I know this is the D5 forum, but I am wondering how many other D5 owners are considering the switch.

 

I’m considering, but the lack of a diesel is a serious bummer.

 

I'm considering but will wait till the first wave of bugs are worked out and all options are present like diesel, winch, ladder.
I like the look, clear site, and better approach-departure angles. Other than that the off-road specs are very similar. Wade depth, terrain response 2, towing are all the same. We would also be giving up a much nicer interior, and load space. End result, it would be more for estetics as I have used my Disco in some pretty aggressive off-roading and have yet to have an issue. Swapping my tires completely changed the off road ability.

 

I only just leased my D5 a few weeks ago with the view to buying out the vehicle in 3 years if I’m satisfied with it.
I admit I will be tempted to return it instead and buy a new Defender but only with a decent diesel which is not available in the US so far.
But as a previous poster points out, I’d be giving up my greater cargo capacity and nicer interior for frankly looks (although I’m one of the few who doesn’t mind the D5 at all) which doesn’t make make such sense as the D5 will handle any terrrain I’d be prepared to send a $75k vehicle into (it’s why I don’t regret not custom ordering a D5 with a rear locker as frankly I’m unlikely to be brave enough to take such a valuable vehicle into a situation which would require one).
For overlanding I’m not sure I see much benefit of a Defender over a Discovery. For hardcore off roadies just for the challenge of, sure, but then I’d be more inclined to buy a Wrangler Rubicon and spend the savings on modifying it than buying a Defender...

It does look cool though with all the bits...

 

I had a D4 and was planning on getting a D5, but didn’t like it when I drove it, so I bought an RRS instead. I’d keep the RRS, but this new Defender is quite tempting, in its 90 guise with the D240 (which we can get in Oz). TBA when the vehicle is in the showrooms.

 

Same but at least the gas has some serious punch

 

Some of what I have been reading has the diesel coming in 2nd or 3rd quarter of next year

 

I actually placed a deposit with my dealer and tend to agree with most of the thoughts above. I had an LR4 before as well and felt the D5 was a big upgrade, especially in terms of ride quality and interior feel. I have taken the D5 through some moderately challenging off road terrain (as much as I would any vehicle that also happens to be my daily driver) and was never let down. If I make the switch to the Defender, it will be for all of the new tech, the more rugged boxier look, and for a larger aftermarket base for accessories. My current holdbacks are ride quality and interior quality--I hope both of these are at least on par with the Discovery. Losing a bit of storage space does not concern me and although I have the 3rd row, I don't need it. I am a bit concerned that we haven't seen a US spec truck, so I hope there are no curve ***** with any odd-looking additional lights/changes to make it DOT compliant.

 

From what I have read the Defender shares a lot of the suspension and drivetrain with the D5, pending on how they tuned the suspension I would expect it to be very similar to the D5. I am still looking in to perhaps getting a Defender, but will require a Diesel as it will be my daily driver and MPG will be important. Ideally the new SD6 would be great with over 300HP to add a bit of zing to the drive. My wife uses the D5 as her daily and our family vehicle for trips. Will keep the D5 for while even if I get a Defender, but it may get costly with 2 Land Rovers in the household. In the mean time the D5 will have to do for my offroad adventures.

 

After our D5 lease ends my hope is that the Rivian SUV will be available. Wouldn't go down in size to the Defender even though I do think it's pretty cool.