Luxury has many definitions - don't go all over the map. For my purpose - as a buyer of an SUV - it's a great interior matched with a great and capable underside/build. I'm not looking for either or, I'm looking for both. In my market - the US - we had the LC for years. It was $85k and had a fantastic interior - all the bells and whistles - but it was not luxury looking. For perspective, it was twice the cost of a 4Runner. If all you wanted was capable, you'd talk yourself out of LC quickly. But LC had a way better interior than the 4Runner, plus the parts/construction was somehow different and stronger (and the 4Runner is exceptionally well built.) Whatever toyota did, they did something extra with the US LC, and it cost 2x the 4Runner. But even at 2x a 4Runner, it was not a lux mobile. Folks that didn't know the vehicle thought it looked like the Highlander (exactly the point)! The LC had all the traction control, electronics, and 18'' rims - just what you need to do whatever on difficult terrain. You're off base with the RR comparison - that's you defining "luxury" as only flashy, which surely there is lots of that. A RR comp is the Mercedes GLS or Lexus LX. If you look at New Defender, it's closest comp - to me - is the discontinued LC. the LC was intentionally understated, but still exceptionally capable and livable as a daily driver SUV. don't forget livable. don't overlook that feature. livable as a daily drive SUV can quickly strike out Rubicon/Bronco. It's not the off road that makes Rubicon a stand out, so much as the fact that on the highway, wouldn't you rather be in a LC? Of course, which is why it was $85k... And it's why folks that wanted LC now look at New Defender.
By pretending new defender is a RR, you totally overlook the market the LC sold to. You can't go Rubicon vs. RR. That old LC market has folks that don't mind an $85k SUV, so long as it has everything: functional durability, pleasant and comfortable interior, and no rough edges while driving. That's one definition of luxury. The LC was not a "theatrical" SUV. It allowed the SUV to do what the rubicon driver does on the drive to the ski slope, but the LC will have a great highway drive home, whereas that Rubicon is going to be loud and wobbly if it's loaded up and doing 80 mph. Luxury of not having that cramped and loud driving experience, and not worrying about being stuck anywhere, as the LC was capable and prepared. so yea, if the Grenadier has an interior like a LC would I think that's a good idea? absolutely. But the LC was never, ever, remotely a G wagon. Don't go wild with a definition of luxury, "chrome" and all, because then you end up at the end of the line: the G wagon. "luxury" for the new defender driver is not having to negotiate space in the front with another passenger - there's plenty of room for multiple phones, coffees, water bottles, etc. Rubicon gets tricky when folks have stuff - it's cramped. Not having to deal with that is the luxury of LC and new defender. For the Grenadier, "luxury" could be offering heated back row seats, a heated steering wheel, and plenty of room for passenger stuff in doors, glove box, dashboard, etc. That's not chrome - it's basic space in the vehicle for all the things most folks walk around with. When I was in a Rubicon I noticed something hitting my leg- it was the strap that attached the front door. The top was vynal - forget conversations on the highway. The sales guy showed me how to fold the roof and pack it in the trunk. Oh, you mean right there, where a suitcase would be if I were traveling?? The trunk was small due to the roll bars. I get all the off road ability of Rubicon - it's awesome - but as a daily use family SUV, it's not even close to what new defender has, absolutely nowhere near a LC. I would love it if Grenadier had something that was LC like, but we'll have to see how it develops... also, bty, I don't think many cars are the same underneath as LC. say what you want, they ran smooth, handled well, and didn't break. so, no, it's absolutely not "all the same car underneath." there are differences in build quality, parts use, and a better build quality is a luxury. it's not visible until you break down, but it's a luxury to have a well build SUV like the LC was.
. When Ineos started a few years ago, I wasn't sure if they were going to try for the LC segment Toyota had just - coincidenly - abandoned? It's looking more like Ineos up'd Bronco, which up'd Wrangler, so now it's a competitive market for true off-road only types. The LC model was more my design goal for the Grenadier: solid build, over engineered off-roading features, yet still wicked comfortable on the inside for 5 full grown adults. The LC was 2x the cost of a 4Runner or Wrangler, so it was not an alternative - it had a totally separate marketplace of shoppers. Off road needs were TRD 4Runner - but for those that wanted off road capable + required family uber friendly, Toyota had that LC here for a long time. I think Ineos can get to 25k annual sales, but it's going to be pulling mostly from Bronco/Wrangler buyers. To make it a New Defender alternative, it has to offer an interior to compete with the new defender (size, comfort, space, etc), and I don't think that's Ineos' target market.
