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mrego - Yes, it does. A car with a sunroof has a reduced torsional strength of the bodywork, which also causes the windscreens to crack due to the tension in the bodywork when crossing large bumps, i.e. when driving in the field. Unfortunately, that is the case. If you have the option, take a car with a sunroof and without a sunroof to the dealer on the off-road track and you will immediately know the difference in torsional stiffness of the bodywork when the car's wheels are cut out. The sunroof bodywork also makes more creaky noises and this will get worse with time. Personally, I don't have a sunroof and I have specifically requested this from the manufacturer. I use the car in the field. I have a roff rack a loaded accessory and therefore the window is meaningless. Another aspect is the use of the car on dirt roads if the window was still closed anyway. I have written about leaks and mechanical failures due to humidity and dust. Who uses a car but only on the road and without a sunroof, the sunroof is a pleasant addition.
excellent point on torsion strength- u find the roof window a detriment? What about roof load capacity- how much u think you gain by opting for no panoramic window?
I didn't want it but was given no choice by LR based on (I think) the x-dynamic package or the P400 selection. I was able to opt out of if on my original order, however, when LR decided to cancel all '22 orders that did not have build date, I was forced to re-order as a '23. At the same time, LR changed how the vehicles could be configured and going without the panoramic roof was no longer an option. To this day the only time it's been opened was to make sure it worked before driving off the lot. I haven't even opened the headliner.
Why don't auto manufacturers like LR simply build a Defender with a reinforced roof? What's the drawback for owners? Must be some reason LR makes a Defender and concludes "yea, nobody's going to actually use the roof! Let's make it glass!?"
Hi balladnchain - I too went to LR to spec out a new defender and stopped because I couldn't see how to get the build with their solid roof. Tuns out, LR must have wanted to up the MSRP price, so by making the panoramic roof a mandatory purchase feature on the Defender, it increases the cost by the window (which they had previously sold as a $1,550 upgrade feature). Would I rather have put $1,500 into something like their air compressor? Probably, but LR must not have spare capacity to allow for customization. I'm hoping in a year things will loosen up and I can get a new defender the way I'd want it (solid roof - no panoramic window). good luck with yours! the new defender has the best interior out there in the market - roomy, comfortable, and places for all your stuff. plus, it doesn't waste money on glitz like a Lexus or Mercedes would inevitably do. All very practical. Why LR thinks Defender buyers shouldn't be using their roofs for loading stuff is bewildering....
Why LR thinks Defender buyers shouldn't be using their roofs for loading stuff is bewildering....
The diagram posted by Allegedly shows the design and function of the build, and panoramic roof or not, the load is affixed to the roof rails, which will have the same load-bearing capacity as one with or without the glass roof. So, LR actually doesn’t believe that someone would load objects ‘ON’ the roof directly.
curb-optional - I forgot to mention it but it cost me an additional $1,500 for something I didn't want as well. I realize my initial comment was pretty useless with respect to the masses but I saw an opportunity to vent so I took it. Thanks for humoring me and my moment of self indulgence. In reality, I've had my D90 just over a year now and have been pretty happy with it overall. No regrets...yet.
I believe non panoramic defenders do have extra brace or two in the ceiling, Ive seen pictures of production line in that _epic defender book, page 216.
Driver won't see much of the sky, it's shifted behind and also adds 3 problems:
cracking (unlikely)
Mechanical/software failure (Very likely)
Leakage (hard to tell but Volvos can't figure out this one). defender roof
Either way. Roof load capacity, both dynamic and static are the same. It all goes through the rails.
I like having the sunroof. Lets me look up and check what I'm carrying from time to time. eg: Have I remembered to close my ski rack and loaded all the skis before setting off home. I'm a bit OCD sometimes so saves me from getting out to check.
I also like the light it brings when unloaded.
My main worry is dropping a tool or a ratchet strap on it when I'm up there, moving bars or tying stuff down. So far so good. It was a no cost option on my build (MY22 SE)
Here's the more complete diagram. The assembly had reference to Speedbonder (glue) that I couldn't open on my phone. Glued to the frame and glued to the top panel.
At least to support the sheet panel from collapsing. Improves stiffness vs a glass panel? Maybe, maybe not.
