A1C6 wrote:

I strongly believe that what the Defender needs is a ‘high roof’ variant, having a step up in the roof at the C-Pillar, similar to the D1-4. Perhaps it could be a D120, continuing the nomenclature that means absolutely nothing. (110 and 130 wheelbases are both just about 110 inches…) This would solve people’s complaints that the cargo opening is too small and the cargo area is too small, as it simply makes it taller to rival the D3/4.

The moment they create a high roof version, the moment it becomes even more Discovery-ery than it already is  Monsieur Le Grenadier

I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list.....

2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey

Chicken Drumstick wrote:

Lightning, what Discovery do you mean? I would agree the new Defender does not drive like a Discovery 1, which drives mostly like an RRC/traditional Defender. It doesn't drive like the D2 either, which when equipped with ACE had no body roll at all.

The D3/4 are both rather roly poly compared to a D2 with ACE. Obviously IFS/IRS and an entire generation or two on in NVH they do feel far more road orientated and less 4x4 like...

But I'd say the D3/4 is not all that far off the current Defender in how they drive. The new Defender drives and feels very much like an L405 Range Rover. No surprise given they are largely the same vehicle underneath (just like how a Disco 1 and a Tdi Ninety are also almost the same under the body).

I admit, I've not driven a Discovery 5, but struggle to believe it drives any real different to the L405 or Defender (or probably L494 RRS, although the RRS can be had with the latter version of ACE which will make it feel different).

These newer models mostly drive like a large, tall estate cars. As essentially that is what they are. Many people want "more car like" and that is what they have been given. Although you simply can not deny physics, so you have more roll, high CoG, more interia and so on compared to a regular estate car.

As nice as the new model is, it does then lack "feeling" and driving like a 4x4. Which is likely one of the biggest appeals of the old model and things like your Suzuki Jimny. They are fun and an event at any speed. The new model is supremely capable, but somewhat dull as a driving experience, very much lacking the same sense of occasion that is the core appeal of the above mentioned vehicles and things like the current Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, MB G-Wagon or any of the fun pickup trucks. Its not to say they are bad or anything. Just in the same way a 4wd diesel BMW 5 Series estate isn't either.

lightning wrote:

lt's nothing like a Discovery to drive, it feels completely different.

However
lt would have been great if Land Rover had kept the silhouette of the old Defender (and the separate chassis) and brought it up to date, but that was never going to happen

CincyRovers1 wrote:

The D5 has a lot more body roll than the Defender, and a slightly stiffer ride. The adaptive dampers on the Defender allow it to have better body control and a smoother ride. Also, the Discovery was a little wallowy and floaty over highway expansion joints despite having firmer spring rates. Both my D5 and Defender are on air suspension. Even the facelift Discovery with adaptive dampers still has noticeably more body roll than the Defender, but the ride quality has improved over the old one. Drive them back to back and you will notice the difference in body control, ride quality & suspension tuning.

lightning wrote:

I've done many miles in my friend's 2016 Discovery 4 and it's nothing like my Defender 90. It may be because my Defender is on coil springs but the dynamics are completely different.

Chicken Drumstick wrote:

https://youtu.be/yqvmjdSekKI?si=kQy5GYqbNKARV6O7