2020 Defender Drive Impressions.

You feel the new defender faster more powerful than the LR4? I also have a 2010 5.0 and was looking into the D2. I don’t want to drop $$$$ for a decked out model. I want steelies too!

 

After 10 days and 1400 miles on my new Defender/P300 with 18" white steelies, I can honestly say that I'm extremely satisfied with both on-road and off-road performance. I have extensive experience with other Land Rovers, D1, DII, LR3, LR4, and a few Range Rovers. On-road, performance, ergonomics, seat comfort, technology, vision, all superior to the LR3/4.4 and LR4/SCV6 with 275/65R18. Off-road, my new Defender with the rear active locking diff had very little wheel spin navigating steep rutted and loose rocky trails and this was with the GY all terrain factory tires at 35 psi.

 

Having test driven a P400 for over an hour on all types of roads, my answer is yes. It does not sound like my LR4 in terms of V8 growl but it certainly moves faster and is more agile.

 

I don't have anything too relevant to say except that blue is gorgeous.

We have had our new P400 in Green for a bit over a month and I love it (though I don't get to drive it all that much).

Hope to convince the wife to follow me down some forest trails soon or I'll have to wait for the next OBX run to see how she does off-road.

 

Is there anyway that 18" LR3 wheels will fit on a new Defender? I have a set of those on my '12 LR4 (with spacers) and was just wondering...

 

Maybe with spacers, but certainly not without spacers. Even LR4 19" and 20" wheels do not fit the Defender. Same bolt pattern but very different wheel offset.

 

Thanks. Just seems like a lot of work to get the right new Defender with 18" wheels.