Also that driver alert warner thing on the dash looks terrible and surely must block vision of the main dash itself?

 

I thought Simon’s comment from Goodwood that they sloped the gearshift console/climate controls area more vertical to accommodate the revised larger screen (ie so the gearshift wouldn’t hit it) was interesting. And probably something I wouldn’t like. I like that it’s a little platform there. Or perhaps unnoticeable.

 

Regarding the D90, I was just speaking to a JLR sales associate and he has had both the D110 and the D90 over the past few years. Not sure which engines but I’m assuming he did not have the V8 in the D90. He said on the freeway at 90mph the D110 was solid but the D90 was shaky/scary. I typically don’t drive that fast and take it FWIW, but thought it may be a point of interest for anyone shopping between the two models.

 

Thats hilarious and inaccurate. Shaky and scary? Feels like a sales guy justifying a company strategy in all the wrong ways. Granted I have the V8 90 but shaky and scary at 90 isnt a trait of the vehicle.

 

Demuro had the same observations when he reviewed the V8 D90. Said it was scary to drive - and he owns/drives a Porsche widowmaker.
Time linked video to his comments about it being "unsettling":

 

We owned a 90 XS Edition P400 and it was great in every way. Getting into rear seats was a hassle but once in it was bigger than the rear seats of a G-Wagen. Not even kidding.

 

I certainly wouldn't say "shaky/scary", but the 90 feels twitchier on the highway than my old Disco II, even though it has almost the same wheelbase. I put that down to the steering being faster and/or more responsive to minor inputs. The 110 is definitely more stable at highway speeds, but both are just fine.

 

Is it still the case that the roof rack can’t be added to a V8 D90? If so, looks like our P300 D90 with 18 inch wheels, white roof and a roof rack is going to be a rare specimen… I guess business is business but I am struggling to find in the new Defender line up one that would tempt me to replace our current one.

 

We are now members of a very exclusive club 😉

 

I think it’s never been the case that the roof rack can’t be added. It’s just not sanctioned by LR. It’d be to do with the increased top speed over standard Defenders and the wind resistance that comes with that, not the structural integrity.
On your second comment, I totally agree. They’ve really changed the target demographic for Defender, and I’m lucky as an Australian to still get the 90 in S, X-Dynamic SE and X models. No V8 trim 90 or 110 though.