This is exactly why LR has the reputation that it does.
What you are describing is absolutely NOT normal and the dealership doesnt sound normal either.
I would call LR directly.

 

I believe there is a gearbox software update that may help here.

Mine had an issue where it wasn't smooth in traffic and the update made it much better.

Also now l've done a few miles (4,000) the whole drivetrain has got smoother.

D250 though, different engine but the same tranny.

 

i have this same buckling/hesitation around 1200rpms. '22 HSE

Feels exactly like the buckling you get when driving a manual in low rpm (too high a gear).

Except this happens all the time around 1200 rpms, cold start or warmed up. Especially noticable in bumper to bumper traffic when I'm going slow and barely get out of 2nd gear. I have noticed it does the same buckling at higher gears and speeds though, but it is hard to "trigger" the buckling at higher speeds.

What update solves this? I've downloaded the latest Pivi update and no change - is this a dealer-only accessible update?

 

Pivi Pro updates won't solve this. You need to ask your dealer to plug the diagnostics in and see if there's a gearbox software update available.
The software update cured this issue on my D250.

 

Mine is still not solved, but admitedly I just dont pay it much thought, nor do I try to trigger it. Perhaps Ive gotten use to it? I dont know but it doesnt seem to do it as often anymore. But now that you guys mentioned the gearbox update, I think Ill make that request on my next service which is due soon. Thanks.

 

When you are in slow moving traffic, try selecting "S" mode and engage "2"

lt only takes a second, lever over to the left and back.

Then the Defender will stay in second gear, making life much smoother.

When you clear the queue and need to go faster just move the shift lever back into "Auto"