Defender L663 review !

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Yes it's nice to just get in and drive it, l have to say it does have character unlike some other new vehicles l've tried.

I still like the look of the Grenadier, shame they didn't get production started a bit sooner l would probably have bought one.
 
Update February

HOW'S THE PRETENDER GOING THEN

Still fine, had LR Assist out because the low speed shifting was sometimes jerky. He said the "Z F 8 speed is a bit like that" Looked on BMW forums and seems he's correct (same transmission)

Anyhow he said the transmission module had a software update available so he did that and it's better.

Apart from that , nothing to report on the snags front.

BUT IS IT A DEFENDER

It says Defender on the front, and on the back, so it must be.

MPG?

All round town with only one motorway run, 28mpg average

FITTED ANY ACCESSORIES?

Yes! Front lamp guards, rear recovery eyes, "chequerplate" on top of rear bumper. So it's definitely a Defender now

ANY OIL LEAKS

Well, no, so it can't be a Defender

WET CARPETS AFTER RAIN?

lt doesn't have carpet, but when you open the door rainwater can drop on your knee, so it's definitely a Defender

WHAT ABOUT THE DEFENDER WAVE

Sadly not. Real Defender owners don't wave and other new Defender owners are generally talking to their kids in the back, or messing with their hair, so don't notice.
So it can't be a Defender

OFF ROAD?

Awesome. Definitely a Defender then

ON ROAD

Almost silent at any speed, except for tyre noise on some surfaces
Can't be a real Defender

SO AM I PLEASED WITH IT

I love it, took two months to decide but now l've done a few things to it l've decided to keep it for the foreseeable future. l will look at it again in the Summer. Still worth more than l paid according to WBAC

Would post a couple of photos but still not working on here.
 
Plenty of random issues on the L663 forum although most complaints are about the specification changes
For instance hasn't got the digital dash that was ordered, no rear USB ports, sunglasses holder missing (!) etc
Different world, not one l am used to. But l guess if you are spending that kind of money you want exactly what you ordered
 
upload_2023-3-12_19-58-47.jpeg
 
Finally some photos

Won't upload by the normal method but copy and paste works.
Only accepts one photo per reply though.
 
Knappster said:
Base spec?! It’s pure luxury compared to my 90!
Click to expand...

l added a few extras, the centre console and leather steering wheel/shift lever are the only visible things on the interior

But the old Defender is good for its simplicity. Nothing is there that doesn't have a purpose.
l know l will one day have another.
 
Spring update

STILL GOT THE NEW ONE THEN?

Yes, "Frida" my 90 Commercial has now done just under 4,000 miles

ANY ISSUES?

No. One or two things to do on a recall (missing USB ports fitted, modified air intake canister) but otherwise no faults

STILL LOVING IT?

Yes, it's a fabulous 4x4, but.....

BUT WHAT?

But l've driven a Grenadier

AND?

lt's more of a Defender than the new Defender.
lt even looks like a Defender. Seems very well made as well.

WOULD YOU SWAP?

l might. But there's a years waiting list and by then mine won't sell for what l paid for it, currently it's worth around the list price on WBAC

SO, WHATS THE GRENADIER LIKE THEN.

l only drove it on road, it's like an old Defender but up to date. The steering feels similar because apparently it's the same system.
The interior is a bit unusual, there's nothing in front of you it's all in the centre console. lt feels like the interior of a small aircraft.
Ride quality seems fine. lt's automatic (same transmission as the new Defender) A manual transmission would be nice.
lt's very refined for a traditional 4x4

l think it will make a great overlander. lt's expensive though, the 5 seat Commercial is £60,000
But if you were in business you'd get the tax and VAT back.
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't want either your old TD5 or the new Defender (no offence intended) but just out of curiosity how do the VED rates compare ?
 
The TD5 was classed as a car, and the VED was around £360.

The new Defender is a Commercial Vehicle and it's £280.

Being Commercial it's also exempt from the high initial VED charges on new vehicles over £40,000
 
lt's on coil springs.

There's a big "coil v air" discussion on another forum.
Personally l find the coil springs absolutely fine, the ride is very good and it's good off road as well.

Although my previous vehicle was the 2005 Defender. lf l had come from a Range Rover Sport l might feel differently!
 
TODAY'S UPDATE

Defender has gone in for a couple of warranty items
Not faults, just parts that should have been fitted but weren't due to shortages.

WHAT DID THEY LEND YOU?

Jaguar E-Pace

WHAT'S THAT LIKE

I prefer the Defender, TBH l find a lot of these modern vehicles a bit boring. But it's a nice car.

NOT BORED WITH THE DEFENDER THEN?

No, it's got character, l like it. But, if a mint low mileage TD5 110 came up, who knows

PEOPLE ON HERE MIGHT HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF POSTS ABOUT THE NEW DEFENDER BY NOW

l am going to keep updating because in the future someone will likely find it useful

ANYTHING ELSE TO REPORT

The Defender is the best towing vehicle l've driven, it snorts up hills with the caravan on the back and is rock solid.

The engine is magnificent, it's smooth and sounds nice too.

Long term l doubt it will last like the old Defender though, l bet many will be scrapped before they are 20 years old.

l plan to keep mine long term, as l've actually bought it outright. l'll update from time to time.
 
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