Grenadier Experience and measurements to L663
TReK
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3,611
From: Kirkland WA
Looks like a lot of fun but it's only about 16" deep by the looks of things. Don't get me wrong. That sort of thing would very much float my boat. I'd be happy as a clam.
This vehicle is however supposedly designed to be a good fit for the dedicated off-roader/tourer. Filling a gap in the market so to speak.
With this paltry wading depth, 31.6" or 32" wheels and only a dust-excluding RAI it can't make a dent into the Australian market.
Over the hood crossings are of no consequence there. To me it's a screaming omission that does not gel with the entire design vision. "Designed on purpose" or something like that. If you're off camping with your mates and your site is on t'other side of a deep creek, you're SOL. So many 1000's of miles of track become off limits. If you're cruising about muddy lanes and fields in the UK you're in good shape.
Any number of Toyota/Nissan/Mitsubishi options for rugged functionality are in place, all of which can have a snorkel fitted. When I lived in North Queensland I drove an old beater but you'd be hard pressed to see rig without a stock roo-bar and snorkel. It's just not a useful vehicle without.
Here in the states is less of an issue for sure. Most rivers are bridged and our wildlife is less bouncy and road-keen. I suppose Ineos know their market. 99% mall crawler. The tiny number of Aussies that will buy one can figure out how to bodge a snorkel for themselves.
I wonder how much room there is for bigger wheels. 33-35" might be nice..
This vehicle is however supposedly designed to be a good fit for the dedicated off-roader/tourer. Filling a gap in the market so to speak.
With this paltry wading depth, 31.6" or 32" wheels and only a dust-excluding RAI it can't make a dent into the Australian market.
Over the hood crossings are of no consequence there. To me it's a screaming omission that does not gel with the entire design vision. "Designed on purpose" or something like that. If you're off camping with your mates and your site is on t'other side of a deep creek, you're SOL. So many 1000's of miles of track become off limits. If you're cruising about muddy lanes and fields in the UK you're in good shape.
Any number of Toyota/Nissan/Mitsubishi options for rugged functionality are in place, all of which can have a snorkel fitted. When I lived in North Queensland I drove an old beater but you'd be hard pressed to see rig without a stock roo-bar and snorkel. It's just not a useful vehicle without.
Here in the states is less of an issue for sure. Most rivers are bridged and our wildlife is less bouncy and road-keen. I suppose Ineos know their market. 99% mall crawler. The tiny number of Aussies that will buy one can figure out how to bodge a snorkel for themselves.
I wonder how much room there is for bigger wheels. 33-35" might be nice..
Pro Wrench
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 1,439
Looks like a lot of fun but it's only about 16" deep by the looks of things. Don't get me wrong. That sort of thing would very much float my boat. I'd be happy as a clam.
This vehicle is however supposedly designed to be a good fit for the dedicated off-roader/tourer. Filling a gap in the market so to speak.
With this paltry wading depth, 31.6" or 32" wheels and only a dust-excluding RAI it can't make a dent into the Australian market.
Over the hood crossings are of no consequence there. To me it's a screaming omission that does not gel with the entire design vision. "Designed on purpose" or something like that. If you're off camping with your mates and your site is on t'other side of a deep creek, you're SOL. So many 1000's of miles of track become off limits. If you're cruising about muddy lanes and fields in the UK you're in good shape.
Any number of Toyota/Nissan/Mitsubishi options for rugged functionality are in place, all of which can have a snorkel fitted. When I lived in North Queensland I drove an old beater but you'd be hard pressed to see rig without a stock roo-bar and snorkel. It's just not a useful vehicle without.
Here in the states is less of an issue for sure. Most rivers are bridged and our wildlife is less bouncy and road-keen. I suppose Ineos know their market. 99% mall crawler. The tiny number of Aussies that will buy one can figure out how to bodge a snorkel for themselves.
I wonder how much room there is for bigger wheels. 33-35" might be nice..
This vehicle is however supposedly designed to be a good fit for the dedicated off-roader/tourer. Filling a gap in the market so to speak.
With this paltry wading depth, 31.6" or 32" wheels and only a dust-excluding RAI it can't make a dent into the Australian market.
Over the hood crossings are of no consequence there. To me it's a screaming omission that does not gel with the entire design vision. "Designed on purpose" or something like that. If you're off camping with your mates and your site is on t'other side of a deep creek, you're SOL. So many 1000's of miles of track become off limits. If you're cruising about muddy lanes and fields in the UK you're in good shape.
Any number of Toyota/Nissan/Mitsubishi options for rugged functionality are in place, all of which can have a snorkel fitted. When I lived in North Queensland I drove an old beater but you'd be hard pressed to see rig without a stock roo-bar and snorkel. It's just not a useful vehicle without.
Here in the states is less of an issue for sure. Most rivers are bridged and our wildlife is less bouncy and road-keen. I suppose Ineos know their market. 99% mall crawler. The tiny number of Aussies that will buy one can figure out how to bodge a snorkel for themselves.
I wonder how much room there is for bigger wheels. 33-35" might be nice..
I'm sure there's some margin of safety built in so the true depth is probably closer to 40" but I'm not ashamed to admit I'm a bit of a puss when it comes to water depth. If it says 35", I'm topping out at maybe 20" and leaving an allowance for a surprise hole. I had a blast after the last hurricane here put many roads just that deep.
I'll admit, I have no dog in the 'fight' between these too, I like the Defender for what it is, not its heritage, or nothing. This is my First LR, so I'm unusual in that I guess.
That said, the former kid who got his pilot license at 18 and wanted to be a military pilot in high school because of that new movie Top Gun who alter wanted to fly AC-130s but was told thin asthmatics weren't wanted (in '88) the interior cabin and all them switches looks cooooool
Prefer the way the current defender looks exterior wise though. 
Pro Wrench
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 1,440
From: Atlanta, GA
Just signed up for the Atlanta (Dahlonega, GA) test experience in April. I'm looking forward to it. It's at Iron Mountain Resort
Thread Starter
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Rock Crawling
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 420
Likes: 272
From: Kirkland
Great to hear. It won't hit Seattle until May 20th, enjoy the ride. We might get the pick up with a full size bed. If we do, then I will be going that route.The rendering showed a smaller bed and the team is making it longer. Probably closer to a dual cab 130 pickup
Last edited by ADVAW8S; Mar 3, 2023 at 05:57 PM.
Pro Wrench
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 1,440
From: Atlanta, GA
You have to get an email from them inviting you to sign up; if you try otherwise it kicks you out and says your email is not recognized. I think you have to have a reservation to get the invitation, but I'm not certain. I bought a reservation in Feb 2022, but apparently had checked the "Don't send me any damn emails" box, so they didn't share my addy with the event organizer and I wasn't on the list. One call to England and I got a most helpful bloke who straightened things out, roight?
Pro Wrench
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,558
Likes: 1,439
You have to get an email from them inviting you to sign up; if you try otherwise it kicks you out and says your email is not recognized. I think you have to have a reservation to get the invitation, but I'm not certain. I bought a reservation in Feb 2022, but apparently had checked the "Don't send me any damn emails" box, so they didn't share my addy with the event organizer and I wasn't on the list. One call to England and I got a most helpful bloke who straightened things out, roight?
