There's definite signs that the design is predominantly aimed at the "emerging markets" as Rolo says, where conspicuous wealth is much more important than deep rooted quality along with heritage. Got - 2017 SDV8 Autobiography in Loire Blue
Had- 2008 TDV8 Vogue SE in Java black
Had - 2007 S/C in Stornoway Grey

campaj1 wrote:

Yeah I appreciate that... trouble is though they are selling their birthright in a sense, CSK is probably turning in his grave as we speak IMO.

They need to get their mojo back baby

I'm not dead, still very much alive thank goodness!

we're glad too
turning in sleep perhaps haha

i do appreciate that LR has to keep up with the times though...

Remember that Spen King disliked the fact it had become a luxury vehicle anyway.

The L405 exterior design is also clearly focussed on improving cw-value, hence the more bland/rounded/smoothed look. The need for better fuel consumption figures is obvious, the market demands it, the laws require it. So re-designing the L322 in all alu would not have been sufficient.

Whether it is possible to retain the same classic look that the L322 has (relative to the Classic and IMHO more than the P38 retained the "Classic" look) with the above design premise (plus a lot of other requirements), is the big question. I'd expect that these have been very heated discussions within the senior management at JLR.

I would have liked it to look a bit / a lot more like the L322/Classic and less like a Ford Explorer (I so those on a daily basis here ) but I also like it a lot after seeing in the flesh. It is clearly a departure from the classic Range Rover look and more towards the "run of the mill" side of the market. In that sense you can say that Bentley is at least trying and succeeding to make their cars stand out (not that I like the Bentley look at all).

I agree with a lot of the "little things" about the L405 are not great but after the L322s get too old for me, then I definitely (provided sufficient funds are available) move to the L405 as I prefer it over the other options in that segment by far. Unless of course the Disco 5 or 6 becomes more desirable than the L405  MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

I'm no aerodynamicist, but surely improving the departure angle doesn't harm the aerodynamics, as it is more similar to the ideal 'teardrop' shape anyway?
Ah well... for the prices they are asking we can afford to nitpick anyways...

campaj1 wrote:

Time for a moan
Been working out what makes the L405 not quite right in my eyes, and what makes it good...

What do you guys love/loathe about it?

Thanks for digging this thread up, it’s made interesting reading, especially as I’ve just jumped ship from the Disco after the D5 debacle!

The L322 is a very good looking car and really looks like a Range Rover should although, truth be told, the facelifts weren’t the best. The L405 must have been a bit of a shock and it’s not surprising that it got a bit of an adverse reaction from existing owners. I can’t see that any of them have gone on to buy the new car though...

I used to hate the L405, I now have 2 VSE's sat outside, both are 4.4 V8 Diesels, one is a very late 322, the other a new 405 and to be honest they are worlds apart.

The 322 has been absolutely trouble free - no issues in any shape or form. Yes, the L322 definitely is still a fantastic vehicle particularly the last run out vehicles but the difference is astounding. The L405 is more of a drivers performance car - it goes round corners like it is on rails and the handling is totally different - the 22" wheels probably help here too. Anybody buying a late 322 will though not be disappointed - but things evolve and move on and are improved on a daily basis.

I felt exactly the same and hated the P38 and then the 322 when they were launched... 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

Was looking for threads on rear L405 parking sensors and this thread popped up.

Personally. can't split the L322 and L405.

A nice L322 is a head turner to be admired whether 2003 or 2012 and wherever you are... a nice L405 is also a treat.

Agree with Vogue. The handling of the L405 is very composed.

I stopped reading halfway through the complaints list.... geez! It's not that bad?!! Maybe go have a whisky or a waank then come back and tell us it's all okay?

OP was January 2013 911SF...



Last edited by pld118 on 12th Nov 2017 7:29am. Edited 1 time in total

[quote="Red Merle"]Thanks for digging this thread up, it’s made interesting reading, especially as I’ve just jumped ship from the Disco after the D5 debacle!

Just jumped ship and on 441 posts already! Your making me look like a part timer John 😀........ Very pleased you love your new car .