19" is bad, proportions do look good but no tire choices. I was forced to buy and this is big regret. I do have 18" rim set too.
Tow hitch is useful in the long run, it does include wiring etc..
Packs are generally waste of money.

 

Get the hitch ala'cart if you don't tow anything, and the recovery eyes as well. Yes you can use it for a bike rack. Plus the next person that buys yours will thank you for having the hitch.
The complete towing package is $1850, and includes a bunch of things like ATPC, terrain response, etc... those things can be added with a GAP tool later for around $500. So you save $400 buying it ala'cart and you'll own a GAP tool.

For sure skip the 19s. Either get the 18's because you want options for offroad tires, or get the 20's for the looks. If you do opt for 18's you can still get aftermarket 20's later on. If you get 19's or 20's you cannot add 18's later without doing some modifications. Either way - 19's are a pita for tires later.

Not sure what the status of the larger screen is on the '24. I couldn't get it on mine, it was one of those items they blocked from my model S.

. I spent a couple weeks making various builds before settling on the one I ended up with.

 

Definitely get the OEM hitch. I forget that is an option. Don't worry about the towing package. I think that's one you can add later with GAP. Even if you never tow, having it there for a bike rack or for resale purposes is worth while.

I couldn't get, the larger screen due to supply problems when I ordered, but I don’t miss it. I also couldn't get the full digital gauge pack--I don't think it's a big loss either. I agree with others that the packages have little value.

20s over 19s for sure.

I'll also add a +1 to the comment above to budget $5k for your own aftermarket mods. You can order OEM accessories to install later OR add 1st quality accessories made by other vendors that are better and cheaper than OEM.

 

Even if you don't plan on towing, a Defender without a hitch receiver is as useful as a glass hammer to many. Add one. It's cheap from factory.
Bike rack, cargo carrier, clay pigeon launcher, hitch mounted recovery point etc. Lots of non-towing uses.
If I was buying used or new I wouldn't even consider one without a hitch receiver. Advanced tow assist can be added later via GAP if you want it. It doesn't add much to be honest.

19" rims are terrible option for many. For others it's a non-issue.
If you have no care/need to change tires to something other than the LR offerings then 19" is fine. Again. I wouldn't buy a Defender on 19" rims.

18" is best but not available from factory on trims with a P400, D300 P500 or P525 engine.

Big screen was once a stand alone optional upgrade for $120. I think it will eventually be standard on all but currently it's an upper trim item only. Things like this are constantly changing WRT interior specs, power outlets, sunglass holder etc. Good trim-specific info today will be less useful at a later time.

All manner of hardware can be bought from any LR parts dept later on as needed. Roof rack, ladder, side box, mud flaps, side steps, RAI, etc. You don't need to include it in the order. All simple install for yourself or a better priced independent shop. Also loads of aftermarket products to consider. Keep your options open.

 

Have to chime in and say the 19" wheels are stupid. There is next to no rubber that fits it. No real winter tires, at all. I got a second hand Trophy edition that came with 19", did the caliper swap to get 18" TuffAnts, but am stuck with 19"s in the garage trying to find winter rubber. Stay well away from the 19"s if you can!

 

Thanks. This is helpful. The larger screen isn't listed as an option on the X-Dynamic either. I think it's just the X and upward. Seems like something that should be made optional for the other models.

The 18s aren't listed as an option for anything other than the P300 S. If you moved up to the P400 S or the X Dynamic, the 18s disappear and you have a choice of 19, 20, or 22.

Would it make sense to get the air suspension pack but not the off road pack? Off-road use will be fairly minimal (live in Chicago) but I do spend time in Colorado and out east where we do some beach driving. But really nothing too extreme and I've never had issues even with Pathfinders, 4Runners, Cherokees, etc.

I really wish I had the budget to check every box but I'm trying to keep my build under $85K (which seems insane as it is). I was looking at new Rubicons and even Broncos and the cost difference isn't as much as I imagined it would be. So I've decided to get what I really want.

 

As others have said get the OEM hitch and rear recovery eyes, avoid the 19" wheels. After that it depends if you are looking for the P300 or 400.

 

I think it's crazy not to get the full off-road packages. If anything it will help with resale down the line.

 

@madmax1969 Where are you at pricewise with your build now? You can get a lot of options with $85k on a P400. This one I spec'd in the list below is $82k. (not mine)
If you had another 3k for your budget you could add the off road pack, and the advanced offroad pack. You probably won't use much of it in Chicago, but when you wanted to you could.
May want to do a little research on the rear diff changes with the offroad pack. It's a great function, but it's finicky for service and maintenance.

EXTERIOR$2,260

• Gondwana Stone$950
• Gloss Finish$0
• Standard hood$0
• 20" Style 5094, Satin Dark Grey$0
• 20" Full Size Spare Wheel$0
• No Spare Wheel Cover$0
• Body-colored Roof$0
• Sliding Panoramic Roof$0
• Black Roof Rails
• Signature Graphic (with interior storage)$0
• Extended Black Exterior Pack$1,310
• Privacy Glass$0
• LED headlights with signature DRL$0

INTERIOR$1,750

• 5 Seats$0
• Ebony/Ebony Grained Leather and Robustec Seat Facings with Ebony Interior$0
• 12-way Heated and Cooled Electric Memory Front Seats with 2-way Manual Headrests$0
• 40:20:40 Folding, Heated Rear Seats with Center Armrest$500
• Center Console with Armrest$0
• Standard Interior$0
• Ebony Morzine Headlining$0
• Natural Smoked Dark Oak veneer$600
• Cross car beam in Dark Grey Powder Coat Brushed finish$200
• Standard Leather Steering Wheel$0
• Heated Steering Wheel$0
• Electrically Adjustable Steering Column$0
• Leather Gearshift$0
• Meridian™ Surround Sound System$450
• Interactive Driver Display$0
• 10" Touchscreen$0

OPTIONS$4,450

• Off-Road Pack$1,550
  • Domestic Plug Socket
  • Electronic Active Differential
  • All-Terrain Tires
• Cold Climate Pack$500
  • Heated Windshield
  • Heated Washer Jets
  • Headlight Power Wash
• Air Suspension Pack$1,600
  • Electronic Air Suspension
  • Adaptive Dynamics
• Cargo Partition Net$100
• Tow Hitch Receiver$700

 

I’ll check this out. It’s a little confusing figuring out what the difference is between the p400 S and the X Dynamic. The engine appears to be the same. Looks like it’s just the wheels unless there’s some other differences buried in the lists.