V8 Vs PHEV: New Land Rover Defender P525 and P400e full review

[@paulsansome1628]

I have the Range Rover with the p400e powerplant and I think it is excellent. It suits my usage pattern well. Most journeys are sub 20 miles return so I can go weeks without using any fuel. Economy on a long run is woeful though - low 20's mpg. I do have to do quite a few 400-500 mile round trips in it with no charging (or perhaps an overnight 20miles at the destination). Again, I like the ability to make those journeys without the need to recharge (usually I have dogs and guns in the car). Over 12,000 miles, I have averaged about 45mpg (obviously excluding the electricity) and about 1/3rd of the mileage is on electric.

[@krimke881]

so the mpg's are the same as all hybrids. it's appalling, and hilarious )= and mindblowing how they can't seem make a hybrid, that actually makes sense in real life.

[@graemejohnson9025]

Do you take the Range Rover off road.. Or are you like most owners? Look at me wanker? I own a 928 Porsche.. It does track days and is my daily driver.. Unless you are going 4 wheel driving why buy a Range Rover? Look at me crap..

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

@@graemejohnson9025 Wanker, you don't carry dogs and guns and you drive an old nail. Otherwise a pointless comment.

[@procatprocat9647]

@@brianlaunchbury4491 You're totally missing the point.

[@Vassilika1]

I drive a 1995 Classic Range Rover County LWB 4.2L off road, and for commuting I drive a 2017 Kia Soul EV. I will never understand the Hybrid plug-in shit!

[@paulsansome1628]

They were pheasants in the road, not grouse (bird identification skills are important in a Defender, especially if wearing a flat cap).

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Oh bums, I hang my head Paul.

[@darrenmcphillips4706]

😂😂😂

[@paullanham1014]

Looked like partridge to me! 😂

[@philthorpe4549]

In true flat-cap gent style the question should really have been asked, "Is that a peasant or a phartridge?"

[@Ibiza210]

@@paullanham1014 I'm with you on that.

[@Deepthought-42]

Great review 5.28 Interesting How much your eyes are off the road using the touch screens. Nothing personal- just a reflection on touch screens in general.

[@mikeemery3937]

Noticed the same...👍

[@tombullock9496]

Yes. Can’t use a phone while driving but totally fine to scroll through touchscreen menus. Madness.

[@howardalexander0621]

Agreed, I thought exactly the same, too much unnecessary data and info for when driving.

[@AutoTopnl]

Great video! As a Defender V8 P525 owner I really enjoyed driving the P400e. Its suspension is a lot nicer actually and the power really surprised me!

[@mr.slipperman]

Thinking about P400e. You dont think that Defender is too heavy for 2L engine?

[@glenncraft9887]

Jonny KZbin is made for you. You have knocked it out of the park again. It’s quite extraordinary what content you are producing. It’s bonkers and totally staggering. Thank you and your team for great great viewing.

[@drawwithdan5821]

Jonny, what can I say. Yet another great review. Love the variation on your channel - and presenting style too, on that side of things.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you Dan.

[@richardjenkinson1851]

And all that…

[@FastAsFunk]

Great stuff...! Absolutely agree with everything you say here Jonny. Had my 'fender a couple of months now and love it to bits. Does absolutely everything I need it to do. Toured the East coast with it, it pulls my trailer with cars in it, takes the dogs in the back with ease, hacks up the rutted muddy track round the back of the farm without breaking sweat, delivers 38mpg all while being super comfy. Great bit of kit.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

Fabulously balanced and entertaining review as always Jonny. As a staunch RR driver and fan I completely empathise with your 'ego massaging' phrasiology, however I think the Defender has another dynamic, it's design and form just oozes gorgeousness and even though it lacks the RR luxury I just want one. Good move not to doing any testing in a lake this time!

[@stevecotterill7981]

Hi Jonny, whilst you were checking out ECO mode on the central touchscreen it’s amazing how far you travelled with your eyes off the road. We’re all so distracted now with our over complicated cars… maybe it’s time to get back to basic’s? Great content as always. 👍

[@thebrowns5337]

Doing 95mph on a 50mph road (at 20:06) is a bit off too. Basically turning into Clarkson, which is a shame.

[@benholroyd5221]

If only there was a car that symbolised back to basics.....

[@stephenmadone1230]

@@thebrowns5337 95km/h or about 60mph. No idea what the posted speed limit is for that road.

[@19sjw]

Time to make it illegal as it would be if it was a phone?

[@anonimushbosh]

Jonny "it's idiot proof" Me remembering the Niva... Yeah, but it is Jonny proof? 🤣🤣

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

😬

[@richardfranks2831]

I was wondering if the Niva vid was the real reason Jonny didn’t take it off road. JLR said “not this time Mr Smith”

[@anonimushbosh]

@@richardfranks2831 Very much doubt it. Plus the Niva was soon fixed and therefore still good PR.

[@benholroyd5221]

@@anonimushbosh the niva was soon fixed. JLR probably don't want everyone to know that an impromptu swim requires an engine, battery and motor swap, and a trip to the dealer to get an error cleared.

[@hazzaj9414]

@@benholroyd5221 along with the 20 trips to the dealer to get other random errors cleared!!

[@jimwintersgill9099]

Worth the wait! Hat game was strong in this one Jonny. Superb review with an interesting comparison of the PHEV and V8. Production values now seriously good in these, my #1 KZbin channel by far, on that side of things.

[@ash9988777]

Impressive how through all the noise on KZbin you guys are still cutting through with unique and engaging content! I love it. PHEV for the daily, V8 for that charger 🤤

[@davidknuckles6330]

"side opening. Like a Jimny.. *pause* " Good stuff there

[@koitorob]

And a Disco

[@paulcoles3265]

Thirty minutes of automotive loveliness Jonny…Consummate review with all the key information plus little nuggets others haven’t shared. My key takeouts are buy the PHEV (once they upgrade the battery) and with the money I save buy a Jimny and shoehorn in a V8. You don’t get that kind of insight from Fifth Gear (anymore)…

[@neiljoseph904]

Cracking review, Johnny - great production quality too! Well done and thank you

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Neil.

[@michaelkenny4124]

Great vid Jonny! Came by just to have a quick look at one of my dream cars and your great presenting had me there for whole thing.

[@timm5997]

So excited to see a new video from you Jonny. At a time when lockdown and work is a bit tough - this is truely something to look forward to. Thanks from New Zealand!

[@noonehere1793]

Your personal view on naming is SPOT ON! Well said indeed.

[@mattlaggs5151]

Bloody hell your vids are so well filmed. I’d definitely take the PHEV in this day and age. I mean I have 0 need for a Defender, gorgeous though. Money no object, I’d have the 110 PHEV. Would just make sense in 2021. And it may have been a day later than planned but it was definitely worth it :).

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers v much Matt. Appreciated.

[@exadeci]

Wealthy soccer moms all have top of the line RangeRover I've seen dozen of those new models and we are 300 km from any mountain or off road worthy area

[@mattlaggs5151]

@@exadeci oh god yeah, it’s the same near me. Land Rovers, Range Rovers, Discovery’s, Defender’s (new and old), see them all on the school run. Have to admit the old Defender I see is fully “murdered out”, all black everything, and I bloody love it 😂.

[@andreasdidik3772]

I was watching this on my big screen TV. Suddenly, my eyes grew bigger and my heart beat more....to watch you drive in city (almost paying no attention to road ahead) playing around with touchscreen or whatever buttons are there....

[@angrynortherner3805]

“Bellendery”. Legendary comment of the year Mr S!! 😳 😂

[@OutThereEquipped]

💯 % 😂

[@vwvento5]

Finally a car review!!! A long wait but worth it. Another finely executed video and i enjoyed every minute of it.

[@alexhampton2802]

Shame the phev isn't available as a 90. In fact sod that, full EV 90 would be immense. Also, need a pickup, which hopefully is coming soon. Another great video as always Jonny.

[@Duell-850R]

Your reviews are professional, and professionally filmed. Great work

[@simonwhite2890]

Pretty amazing beasties those 2. I’d probably go for the PHEV, even though my preference would always be for a really nice estate instead of an SUV, but loads of folk round where I live will only buy SUVs it seems, so the more of them are encouraged to at least have a PHEV is a good thing. Guilty pleasure would be the sound of the V8 though

[@mikestokes3966]

I'm a full on V8 Land Rover fan, old 2 door Rangey in the shed and my daily is a G4 Challenge Sport that I've done over 170k in since 2009, both in the UK and now here in Australia. Generally speaking I think the older JLR V8's are more reliable than the diesel equivalents, with the obvious trade off in fuel (lack of) economy so they do suit the overseas markets better. I must admit I think this new V8 Defender is JLR's swansong to the ICE in these kinds of cars, and fair play to them for having the danglers to do it as they certainly didn't need to if the sales figures and delivery lead times are anything to go by. A friend here has just moved on his 12 month old Defender 110 for no financial loss and for a while, with the global supply chain issues all the manufacturers and particularly JLR are facing, I think that'll remain the case but these V8's are going to become special. They're the last of a breed. Jonny you've clearly demonstrated the PHEV is better in most ways and at half the price, it's the head over heart or wallet purchase. But the V8 will always be desirable for that one single reason, it's a V8. And I would order one in a heartbeat to replace old Tango if I could stretch to the expected $180kAUD pricetag.

[@johnrobbo69]

Superb production of the video Jonny. The PHEV could indeed become the new go to for both the very well off and those who just like a better car. You didn't mention the "economy" on the V8. Deliberate error or just a lapse. I think both have their place and as you quoted "bellendery" will play a part. I was so relieved to realise that the speedo on the V8 was clearly reading in kmh rather than mph on a couple of your more spirited moments. ;-). Again, congratulations on an excellently produced, informative and entertaining video.

[@emgee44]

I’ve never thought of it that way before but agree, this should’ve been the Discovery 6 which would’ve left Land Rover open to produce something more simple and affordable yet updated, but I guess they were itching to move the model on.

[@nickporter4279]

Completely agree that it should have been branded as a Discovery, and I think it's a good point. Makes me wonder if LR really understand what the Defender's traditional strengths are. (Sidenote: an electric old-school Defender would be amazing. I think there's a market out there for farmers and environmental workers who want something simple, rugged, easily repaired, but also has the low running costs, quietness and fuel-from-home capability of an EV.)

[@fujijackamora]

This is what it should have been kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5XEp2hrpLp9Y9k

[@erialcdavid]

INEOS Grenadier is a kind of!!!

[@iainweller452]

This is still the best car show on KZbin

[@MarkSouthee]

Finally, another lowish battery range PHEV with rapid charging. I loved that about my Outlander.

[@zoid9969]

The camera in the fin on the roof is for the digital rear-view mirror - there's another one above the number plate that's the rear-view camera.

[@SamPegg84]

What I would really like to know is how the PHEV handles towing a 2 tonne trailer over several hundred miles. Is it able to maintain battery charge to keep the electric motor going, or do you become totally dependent on the 4 pot petrol and its lack of torque compared to a diesel, which I imagine will make for a poor towing experience.

[@p.ashukkur4613]

Great review , calm and quiet :)

[@graemejohnson9025]

Hi everyone.. Watch this video carefully.. And note down how many times Johnny has to take his eyes off the road to use the Stupid Touch screen.. My mates wife just had a "rear ender" in Her Tesla trying to find turn on windscreen wipers on the Stupid Touch screen, in the wet.. Switch please... Oh the Auto setting didn't work...

[@GregsMowing]

Agree screens aren’t stupid. Especially teslas

[@robertallen3441]

They banned mobile phone use in cars and then put massive touch screens in. Absolutely daft idea. All cars with screens in should be crushed says the owner of an old Mondeo and a swb 2a landy.

[@graemejohnson9025]

@@robertallen3441 if you put your little phone on a clip to your air vent.. and move one hand to touch it.. jail.. Buy a wanker Tesla and play with a huge screen..? And that is legal? Eyes on the road is the rule.. I giggle when you see all the Tesla failures.. my mate here in Australia bought one.. heap of shit.. build quality?

[@graemejohnson9025]

@@robertallen3441 yep it is ok for jonny to take his eyes off the road too play with a huge screen.. but not a phone? What a legal wank?

[@Bembermastic]

The V8 is a perfect fit for the 90. If you are buying the 110 focused on the practicality, then the PHEV is the way to go. It would still be good to see the PHEV on the 90 size. Im sure it would sell great on markets where emissions are a big point to consider on a new car purchase. Eitherway, splendid review. Wasn't expecting the Defender to look that great on white. Nice surprise. Cheers

[@petesplaneta9340]

Great review. As a long standing Land Rover lover/owner that has gone over to EVs, I really appreciate this review. Would definitely go for the PHEV but would so love to see a full EV version.

[@SykesAJ]

Really nice video Jonny, nice to be taken through the cars so thoroughly and clearly. Totally agree, the PHEV is the one for me. Cheers!

[@scottcabot5039]

Totally agree with your view on its name. Should’ve been a Discovery 6 leaving space for a proper rugged Defender at a later date

[@jamesellsworth9673]

THANKS for offering the 'Bookend' approach to the Defender line. It makes more thought-provoking viewing.

[@nickjennings8317]

Declaration of interest here , I am a Land Rover aholic. Totally agree with the “Discovery 6 “ idea. I have had mine now for a year. The P240, which I believe is now obsolete. I Love it. Thanks for the video, very interesting. Non Stick Nick

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Cheers Nick. Yes, I think that version is now obsolete. How are you finding it?

[@nickjennings8317]

@@TheLateBrakeShow The P240 replaced a 15 year old Disco 3 that I had from new & did 260k miles. I loved that car and it is still in the family as my son now drives it. The Defender was a retirement present to myself. I love it. It is the 7 seater Diesel. The main thing I miss from the Disco is the drop down tail gate. Otherwise the Defender is great. I love the on screen tools and especially the camera system. It makes hitching and towing the caravan a breeze. i did have an issue with the caravan stabiliser fouling on the spare wheel when hitching up but have sorted that now. Cheers for now & looking forward to going to one of your road shows. Love Smith & Sniff too.

[@PerdixDesignLtd]

Nail on the head with the Disco 6 comment. Reality is that JLR don't want to have an equivalent of the old Defender - just not enough profit in it.

[@stevemoss8786]

I considered the 90 commercial version but went with the Jimny cos it looked like such a fun vehicle (and less likely to eventually depreciate like a malfunctioning rocket) and kept the £30k difference as a deposit for a house hahaha

[@WSMITHify]

Defenders aren’t depreciating there is a year and a half waiting list

[@stevemoss8786]

@@WSMITHify I did say "less likely to eventually" and 30 years plus experience as an auto electrician I know they malfunction !! but I guess ya missed the lounge in cheek nature of the comment

[@WSMITHify]

@@stevemoss8786 so when you say eventually you mean in 20 years? My point is due to scarcity caused by the semi conductor shortage if you are able to buy a new defender, which has to be sold at the RRP then the car will increase in value the second it becomes used and is not subject to JLR’s RRP, I know this because I bought a brand new Defender p400e (arguably the most desirable model) for the RRp of £76k, I was able to do this as it was a cancelled order, the moment I bought it I could sell it for £100k, check the prices of nearly new P400e’s if you can find one. That is why JLR make you sign a contract preventing you from selling the vehicle within 6 months of the purchase date, the penalty for breaking this contract is to be banned from buying any of their vehicles for life. Some depreciation, Enjoy your Jimmy

[@stevemoss8786]

@@WSMITHify I mean 3- 4 years from now when the faults start (if they haven't already started) and the warranty is up an its down to auto electricians like me to fix them that's when they will plummet don't get me wrong I still wanted one but buying a Jimny (which are even harder to get hold off at RRP) saving £35k on the one I spaced from the dealer (from whom I do work and was offered a discount) and investing a rental property was a much better financial decision

[@lewiscannon8213]

@@stevemoss8786 Toyota D4D commercial LWB starts at 36k , half the price of Defender commercial at £77k .

[@_Makanko_]

Very comprehensive review Jonny thank you!

[@bw9729]

Another amazing video Jonny. You may want your video editor to blur out the speedometer in one of those V8 clips.

[@cricketjumper5677]

I was looking for this comment! Thought exactly the same - no point in incriminating yourself!! 😂

[@thebrowns5337]

Or he may want to stop driving like a bell end?

[@SimonGreaves-uh6bq]

Good honest straight forward review! No BS well done 👍🏻

[@gordonsimpson3235]

Interesting report Jonny. I like the 'Downton Abbey music! I take your point, but I don't think the name makes any difference...most people find the Disco 5 offensive, and I think the Defender will find its own level based on cost. It is the spiritual successor to the Disco 4. I really don't like side opening doors, because they take up too much room behind when fully opening them (albeit having a proper spare is appealing). You also lose the useful umbrella effect of a lifting hatch when changing out of field sports gear in the inevitable rain. I really hate all this 'Tech' info available on the 'TV' glued to the dashboard. While you are looking at all this 'valuable' info or switching about across the modes, your eyes were off the road for up to 3 seconds....a lot can happen whilst doing this including killing a child running out into the road. This rubbish should not be available when on the move, and I can see no difference between a driver accessing this info and texting on their mobile. Don't know why the V8's exhaust pipes don't exit through the rear valence...would raise their level at the same time. I also hate this rather synthetic 'farty' sound from current V8's....probably due to particulate filters. I like my V8's to sound raw....like your old Charger! Lastly, whilst I like the look of the SWB, you just couldnt live with it....far too compromised for family use. So, its back to the G-Wagen I suppose.

[@simonhobbs9097]

Agreed 100% Jonny, if the Phev could do 50 miles on EV we would all be buying one, until then BMW 45e far more compelling in this category assuming you are not a serious off-roader.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

The Beemer 45 is a strong PHEV contender.

[@Horizon301.]

No hybrid from bmw is worth it. You pay how much more for the hybrid and still have to get fuel. You might half your fuel bill but doing 15k miles a year still doesn’t recoup the costs of paying more for the hybrid.

[@TheGinger1]

I've definitely reached "a certain age" because I would have the phev too. Don't get me wrong, I could listen to that V8 soundtrack all day long but it seems a bit pointless to have a £100k musical brick on wheels. Does sound great though.

[@pinkelephants1421]

Yeah, this video delightfully highlights the marked difference between ICE and EV. Engines really make racket. As an example: towing wise, after a day out on the water ⛵ or canoeing fossil fuel free, seems a mad contradiction to fire up the V8 to go 🏡.

[@thaifoodtakeaway]

For 100k there are plenty better looking and sounding V8s out there, albeit not 4x4. I think that they didn't make it bonkers enough to make that money worth it.

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

I'd rather have the phev for similar reasons but both are kinda impractical as valiant offroaders.

[@pinkelephants1421]

@@F1ll1nTh3Blanks Have you not noted Rivian's R1T, Ford's F150, GM's upcoming pickup truck versions and last but not least, Tesla's Cybrtrk? All of which are/will be fully electric.

[@xutsider]

so in short.. is the phev version good for long journeys?

[@johnparsons4941]

I dont understand they are so hot on fones in cars but look at the information that is being displayed on the dash to distract you crazy !!!

[@michaelpalmer4624]

Top review mate, thank you! I pick up my new 90 XS P400 next week. Super excited :)

[@davidmarden4789]

Hope you and Chops are feeling better ☺️

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Feel grim David, but thanks for asking.

[@jamesleeharris]

Fantastic review jonny, great shout on saying it should of been the new disco. I've been saying that to my group of friends since release. It's so much more of a facelifted disco 4 than a new defender.

[@Lot76CARS]

A couple of great examples of this icon, I bet JLR were relieved you didn’t repeat your Lada Niva submarine impression.....

[@anthonyyoung5185]

Thankyou , l watch everything you post and love how you keep car reviews real no drama just great car journalism love cheers bro T australia

[@georgepom328]

Personally I would have the Defender P400 MHEV as it has a 6 cylinder petrol but I don't particularly like plug in hybrid

[@chrishart8548]

Does a mild hybrid really help. Mum mum has a xc40 B4 mild hybrid and is getting around 19.2mpg. If it could be plugged in she could probably do 100% electric.

[@georgepom328]

@@chrishart8548 Depends on the mild hybrid they don't do much difference but it's enough to make a difference at least on bigger engines

[@Horizon301.]

@@chrishart8548 how so little? Even a 7 series diesel can get 50 😂

[@darticulate8751]

Always a very good in depth look & insightful review of your vehicles, thank you Johny Smith!

[@whitemoor66]

Don't agree with the Discovery 6 thinking personally. I think LR nailed a modern interpretation of a Defender, and if they apply the family thinking from the Discovery and Range Rover, there's ample opportunity to add another Defender model that is more stripped out and hard core. Unfortunately I don't think LR will do that as I think they have decided there's not enough money to be made in a Jimny type Defender, which is a shame! Great video as always 👍.

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

I'm in the States and tempted by various models of these. A base P300 for the white wheels and white top in blue or green would be killer. Or a grey V8 since they only offer three colors. At the end of the day though I think for 100k my money might sooner go into a hot Porsche Cayman than a V8 Defender that's barely faster than the straight 6. My L322 Range Rover Supercharged (4.2 Jag motor) is still going strong, so it's tough to want to replace it until it's dead.

[@F1ll1nTh3Blanks]

Yeh, I didn't like the design at 1st either but seeing it in the flesh, I have fallen. However, after some time, I am having a hard time thinking it's a true Defender.. It's more a Disco, or what the Disco can be. A Defender shouldn't need to be mass market. It should be more out of necessity and enthusiasm but I guess the car market is chewing that kinda thing out. Bit of a shame because the Defender can be better as a utilitarian and dedicated offroader but it isn't, I guess because JLR wants to sell on its name. Well, if so it worked.

[@JerryFlint6]

Very good review, especially as I am thinking about a Defender or an F-Pace. Notice you filmed in the beautiful Rutland town of Oakham......

[@markembling]

Great review. These are definitely the bookends of the range in terms of economy but I think perhaps the base diesel might be good making an appearance too. So you can compare the cheapest (relative term) with the most expensive and with the PHEV. I'd have been very interested to have heard your thoughts on that one. Also the manual seats are so much less of a faff than the electric for the 90 in terms of getting into the back.

[@T.S.T2014]

You should do all product reviews for the company and more. I have learned more about it via you than 20 other reviewers.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Trevor!

[@garrytalbot3456]

Question. If youre using these a lot on electric power only is there likely to be any adverse effect on the engine with a cold start at high speed ? It’s one thing that’s been bothering me with phevs that can go up to 80+ mph on ev only.

[@AlexisDelatolas]

I am having a different PHEV (Peugeot 3008 H4) and when in hybrid mode it will turn on the engine for a minute at the start of the trip, seemingly for warming it up to use it when needed. I would guess most PHEVs would do the same. But if I start in electric only then the engine never comes on unless I press the kick down on the throttle pedal, and then it turns on in an aggressive way which makes me worried the same way as your asking. Or I just put it in Sport mode when I know I will need full throttle and then everything is on and warmed up.

[@Tom55data]

There are 2 types of phev - those designed specifically for power, those specifically for EV mode before you go BEV. The main difference is that power phev is there for the power and the electric motor is not powerful enough to be useful and hoofing it will bring in the ICE engine. This is the problem you highlight, that is not good on an ICE engine - lots of power when cold, high oil usage, lots of shit out the exhaust, knackered piston rings and main bearings - non-working cat. The PHEV designed as an EV style will not switch into ICE mode when you hoof it (I have an Audi A3 etron), you just get high torque for the motor for town driving, nippy usage, and you use it as hybrid on long journeys and EV in town, and you never worry about the ICE engine cutting in. There are several scientific/engineering reports available that the power PHEVs are not only more polluting than ICE (as you keep cutting a cold ICE - constant cold start), but they don't last as the engine is constantly under high stress. The difference with a designed to be full EV mode, is that when you switch to hybrid you do that when you are trying to hoof it, just let the ICE cut in and warm up, the power PHEV is used as a power mode. It is not clear from this review what this is, but it has been designed/marketed as a power PHEV.

[@AlexisDelatolas]

@@Tom55data Good points. In my Peugeot we use it primarily in ev mode and even in full throttle the ice doesn't wake up. In hybrid mode it does. But the ev mode is more than enough for everyday driving from home to work and back. So the ice is used mostly on weekends on longer trips. If I want max power then the sport mode keeps the ice on all the time and everything combined gives 300hp. So for me it's like having both ev and power at this point.

[@richardmatthews6325]

I've worked in Haseley Knob years back, like the bell-endery reference 🤣 Liking that V8, and really liked the real world mini PHEV Def test

[@Lburt07]

Any updates on the abandoned Lamborghini Espada? Has it been sold and wots its current status?

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Not sold as yet. I will keep you informed, promise.

[@eriksimons8134]

Really great review. Cannot agree more with the conclusion. In NL, there is only one choice. I wish I was in the position to even be concidering the Defender. Pause…. Back to adds for a secondhand Jimny 😁

[@SMlFFY85]

When I first saw the new Defender I thought it looked like it should be a Discovery, more so than the actual Discovery 5, which is degenerating into little more than a crossover SUV.

[@simono4991]

As a Disco 5 owner (who’s about to order a Defender!) I’d say don’t judge it by it’s looks. The breadth of ability of the car is definitely better than a Disco 4. It just doesn’t quite look the part but you need to see function over form!

[@steveb4012]

Excellent Johnny, really enjoy this type of video and your barn finds. The wife just got a BMW X1 PHEV as her new company car, I should complain that I wanted Defender...

[@mrc7966]

Look at how much time Johnny's eyes are actually on the road during the segment where he's navigating the touch screen...car design has gone wrong.

[@nt5919]

your conclusiona nd summing up was brilliant. Thanks for this review

[@ChocolateFrog]

There's no reason the V8 should be more expensive than the PHEV. Must be 50k profit in it for LR.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

I totally agree, and wish I'd mentioned this on the vid. Why is the older tech engine so much more money?

[@aidanwilson6035]

There are plenty people in North America and the Middle East with more money than sense combined with cheap fuel who will buy V8's for years to come , it is not just JLR , Mercedes must be making up to 100k profit on the overpriced & dated G Wagon !.

[@leatherworkstation]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Think they're trying to play to the "this might be the last one" for all the vociferous anti-climate people I reckon, who moan not only about BEVs and PHEVs but when Merc put a turbo V6 in their cars instead of a V8. They hate anything slightly economically or environmentally beneficial so they know that market will pay whatever it costs, and even if they can't afford this one, those people will have a favourable view of the company, be free advertising for Land Rover by championing their V8, and perhaps buy a cheaper LR from the range. And the footballers and stupidly wealthy etc who see more zeroes on the end as status and would buy a packet of Wotsits for £30,000 and brag about it if their lifestyle concierge told them to. I'm sure there's an element of it being a lesser used engine technology now, so the economies of scale will make it a tad more expensive but twice the price is obscene, but as above, I don't think it matters for their target audience.

[@pinkelephants1421]

@@TheLateBrakeShow Perhaps because ultimately EV is where the brand is heading and they want to gradually (& gently) steer (pun intended) their clientele towards full electrification?

[@thebrowns5337]

I'm happy the dirtiest option is the most expensive. That's how it should be. However tne 'clean' version should be cheaper still.

[@sidelias]

Mate I have been looking for a really thorough review of the new defender. Hands down the best review without a dought. Fantastic work , will surely be following you . Sydney Australia

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks Sid, welcome aboard TLBS

[@joemacleod-iredale2888]

Feels like they should have bitten the bullet and gone all EV as they’ll have to go that way before too long anyway and it opens up a lot of interesting packaging options.

[@chrishart8548]

In full EV form will one of these still have less than a 1/3 of the wlt range of a bmw equivalent.

[@joemacleod-iredale2888]

@@chrishart8548 the ipace doesn’t have bad range and Jaguar and land rover are basically the same company now.

[@Phil535]

@@joemacleod-iredale2888 No basically about it - they are the same company

[@jefferysmith3930]

Love the vaguely Downton Abbey-esc music. Very fitting. Great review Jonny.

[@mikefuller5326]

If they are unable to make an ICE work, how will they make a PHEV work, you would have to be very brave to invest your own hard earned cash in this car.

[@timsaxon5825]

Agreed. The design has actually grown on me and my heart wants one, but my head would never allow it in a million years.

[@simono4991]

A great review as always. I’m so close to ordering one of these, a meat and potatoes diesel though as I don’t own an oil well and I need to tow a heavy thing. Actually, it’s a horse. Yes, I’m the core customer for one of these! The only thing I don’t agree with is the ‘new Defender as Disco 6’ hypothesis. The Disco is never going to get more utilitarian, and that would have meant the Defender when it eventually came would have had to have been properly basic, which really isn’t where JLR are. It’s not even where the Grenadier is having seen the recent interior unveiling. I think people overlook how basic a non-press fleet-spec Defender can be. The Disco 5 proves people judge form over function; it has to be objectively better than a Disco 4 in every area, but Gerry McGovern’s pen slipped and the rest is damnation!

[@StephenFogarty2023]

Well said Totally agree Enjoy your diesel Defender when u get it. 👍👍

[@simono4991]

@@StephenFogarty2023 Not going to order now - LR have taken the base and S spec cars off sale as of today. And the options choice has reduced too. Related to chip availability I guess.

[@StephenFogarty2023]

@@simono4991 That’s a shame I’d expect those models to be back on sale soon By early 2022 Once chip supply starts to get better ? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@garethjudd5840]

The EV Town mode will be perfect for the Nanny dropping the kids to school.

[@graemejohnson9025]

Look mummy I am saving the Planet.. only for 10 minutes though.. wank...

[@ZesPak]

@@graemejohnson9025 it's not about saving the planet, it's about keeping those local emissions away from where I take my kids to school.

[@Markcain268]

@@ZesPak until someone pulls up their smokey old diesel lol

[@AlwaysOutdoorsAdventure]

Great review, think LR have been quite clever with the rapid charge, future proofed as battery tech improves.

[@gregorypaulbox3035]

Just give me a Lada Niva with its minimal 1210kg weight, narrow tyres, low ratio transfer gearbox and diff lock.

[@chrishart8548]

Saw a white P reg one today 1.7i

[@Colin623]

Exactly, LR are losing the plot here, the model range are becoming so blurred these days, why would anyone spend £100k for the school run ? absolute madness and sheer waste of money let alone a waste of the car itself !

[@Colin623]

@@Cous1nJack ​Yes horses for courses, so that horse being a defender is designed to be used for off road uses, as you say horses for courses ! The school run however does not require a vehicle that is designed to go through rivers and ploughed fields on the way to school ! No, a RR Evoque would do the school run supremely well and more suitably designed to do so, or a Volvo XC60,or XC90, BMW X3, Audi Q4 etc, like I said, people have been hoodwinked into believing they need more than what they actually need, the Range Rover is a typical example of people wanting to show their wealth rather than actually needing such a vehicle, and LR are feeding off that greed and moving the once dedicated off roader into the same territory as the Range Rover, hence me saying the differences have become much more blurred these days,sorry, but that's the truth, don't get me wrong I would love to own the new defender, but do I actually need it in my everyday life ? NO, and that's my point.

[@Colin623]

@@Cous1nJack Well first of all it was you that used the term Horses for courses NOT ME, so let's put that to bed here and now. Secondly you are stating the obvious regarding people deciding what car they wish to buy, I never said they shouldn't be able to do so ! So you can get off your high horse yourself matey don't use terminology that you use yourself, then criticize someone else for using the same ! 👏

[@Colin623]

Which changes nothing, you can't even see the hypocrisy of what you have started, trying to defend the indefensible and coming back with complete and utter nonsense, stop being such a vanker ALL your life and admit for once in your sad little life that you have to learn and recognise when you have lost an argument, now tiss off and grow up.

[@PB200559]

I agree with your conclusion. More generally, you my friend are a class act and a great car reviewer. Thank you.

[@pbyfr]

I find the PHEV a bit outdated now in 2021. For a bit of EV advantages, you have both the ICE and electric disadvantages. PHEV is better than nothing, but they could have offered a full EV too. As a big fan of 3 doors cars, it is nice to see it still available, but these seats are ridiculous.

[@soundslight7754]

Great style of presentation, totally enjoyed the show :)

[@martinweston8147]

If I was in a short range BEV and someone had parked this at a rapid charger for half an hour I’d be really miffed. PHEV shouldn’t have a rapid connection unless they can do serious EV mileage. Especially in the UK where rapids are so sparse.

[@workshopninjathe1st]

I only have to put petrol in my 1st gen X5e when I go out of town. The 15 miles I get on e only gets my kid to school and the shopping done and re-charges overnight for pennies. I used to refill my 3.5l v6 pathfinder every week!

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Exactly the kind of real world change in behaviour I was hoping to hear. So it has made a big difference then?

[@workshopninjathe1st]

@@TheLateBrakeShow it has made a massive difference in my petrol consumption. I also think it has made me more aware of my consumption - arguably more important in the long run.

[@fintrollpgr]

20 miles, so about a 1kW/mile or 1mile/kW. Given EV's routinely do 4-5miles/kW that is horrendous. Not to mention that despite what you said 20 miles is too short a range for a lot of people. Especially if you don't live in/near a city which is just the place where a "Defender" would more suited. And yes it can charge fast, but who wants to stop 30min to charge on the way back home from work?

[@yrma_fletcher8953]

the point is youd use the engine or both of them combined. youd use electric only rarely. As he said save it for going into the city or around quiet villages. otherwise its just their to boost your fuel range

[@chrishart8548]

Nissan leaf only had a 24kw battery. This battery is almost as big and probably can't do 20miles.

[@fintrollpgr]

@@yrma_fletcher8953 The point of a PHEV happens to be that you CAN do most of your local trips in EV mode and only need the engine for longer trips. Something which it is not capable of in this case. (And also clearly illustrated by it's competitors having two to three times the EV range). Now it is more a gimmick hybrid (to save some fuel as you state)

[@yrma_fletcher8953]

@@fintrollpgr that's why you can save it for when you need it, most local trips are well under 20 miles, if not you just use both

[@yrma_fletcher8953]

@@fintrollpgr Paul below actaully owns one so i dunno what to tell you

[@alexmaddox2255]

The demonstration of the getting into the back made me laugh "and that takes... this long" 😂

[@MrFlazz99]

How on earth does anybody justify spending that kind of money on a Land Rover Defender? It should be stripped-out, utterly minimalist and maximally capable - and about £25k. Lunacy at multiples of that.

[@Colin623]

I have said exactly the same thing in my comment, LR are losing the plot here and forcing traditional LR Defender buyers to look elsewhere, next big thing will be taking a massive tractor putting four seats in it, auto box, and flogging it to any idiot stupid enough to believe they need such a waste of space on wheels 🤦‍♂️

[@ChocolateFrog]

Well current owners are being offered more than the RRP by the likes of WBAC so there's enough people that don't think it's over priced.

[@Phil535]

It is clearly a different market segment for LR now. Farmers buy Japanese pickups to move sheep because LR sell Defenders to wealthy folk to move their Bordeaux and they will pay 3 times the price of an old Defender for a refined slice of 'Country Chic'. Put simply, the brand has moved-on and is no longer a practical utilitarian vehicle manufacturer with a single premium option in the lineup to now only being a premium, high retail cost/high margin product lineup. There's not enough margin in poverty spec transport. Give it time and we'll see LR branded boats - that's a whole new level of licence to print money!

[@cbflazaro]

when you realise that a 1.0L fiesta costs 20k

[@Colin623]

@@Phil535 Yes the lines between models have become much more blurred, once if you wanted a dedicated off road vehicle say for working on a farm etc then it was a Defender, and if you wanted to show off your wealth then it was a Range Rover, which in itself has moved more and more up market over it's lifetime, ten years from now the new defender will become even more luxurious no doubt and blurring the differences even more ! So you end up with fewer and fewer choices, so where does a farmer go for the once dedicated workhorse ? exactly not Land Rover as they have all but pulled out of that market, unless they see sense and produce a stripped out version for it's former buyers. Don't get me wrong I love the Defender, looks great, but do I actually need one living in my town ? well NO, but LR are hoping to persuade enough people to do exactly that ! Sorry farmers but you've been given the fingers ✌

[@spiritzen]

One of the best reviewers of cars I've come across

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Many thanks 💪🏽

[@oneeleven9832]

The fact that you can use screens while driving still baffles me…

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Yeah, touch screens aren't progress inside a car.

[@bryanholden6487]

Also, illegal.

[@MrMaster72]

Chelsea tractor death weapon….

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

It isn't though, which is ridiculous. How can it be illegal to change the radio station, alter your suspension or set your nav?

[@sim6699]

@@TheLateBrakeShow when there were buttons, familiarity enabled one to press buttons without looking

[@alanwayte432]

My wife has BMW 330e I was sceptical of its real world Electric range of 26mpg best 30..however since December all be it Covid times we are averaging 98mpg which is excellent.

[@drawwithdan5821]

I'm wondering why they didn't give the V8 the 575ps version engine. Unless they're gonna have that as some performance option pack? Or final 'R' model? I mean, 525ps is nothing to moan about but if this is the top model...give it the top power available! It's a massively expensive car isn't it. Hybrid for me. It's half the price but not half the car!

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

It's not an SVR. That will come later with a BMW V8.

[@drawwithdan5821]

@@wasdwasdwwasd Do you reckon? I'm not so sure. I get the feeling this is the 'one and only' of this kind.

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

One of a kind in the sense it's a send off to the AJ26 engine but I doubt this will be the most powerful Defender when the G63 exists.

[@simonmurfin1910]

Great to see the rapid charging built in. Always surprises me that hybrids are often so slow to charge. Eg the X5 45e is so slow to charge yet BMW could just lift the tech from the i3 or i8 that have been around for years

[@polyglotuk]

Jimny full EV please and thank you

[@chrishart8548]

Jimny is already expensive how much would an EV one cost?

[@hyphensclassics]

I made this assessment when I did an initial video on the Defender I’m on its tour of the dealerships. It should have been the Disco 5, not 6. The Disco 5 is a 7 seater Range Rover, and the new Defender follows more in the path of the last Disco’s.

[@devonbikefilms]

A halfway house at best, neither one thing or the other. I’m sure it’s a fine vehicle, but with double the complexity and too many compromises, I’d rather just buy an EV and a Hilux for towing. Let’s hope the EV version is coming soon…..

[@MisterA-Vintage]

I have the RRS P400E and agree that the distance on EV could be better. That said, it can shift too and can be lots of things to lots of people! The Defender is cool but doesn’t quite hit the levels of RRS refinement. Your comment re Disco 6 are spot on and if the Defender had the Disco interior and kit I would buy it - THE PHEV of course! Great review as always Jonny (but I won’t buy a Jimmy)

[@smoothmicra]

Interesting to see how residuals hold out for these Chelsea tractors, I imagine they will plummet after five years so you might be able to get a nice one that has a lot of service history at a bargain price. I also wonder if the off-road fraternity will buy them, pull out all the electronic gizmos and turn them into off-road beasts they don't mind putting a dent or two in. That would seem a more fitting image for a Defender rather than transport to take Rupert to school and pick up some groceries. The whole Land Rover range seems to be creeping towards everything being a big expensive luxury bus full of gizmos. I know that is where the margins are, but come on Land Rover, a bit of imagination please. A basic budget small Land Rover would be extremely popular I'm sure.

[@Horizon301.]

They hold their value fairly well, range rovers that is, these new land rovers cost just as much and aren’t appealing much to other drivers so it’s likely just going to follow the same path and be quite expensive. Compare an S Class in price at 3 years old and 6 and you will see the vogue or sport costs far more, the XJ meanwhile is very affordable used, that does drop like a bomb in value, more so than the competition.

[@cybergornstartrooper2157]

Does the PHEVs heater use the engine to warm up or does it have an independent heater?

[@Rhowhat]

At £100k+ you would have to he really commited to looking like a complete melon to even consider this. Don't forget to wear uncomfortable amounts of gold when driving it.

[@alexclipper7608]

No amount of gold can make someone as uncomfortable as you were while writing this. Stop being so jelly.

[@Rhowhat]

@@alexclipper7608 Yes, it is jealousy that makes me dislike this monstrosity of a car 😂

[@aminebouharaoui4358]

Hey Johnny! Cheers from Morocco. Lovely content as always!