https://www.automobilemag.com/cars/j...t-look-review/

 

If an adult, family-sized, third row is enabled by a Defender 130, what would then be the primary, unique value proposition of the D5?

 

Maybe lower priced on-road transportation for families that want a JLR product but never go offroad. I'm thinking a D5 is at least $5K less without offroad options. And dealers offer discounts on D5's but we won't see that on 130's for a long time.

 

PaulLR:

I agree what you describe is a potential, maybe likely path -- which will be strongly signaled by the D5 losing its low-range transfer capability (or making that an option at a very impractical, high price). At that point, it will "just" be a larger, 3rd row, less luxury, more utilitarian version of the RR Velar or RR Sport.

Having driven and fallen for my LR4, I had a friend of mine recently try to navigate this critical point of JLRs product lines -- looking for something at that critical product offering point of a family SUV without low-range capability, but with JLRs sturdy feel and unique reputation. Short story, she purchased a Nissan Armada. So it goes.

We shall see........