to make improvements without destroying the look or brand.
Rich S
Current LR4 owner, past Discovery II, XJR100, S-Type, X-Type.

mpinco · Jan 17, 2018

Well first any new Defender discussion is limited to mules and extrapolation of current product line direction. The media has to have something to talk about even if they are completely wrong. That said McGovern's product direction, while good for Range Rover, leaves a lot to be desired for Land Rover. From my perspective they all now look the same and subtract from each product line. The "success" or failure of McGovern rest with the next gen Defender.

Too early for that judgment although the D5 does not speak well for direction.

mbw · Jan 17, 2018

Some people were confused by the mules, but its more than that... its McGovern saying that the Defender will be the most technological rover yet. ***... Are buyers really so focused on the tech that they don't give a **** about drive train at all? I think the answer is yes. It sucks. The infotainment is about the last thing I care about. The last thing I want is an internet connected car that can accept firmware updates over the air. And I am a technologist/software architect. Let the car be a car and not a mobile information security nightmare.

I think buyers are more worried about the infotainment than they are about the transmission, suspension, engine, etc. I buy for a cars bones and drivetrain, not its makeup. (Might explain why my wife got a 2017 Infiniti QX50, it's ancient design, exactly like my 06 G35x, same platform, but has great bones, great suspension and the fantastic 3.7L V6 engine)

I watched a dumb verge video yesterday about the new merc G wagon. They spent 70% of it talking about the interior and NEVER mentioned the new independent front suspension... didn't mention it. W . THE . F

danrhiggins · Jan 17, 2018

Are you reacting to this?

https://expeditionportal.com/the-defender-lives-on-well-sort-of/

mbw · Jan 17, 2018

danrhiggins said:
Are you reacting to this?

https://expeditionportal.com/the-defender-lives-on-well-sort-of/

I'm sure not. Thats just a publicity stunt. Quarter Million Dollar special versions don't count.

PaulLR3 · Jan 18, 2018

mbw said:
***... Are buyers really so focused on the tech that they don't give a **** about drive train at all? I think the answer is yes. It sucks. The infotainment is about the last thing I care about. The last thing I want is an internet connected car that can accept firmware updates over the air. And I am a technologist/software architect. Let the car be a car and not a mobile information security nightmare.

Totally agree. Car salespeople are so focused on the infotainment and safety technology that promotes distracted driving. I didn't trade my LR4 for a D5 because I like my V8, better forward visibility, higher rear seats, more cargo space and multiple rear AC vents for the dog. A faster nav screen didn't overcome those issues. I didn't buy a Q7 because I want a spare tire. I didn't buy a XC90 because the engine is noisy and underpowered. Does only Mazda think that "driving matters"?

roverman · Jan 18, 2018

danrhiggins said:
Are you reacting to this?

https://expeditionportal.com/the-defender-lives-on-well-sort-of/

Wow, that's hilarious! $200,000 for an antique Land Rover....

iSurfvilano · Jan 18, 2018

I love my Land Rover and my wife loves her Range Rover Sport...but I am not married to this brand. I've been wanting to do more research on the capability of the G-Wagon but loving my LR has kept me from flirting with the MB. Maybe a failed Defender will push me to actually test drive a used G_wag...that's the silver lining in my book.

ryanjl · Jan 18, 2018

The G-Wagons are a love or hate them kind of deal. I love them, but they feel like you are driving an air traffic control tower.

The new G-Wagons have IFS, but it's not too big a deal as even the old solid front axle suspension was so stiff that there wasn't a whole lot of articulation/wheel travel. So much so that you could fit 35" tires on them without too many modifications.

backcountryLR4 · Jan 18, 2018

mbw said:
Some people were confused by the mules, but its more than that... its McGovern saying that the Defender will be the most technological rover yet. ***... Are buyers really so focused on the tech that they don't give a **** about drive train at all? I think the answer is yes. It sucks. The infotainment is about the last thing I care about. The last thing I want is an internet connected car that can accept firmware updates over the air. And I am a technologist/software architect. Let the car be a car and not a mobile information security nightmare.

I think buyers are more worried about the infotainment than they are about the transmission, suspension, engine, etc. I buy for a cars bones and drivetrain, not its makeup. (Might explain why my wife got a 2017 Infiniti QX50, it's ancient design, exactly like my 06 G35x, same platform, but has great bones, great suspension and the fantastic 3.7L V6 engine)

I watched a dumb verge video yesterday about the new merc G wagon. They spent 70% of it talking about the interior and NEVER mentioned the new independent front suspension... didn't mention it. W . THE . F

Couldn't agree more...

And our similarities are starting to scare me. White LR4 Lux: Check... 08 Infiniti G35xS: Check... Product Owner at a software company: Check...

I bought the best example of the 4th gen I could find because I wanted something luxurious, unique, utilitarian and incredibly capable all at the same time. Not because I had to have all the latest tech or gizmos in my vehicle.

As much as I want a new RZR, I can't bring myself to sell my Infiniti because it is such a great driving car and is super reliable.

I was glad to see the direction that MB took the ol' gelandewagon and I feel the Defender deserves the same touch from Land Rover. Hopefully they will follow suit.

I don't believe they will stay that true to the design unfortunately, but a guy can dream. If they somehow do, I might get a Defender in a few years.

What's with JLR?/Defender rant

Rich S

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mpinco

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mbw

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danrhiggins

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mbw

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PaulLR3

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roverman

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iSurfvilano

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