Grenadier

[Z.G]

Not to question driving style, but did he just pull out in front of someone, one finger on the wheel and punch it? Makes no sense compared to the prototype I drove in MD.

?????

EDIT: I’ll add that my wife doesn’t like driving the RRC LWB due to the heavy steering. Driving the Grenadier felt like our ‘96 D1, remarkably like a D1. I felt so at home I asked for a little 360 turnaround off the course (we were the last vehicle in line), my co-driver said go for it. So I putted around in the loaner D1.

From what he described, he just pulled out onto a road and there was no semblance of return to center steering.

I typically take other's experiences with a grain of salt, but I've seen this person driving $2m classic vehicles to sub $10k imported Japanese Kei cars. He has driven most stuff under the sun

 

[pfshoen]

Glad to hear from vtlandrover that the new Def carries on one Rover tradition - having the best and most comfortable ride in its class. Once you get used to it, you really notice the difference with other vehicles.
Every vehicle steers differently, and some may take a bit to get used to. Then it's not much of a thing.

 

[pmatusov]

I’ll add that my wife doesn’t like driving the RRC LWB due to the heavy steering.

Between two of 95 LWBs I drive regularly, one has very heavy steering - but zero p/s fluid leaks, another - very light (waiting for the leaks to appear). It is more of a pump-to-pump difference.

 

[WeBeCinYa]

Bjf:

You can write for me. I had the exact same experience as the guy almost throwing into a curb. The dealer told me to expect it.

You can also write it has a dead spot when going straight.

My wife who has driven many defenders hated it on the highway the most.

Love people are arguing about driving style and what did the guy do.

I drive a series regularly and have driven many different cars with and without power steering. It’s not heavy steering it’s just a bad set up.

 

[evilfij]

When I first drove a discovery 1 I did end up on the curb because I was expecting it to recenter and it did not. Lol.

 

[pmatusov]

When I first drove a discovery 1 I did end up on the curb because I was expecting it to recenter and it did not. Lol.

I drove my D1 not only not expecting it to recenter, but not even expecting it to keep going forward. It required a hard lean towards the right so it wouldn't dart to the left.
On the subject of no-recentering behavior - it can't be worse than on a G-wagen.

 

[rocky]

Only time my D1 didn’t like the center, was when it was deep cold winter.

 

[RBBailey]

I'm really looking forward to hearing from you guys who are getting one soon. MPG, and real comparison to the Defender from people who really drive Defenders would be good.

 

[luckyjoe]

Apparently you can drive a Grenadier across a continent.

 

[erover82]

Maybe it's not

Apparently you can drive a Grenadier across a continent.

View attachment 28891

Look at that route though. Obvious the steering wasn’t returning to center.

 

[defenderholty]

Yeah my buddy said he pulled out onto a road with it and almost went right back into the curb. Said it was some of the worst steering he's ever seen in any vehicle.

I feel like later iterations will correct this. It seems to be a common complaint. Nothing is perfect out of the gate. At least someone is giving it a go. The new defender is what one might predict from the past to be a discovery.

 

[TravelinLight]

So I was able to drive a 2023 Grenadier at the dealer in Colorado Springs yesterday. The engine was more than what I expected for highway use. I was able to cruise at 80 PMH and hear the salesperson. It really reminds me of the Defender, but updated. The large buttons and extreme utlitarian nature of the interior is a weighing on my purchase decision.

I did not like the view out the rear glass from the mirror, seemed very restricted. The ergonomics of the seat were comfortable as I am 6'3" about 200 lbs. I could easily fit in the back. The steering takes a little getting used to. My build is supposed to arrive by end of year (I think I saw it on the lot, just has not cleared all paperwork issues) There is a standing recall on the rear trailer wiring. I may hold off on taking possession until the resolve as it sould like it could be wiring. I do not want to get it if there is a major effort to correct.

If you want a new G Wago or new Mercedes feel in a rugged truck, this is not for you. If you want a real updated Defender style vehicle, then this is probably for you.

 

[MountainD]

I was in my buddy’s Gwagon recently. Forgot how rugged it is and refined at the same time. His is an AMG, 5 inch lift and 35’s. However, a recent coolant leak from a relatively inaccessible hose proved why I dont have one. The cost of entry is high, the cost of repair… a lot higher…. But, what a well made truck.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I was in my buddy’s Gwagon recently. Forgot how rugged it is and refined at the same time. His is an AMG, 5 inch lift and 35’s. However, a recent coolant leak from a relatively inaccessible hose proved why I dont have one. The cost of entry is high, the cost of repair… a lot higher…. But, what a well made truck.

I was just on a trip in California and there was a 2015 G wagen in the group. That really seems like a great vehicle. It did have surprisingly low ground clearance and doesn’t look as cool as a Defender, but it’s hard to argue with factory lockers and a powerful V8.

It’s worth noting that in this group there were 5 Grenandiers on order (two in one house).

 

[LRNAD90]

I was just on a trip in California and there was a 2015 G wagen in the group. That really seems like a great vehicle. It did have surprisingly low ground clearance and doesn’t look as cool as a Defender, but it’s hard to argue with factory lockers and a powerful V8.

I don't know if it is true or not, but I've always heard that the decision to give the G-wagen lockers was because its limited articulation hindered is off-road capability. Shame Land Rover never offered factory locking differentials in the Defender, it surely would have been the icing on its off-road capability (but something else to break I guess).

 

[pfshoen]

Looks like both the new Def and the Gren mount the spare higher than it needs to be, restricting rear view. Yes I know the Def has a camera, until it malfunctions anyway.
Not sure the designers of either realized that a critical function of that type of vehicle is what and how much you can see out the windows. Contrast them with the RRC. The roof sill for the rear passengers is low on the Gren, and the designer square on the new Def creates a blind spot.

 

[WreckITFrank]

I agree, the rearview mirror is almost useless. The post between the 2 doors and the tire impede almost all visibility. If you move the tire down, you lose the backup camera. If I decide to go forward with the vehicle, I plan to remove the spare for local driving. I know some folks overseas have discussed adding a rearview camera/mirror as an option.

 

[TravelinLight]

Looks like both the new Def and the Gren mount the spare higher than it needs to be, restricting rear view. Yes I know the Def has a camera, until it malfunctions anyway.
Not sure the designers of either realized that a critical function of that type of vehicle is what and how much you can see out the windows. Contrast them with the RRC. The roof sill for the rear passengers is low on the Gren, and the designer square on the new Def creates a blind spot.

It was not the tire but the split door and small window. It was practically useless for me.

 

[RBBailey]

I have only a V6 on my G320 Puch, a great engine, but only about the same performance as a '90s Rover. So I don't worry about a lift or big tires. I'm running 235s without any rubbing. It does not have as much flex as a stock Rover, but the three lockers are great. The overall build quality is better than Rover, and the underside is very much like a Rover, but imagine all the metal bits being more substantial than the Rover -- thicker, stronger, heavier. The parts are expensive, but although I've had to fix a few things here and there, it's just... better. I love driving it, but it certainly does not have the nostalgia or endearment of a Rover. I drive the Series whenever the weather is good to make up for it, and we still have a '98 Disco I for the kids.
https://flic.kr/p/2npkBoZ Oh, and I bought it from the cash form my Defender sale, with $5k to spare.

 

[Andrew]

I've read a little bit on the Ineos forum and it looks like the biggest issue someone is having who took delivery are warning beeps from the ADAS system. Hard to say if they'll issue a software update to allow it to stay permanently off because the owner's manual says it's automatically activated with the ignition. I'd be looking for whatever is beeping and unplug it. I guess the alternative is to drive under the speed limit, unless you're able to make the vehicle think you're off-road.