So where are all the first impressions? (right here)

So had the car for nearly a week now and would confirm I am just loving it.
I have the same gremlins as already been noted numerous times so wont repeat those.
One area I have got working which I see others have had issues with is power to the Nato plug.
I suspect it was the relay in the boot which had some loose wires or something, but working now and charging the DC/DC in the trailer thankfully.
We are off on a 3.5k trip tomorrow over the Alps and round Italy and will save my detailed impression reports for when I return.
Would have been helpful to have had the roof rack but can't hang on for that.
It tows the expedition trailer just superbly!!

Paul Cooper said:

So had the car for nearly a week now and would confirm I am just loving it.
I have the same gremlins as already been noted numerous times so wont repeat those.
One area I have got working which I see others have had issues with is power to the Nato plug.
I suspect it was the relay in the boot which had some loose wires or something, but working now and charging the DC/DC in the trailer thankfully.
We are off on a 3.5k trip tomorrow over the Alps and round Italy and will save my detailed impression reports for when I return.
Would have been helpful to have had the roof rack but can't hang on for that.
It tows the expedition trailer just superbly!!
View attachment 7813063

Click to expand...

Nice trailer Paul is it one of you own design . P.S check the jack mine isn't totally functional out of the box.

Paul Cooper said:

So had the car for nearly a week now and would confirm I am just loving it.
I have the same gremlins as already been noted numerous times so wont repeat those.
One area I have got working which I see others have had issues with is power to the Nato plug.
I suspect it was the relay in the boot which had some loose wires or something, but working now and charging the DC/DC in the trailer thankfully.
We are off on a 3.5k trip tomorrow over the Alps and round Italy and will save my detailed impression reports for when I return.
Would have been helpful to have had the roof rack but can't hang on for that.
It tows the expedition trailer just superbly!!
View attachment 7813063

Click to expand...

Power to my NATO plug is only live with engine on, power switch on and 500amp winch power switch on is that the same with yours.
Great set up by the way. Happy touring

Paul Cooper said:

So had the car for nearly a week now and would confirm I am just loving it.
I have the same gremlins as already been noted numerous times so wont repeat those.
One area I have got working which I see others have had issues with is power to the Nato plug.
I suspect it was the relay in the boot which had some loose wires or something, but working now and charging the DC/DC in the trailer thankfully.
We are off on a 3.5k trip tomorrow over the Alps and round Italy and will save my detailed impression reports for when I return.
Would have been helpful to have had the roof rack but can't hang on for that.
It tows the expedition trailer just superbly!!
View attachment 7813063

Click to expand...

I am looking forward to read your stories - love your awesome trailer setup

CountyV8 said:

Nice trailer Paul is it one of you own design . P.S check the jack mine isn't totally functional out of the box.

Click to expand...

Hi thanks for highlighting the jack as I haven't checked and will do so now. I usually carry a hi lift but no roof rack although i may squeeze on the trailer rack if i have time.
The trailer is a Metalian Maxi which i stripped and refitted out.
It is South African but there is a Swiss dealership - https://www.metalian.ch/products/maxi/

Logsplitter said:

Power to my NATO plug is only live with engine on, power switch on and 500amp winch power switch on is that the same with yours.
Great set up by the way. Happy touring

Click to expand...

Yes same - the gear needs to be in N or D also.
I don't think it is live in P although i might be wrong as i was messing about with it most of yesterday.

Max said:

Assembled in Hambach...sort of

Click to expand...

I quoted their claim. ;-)

Logsplitter said:

Power to my NATO plug is only live with engine on, power switch on and 500amp winch power switch on is that the same with yours.
Great set up by the way. Happy touring

Click to expand...

And you have the front winch as well?

DCPU said:

And you have the front winch as well?

Click to expand...

Yes sorry I should have said yes. I have the front winch.

Logsplitter said:

Yes sorry I should have said yes. I have the front winch.

Click to expand...

I so feel I'm being discriminated against just because I own a Tirfor...

Schoeniman said:

2500km so far and still going all around Italy
Fuel Consumption with Roof Rack and RTT at 130km/h on the Italian Motorways: 14l per 100km; avg with City, country road and some faster Strade Statales: 12l per 100km.
Issues:
- Start/Stop hasn't worked a single time yet
- TPMS warns for "HIGH" Tire pressure, even when the pressure is too low
- Apple Carplay very often disconnects
- Water entry once Windshield left, didn't show up again
- Water entry once 3rd window on the right side, didn't show up again
- of course the well known electrical gremlins from time to time, which will be solved with the June/July software update
- Learning: wait 'til you hear the 3 bings after turning on ignition and you should have more or less zero gremlins. Seems the car needs to go through the startup without interruption by the driver.
- Motor: acceleration and drive feel along with the ZF 8 gear is a dream. Even on the smallest and steepest coastal roads the car always feels mega save and very sovereign
- Toot very helpful in Italy and not so disruptiveView attachment 7812950
- Conclusion: we just love the car!!! Period

Click to expand...

Super strong picture.
Enjoy Italy - greetings from Italy.

Well. The day arrived and I collected my vehicle from Halliwell Jones, Chester, this afternoon. Steve and his assistant Dave were as professional as expected and a good run round on the car was given.
My absolute first impressions in no particular order:

Looked beautiful
Black roof is very, very subtle against DD.

Extremely well presented including full tank of fuel.

Missing side steps but tow hitch fitted

Very happy with my interior choices of Grey/Black leather seating and the Saddle leather wheeel, etc.

Grippy surfaces for phones etc are not gripping at all. None slip Matt’s will be required.

Quality is very high inside and out

I will be getting the vehicle carpeted. Matt’s alone don’t do it for me

Would have preferred it without the foot rest being so big but I will learn to live with it.

Seating comfort and positioning in relation to arm resting areas are perfect for me. Likewise I could get decent adjustments on door mirrors.

Rear passenger windows wind all the way down unlike old Defender windows.

Rear Matt in black looks good but I want carpet and / or rubber Matt.

Rear door compartment cover is ‘cheap’ and when an aftermarket accessory becomes available, I will buy it.

All doors clunk shut and feel absolutely solid.

On the road:

Driving position high with great visibility and very much like old Defender but with more elbow room. Provides that superior feel that Land Rover owners love so much. Feels like if anything was to get in the way of the Grenadier, it would not be good on their part.

Steering is different but no issues other than on tight windy roads when cars coming towards you at speed. Steering doesn’t feel so accurate at these times. Only done 20 miles so early days yet.

Entertainment is good enough for now. I am not an audiophile. For me it was impressive enough. Software is currently a bit laggy but I'm sure it will be improved with updates.

Sun roofs are great and I am glad I changed my mind about ordering them.

That’s enough initial feedback for now. I have some grass to cut. More very soon.

View attachment 7813132
View attachment 7813132

Cheshire cat said:

Well. The day arrived and I collected my vehicle from Halliwell Jones, Chester, this afternoon. Steve and his assistant Dave were as professional as expected and a good run round on the car was given.
My absolute first impressions in no particular order:

Looked beautiful
Black roof is very, very subtle against DD.

Extremely well presented including full tank of fuel.

Missing side steps but tow hitch fitted

Very happy with my interior choices of Grey/Black leather seating and the Saddle leather wheeel, etc.

Grippy surfaces for phones etc are not gripping at all. None slip Matt’s will be required.

Quality is very high inside and out

I will be getting the vehicle carpeted. Matt’s alone don’t do it for me

Would have preferred it without the foot rest being so big but I will learn to live with it.

Seating comfort and positioning in relation to arm resting areas are perfect for me. Likewise I could get decent adjustments on door mirrors.

Rear passenger windows wind all the way down unlike old Defender windows.

Rear Matt in black looks good but I want carpet and / or rubber Matt.

Rear door compartment cover is ‘cheap’ and when an aftermarket accessory becomes available, I will buy it.

All doors clunk shut and feel absolutely solid.

On the road:

Driving position high with great visibility and very much like old Defender but with more elbow room. Provides that superior feel that Land Rover owners love so much.

Steering is different but no issues other than on tight windy roads when cars coming towards you at speed. Steering doesn’t feel so accurate at these times. Only done 20 miles so early days yet.

Entertainment is good enough for now. I am not an audiophile. For me it was impressive enough.

Sun roofs are great and I am glad I changed my mind about ordering them.

That’s enough initial feedback for now. I have some grass to cut. More very soon.

View attachment 7813132
View attachment 7813132

Click to expand...

done a good job with the mower.

congratulations with the Gren. Looks great.

Cheshire cat said:

Well. The day arrived and I collected my vehicle from Halliwell Jones, Chester, this afternoon. Steve and his assistant Dave were as professional as expected and a good run round on the car was given.
My absolute first impressions in no particular order:

Looked beautiful
Black roof is very, very subtle against DD.

Extremely well presented including full tank of fuel.

Missing side steps but tow hitch fitted

Very happy with my interior choices of Grey/Black leather seating and the Saddle leather wheeel, etc.

Grippy surfaces for phones etc are not gripping at all. None slip Matt’s will be required.

Quality is very high inside and out

I will be getting the vehicle carpeted. Matt’s alone don’t do it for me Like remove the seats and properly carpet entire interior?


Seating comfort and positioning in relation to arm resting areas are perfect for me. Likewise I could get decent adjustments on door mirrors.

Rear passenger windows wind all the way down unlike old Defender windows.

Rear Matt in black looks good but I want carpet and / or rubber Matt. Exactly!

Rear door compartment cover is ‘cheap’ and when an aftermarket accessory becomes available, I will buy it. Same!

All doors clunk shut and feel absolutely solid.



Driving position high with great visibility and very much like old Defender but with more elbow room. Provides that superior feel that Land Rover owners love so much.

Steering is different but no issues other than on tight windy roads when cars coming towards you at speed.

Sun roofs are great and I am glad I changed my mind about ordering them.

Click to expand...

See above!

Cheshire cat said:

Well. The day arrived and I collected my vehicle from Halliwell Jones, Chester, this afternoon. Steve and his assistant Dave were as professional as expected and a good run round on the car was given.
My absolute first impressions in no particular order:

Looked beautiful
Black roof is very, very subtle against DD.

Extremely well presented including full tank of fuel.

Missing side steps but tow hitch fitted

Very happy with my interior choices of Grey/Black leather seating and the Saddle leather wheeel, etc.

Grippy surfaces for phones etc are not gripping at all. None slip Matt’s will be required.

Quality is very high inside and out

I will be getting the vehicle carpeted. Matt’s alone don’t do it for me

Would have preferred it without the foot rest being so big but I will learn to live with it.

Seating comfort and positioning in relation to arm resting areas are perfect for me. Likewise I could get decent adjustments on door mirrors.

Rear passenger windows wind all the way down unlike old Defender windows.

Rear Matt in black looks good but I want carpet and / or rubber Matt.

Rear door compartment cover is ‘cheap’ and when an aftermarket accessory becomes available, I will buy it.

All doors clunk shut and feel absolutely solid.

On the road:

Driving position high with great visibility and very much like old Defender but with more elbow room. Provides that superior feel that Land Rover owners love so much.

Steering is different but no issues other than on tight windy roads when cars coming towards you at speed. Steering doesn’t feel so accurate at these times. Only done 20 miles so early days yet.

Entertainment is good enough for now. I am not an audiophile. For me it was impressive enough.

Sun roofs are great and I am glad I changed my mind about ordering them.

That’s enough initial feedback for now. I have some grass to cut. More very soon.

View attachment 7813132
View attachment 7813132

Click to expand...

@Cheshire cat I'm happy for you that you have it now too! Have a good trip and lots of fun!

Logsplitter said:

Yes sorry I should have said yes. I have the front winch.

Click to expand...

Good morning
I have not installed the front winch, but do have the high load aux setup. Would there be power to the rear Nato plug?

Francois said:

Good morning
I have not installed the front winch, but do have the high load aux setup. Would there be power to the rear Nato plug?

Click to expand...

Might do well to watch this thread, where that issue has been discussed.

Upshot for now, seems to be no; there's a software fix coming...

Max said:

Assembled in Hambach...sort of

Click to expand...

One of the first things my wife asked me was "can I peel of this sticker with Hambach on it? It doesn't fit"
I said no yesterday but will let her take it of today.
The first meet and greet with wife and children has been better than hoped. My daughter seems to love it, the middle boy is pleased and the older son does not understand at all why I waste my money by buying such a car. But I could have bought a Fiat 500, a Porsche Taycan or an MAN 6 x 6 truck and his reaction would be the same anyway.
My wife suggested to make a introduction tour with the family and the Grenadier the next weekend to see how it feels in real life. All over this are more positive vibes than my Defender got in the last 15 years

bemax said:

One of the first things my wife asked me was "can I peel of this sticker with Hambach on it? It doesn't fit"
I said no yesterday but will let her take it of today.
The first meet and greet with wife and children has been better than hoped. My daughter seems to love it, the middle boy is pleased and the older son does not understand at all why I waste my money by buying such a car. But I could have bought a Fiat 500, a Porsche Taycan or an MAN 6 x 6 truck and his reaction would be the same anyway.
My wife suggested to make a introduction tour with the family and the Grenadier the next weekend to see how it feels in real life. All over this are more positive vibes than my Defender got in the last 15 years

Click to expand...

I quite like the Hambach logo but was disappointed to see it was only a sticker and not embossed into the glass. Lucky for you it is only a sticker.

Schoeniman said:

2500km so far and still going all around Italy
Fuel Consumption with Roof Rack and RTT at 130km/h on the Italian Motorways: 14l per 100km; avg with City, country road and some faster Strade Statales: 12l per 100km.
Issues:
- Start/Stop hasn't worked a single time yet
- TPMS warns for "HIGH" Tire pressure, even when the pressure is too low
- Apple Carplay very often disconnects
- Water entry once Windshield left, didn't show up again
- Water entry once 3rd window on the right side, didn't show up again
- of course the well known electrical gremlins from time to time, which will be solved with the June/July software update
- Learning: wait 'til you hear the 3 bings after turning on ignition and you should have more or less zero gremlins. Seems the car needs to go through the startup without interruption by the driver.
- Motor: acceleration and drive feel along with the ZF 8 gear is a dream. Even on the smallest and steepest coastal roads the car always feels mega save and very sovereign
- Toot very helpful in Italy and not so disruptiveView attachment 7812950
- Conclusion: we just love the car!!! Period

Click to expand...

What a great pic!