I think they are trying to mimic a stick shift in sport mode .... stomp on the big V6 or V8 in first gear and pull towards the rear of the vehicle into second gear -- etc. etc. This is opposite of the LR4 --- the comparative predecessor of the new Defender.

I did not know the RR sport has the same -- now everything makes sense --- Trying to be a sports car on the Nuremberg ring.

 

Yep, I have been hung up in neutral stopping traffic during a three point turn, a couple of times. I also have to look each time to reaffirm where is drive and where is reverse. And sometimes i try a three point turn in sport mode -- and then realized i have to flick back into the primary flow.

I fully agree that last one is on me ---- gotta get with the program and accept that modern vehicles are trying give a stick shift and automatic experience in the same control. So it goes ....

 

Carlmuck --- a great point of the locking button and being able to not move the handle without pushing the button.

Unfortunately, without approaching it the way they have, one could not shift into neutral on the fly to change from LO range to HI range.

They are trying to achieve alot with one ****. But I am guessing that is better than the alternatives?