I've had my L322 delivery back to me after it being away for a few weeks. Happily it now starts on the button and can spend a few days without use without the battery going flat, so all good on that front.

The first couple of drives were pretty terrifying, it felt sooo wobbly and the steering felt waaaaaaay too light, so light inputs felt like I was wobbling all over the road. At the weekend I had to run into Norwich, so was able to let the L322 off the leash on the A47 and NDR dual carriageway. Now I'm not so heavy handed with the steering so I'm much happier now, even on the 19 inch wheels. It even reported an average of 29.4 mpg which is amazing.

I'd been without a SUV since selling my 06 Mercedes GL420CI last year. I absolutely loved that car and in many ways I preferred it to the 06 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S that it itself had replaced. In a lot of ways I still prefer the GL over my L322 especially exterior looks. I think I expected my L322 to be a night and day 'better' than my GL and whilst there's a more luxurious design inside the L322, I never got out of my GL thinking how crap it was; well except for the prehistoric lcd display on the dash.

I chose the L322 for its availability, its 30mpg combined, its luxury and its split tailgate; to tip the reluctant hound into the boot and its lack of a power tailgate. My dog hated the GL as the load area was too big for him and the massive powered tailgate was a pita as he'd try to leap out as it was closing, so it would open up again.

Comfort is very smooth as is performance, but I'll be honest I was a little disappointed performance wise. 70 mpg felt like 30 which is lovely, but I was expected more of a kick in the back on accelerating. I used the paddles for a while which worked ok, and those brembo brakes still need to work damn hard to slow this beast down as roundabouts are not its friend.

Yes I could have got a supercharged L322, but didn't want the thirst and on balance mpg is more important for this vehicle, which I bought as a compromise to fit a several requirements.

Oh yes, my Cayenne and GL fitted in my single garage as long as the mirrors were folded, but the L322 doesn't, at least not without an expensive 'mirror delete' option , so now I feel bad its in the elements instead. For the minimal folding the mirrors have I'm surprised LR bothered.

When I compare the specs of a Vogue to the higher trims levels ,the only option I originally desired is adaptive cruise; and will be looking to retrofit this at some point, but in real world usage on occasion I have felt the lack of the surround view cameras; probably because I know they exist and do wonder if perhaps the vented seats are even comfier.

I even like the 19 wheels design (style 15?) and I am most definitely a convert to the heated steering wheel though!

So there we go, hopefully not offended anyone that I'm not an ardent L322 fan yet, but you never know perhaps I will become one. Encourage alternative fuels, use all the petrol!
2012 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2006 Mercedes GL420 CDI
2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
2006 Jeep Commander 3.0 CDI with GDE HOT Tune
1997 Nissan Patrol 4.2 GRSE
1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond 3.2 v6
1994 Range Rover 4.2 LSE Beluga Black, Softdash, Brooklands Body Kit - Loved it!
1993 Range Rover 4.2 LSE ended up converted to 300tdi

You just have to get used to working with the physics of 2.6+ tons. Having said that the acceleration on mine is nothing short of physics defying and even the brakes (when you need them) will pull you up pretty sharp if you stomp on them. Anticipation of the road ahead is everything - like me you will soon get used to 'riding' the L322 rather than driving it. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

get used to 'riding' the L322 rather than driving it.

Oooooo Matron.....I do like the sound of that!  2012 Orkney Grey Westminster 4.4TDV8 with Ivory interior.........nice!
BMW R1200GS
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Just one Montesa now, 349 White Wonder
Austin A40 Farina MK2
1975 Morris Marina 1.8TC

I've always thought that the 6 piston Brembo brakes do a good job of stopping the Range Rover and have never once felt underwhelmed by them. I've only ever driven them when fitted with genuine discs and pads though.

I wonder if yours has cheap discs and pads in it rather then genuine ones?

Handling wise, the Range Rovers are actually far better then they feel. Yes they roll around but once you get used to that roll you will chicken out long before the car does in my experience.

Think you need to get a few more miles in it

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2007 Range Rover Supercharged in Java Black with Ivory Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior

Until I had a gearbox serviced I had the feeling that the gearbox was still driving the wheels when I took my foot off the accelerator and braked which made braking in the initial stage much less effective. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Cheers guys, I have taken your advice .... mostly as being without a big tank for a year has required recalibrating my brain

I do mostly let the Rangie do the hard work and as it does handle and brake better than I initially thought, and yes performance is now mighty impressive. I drove over 120 miles this weekend a lot of in the rain and road holding was superb, even when accelerating hard to motorway speed.

I do find it slightly wayward, so getting an alignment done is on the list, but perhaps I may do something I never considered and upgrade to larger wheels some time.

My only new issue is that that when accelerating hard enough to drop a couple of gears the gearbox makes a thud, which is a bit off putting. Do you reckon a transmission service would address that, or could it be something else, perhaps not even transmission related? Thing is I'm still under warranty so I wonder whether I should get it done, or whether that would bite me in the behind.

The dealer must hate this car by now, but after a rough start has been very good. Well upto now anyway  Encourage alternative fuels, use all the petrol!
2012 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2006 Mercedes GL420 CDI
2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
2006 Jeep Commander 3.0 CDI with GDE HOT Tune
1997 Nissan Patrol 4.2 GRSE
1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond 3.2 v6
1994 Range Rover 4.2 LSE Beluga Black, Softdash, Brooklands Body Kit - Loved it!
1993 Range Rover 4.2 LSE ended up converted to 300tdi

I'm a little bit surprised reading these experiences, perhaps they are related to what options the l322 has...Mine is a 2010 5.0SC Autobiography...We used to have a Mercedes-AMG GL, the x166 so slightly newer than your x164 with everything on it from air suspension with auto bolstering seats and side wind assist etc...

I much prefer the older L322 to be honest. The quality of the leather is from another planet. The soupiness of the active dynamic air suspension is remarkable, how flat and fast this thing can corner defies science, and yes the tyres are the weak point the Pirelli thread is separating, can't seem to take the cornering speeds. The brembo setup is quality and progressive, opposed to biting and harsh, they do stop, just feel very different.

But yes the Diesel engines aren't great, even the Mercedes small six cylinder 350d twin turbo outshines that 4.4 in punch, refinement, fuel economy, let alone any others. Yet it shouldn't based on paper specs so I guess it is the combination with the diffs and choice of gearing as well.

From a garage perspective, it is 1.5cm wider on both sides, but also shorter, and can go lower and be locked at the lower setting.Your garage must be a tight fit through the door opening.

I think you've chosen the wrong version of the l322, a 5.0sc would have provided a different experience. I test drove several including the Westminster spec, and can notice the difference.

Last edited by Bl4ckD0g on 6th Dec 2021 9:39am. Edited 1 time in total

If no evidence of main gearbox oil has been changed then get it done. Megaflush is what I recommend as it changes all the oil but only take it to someone who knows what to do.
I'd recommend Ian Bodsworth as he comes to you and does it on your drive. I'd also get him to change the oil in the transfer box and oils whilst he's there.
Drop him a What's App on 07770638023
He's a busy guy though...coz he's good! 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
New Defender D300 90 on order so "Rory" will be going to a new home....!
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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I'd get a simple gearbox service at an automatic specialist and also get them to diagnose any issues you have. A service will change enough of the oil to make a good improvement and from what I researched is a lot cheaper than a 'megaflush'. If a normal service doesn't fix it it's likley something more serious than the fluid but these 8sp boxes are very reliable. + 1 on getting the fluid in the transfer box and diff's changed as well at the same time. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Tight is not the word My Cayenne and GL both fitting in the garage as long as I folded the mirrors in at when they reached the garage entrance with me hanging out of the window to ensure I was lined up properly, The L322 wont fit as the wing mirrors don't fold enough. I recall that the GLs mirrors were a lot smaller and folded fully against the glass. I am currently pondering having garage doors bolted to the front of the garage to free up 4-6 inches for that's for another time.

I know it sounds like I got the wrong car but I really didn't. My L322 is intentionally a compromise of what I needed in a single vehicle. I've had a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S with 520 bhp (and a BMW 760 that I used to cane and at least 4 other elderly V12s) but on balance for SUVs I preferred the drive and ownership experience of my GL and soon hopefully my L322.

The Rangie reported over 30.3 mpg over the last 200+ miles despite plenty of hard acceleration on fast roads and in Norwich traffic, which I'm very happy about. The GL was about 22mpg, the CTTS about 19 mpg. I'm perfectly satisfied with the power I just need to the gearbox to feel happy about delivering it. I think JayGees comment about the gearbox hanging on a bit sounds like where i am and I will (or the dealer) absolutely will get the transmission and diffs serviced, just don't want to jinx my warranty yet. Encourage alternative fuels, use all the petrol!
2012 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2006 Mercedes GL420 CDI
2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
2006 Jeep Commander 3.0 CDI with GDE HOT Tune
1997 Nissan Patrol 4.2 GRSE
1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond 3.2 v6
1994 Range Rover 4.2 LSE Beluga Black, Softdash, Brooklands Body Kit - Loved it!
1993 Range Rover 4.2 LSE ended up converted to 300tdi

Next time try the x166 onwards from the GL. That was a significant change to the x164, and if fuel consumption is of importance to you then Mercedes's 350d bluetec is on a different planet compared to the 420 or the Range Rover versions. Gearbox flush it is, possibly with a remap of gearbox, pedals and engine

I do like the X166 but the lack of the V8 diesel puts me off having one for now. I had basically the same engine in my Jeep Commander and I had that remapped with a GDE HOT tune, for 255 bhp and 455 pounds of torque.

Also the boot is too big and a power tailgate is a pita with my a dog diving out under it and tricky to keep him in as it comes slowly down and up again when he interrupts it.

Hence the RR. More modern than a X164, not as pricey as X166, more luxury (no artico plastic leather), manual split tail gate making it easier to lift the dog on it and tip him in and a V8 (no dripping turbo seals) and no adblue (so no failed adblue heaters) and more economical than X164.

My dog chills in the RR, he stressed in the GL.

As long as my L322 keeps its nose clean, then there's no reason to sell it for years. Encourage alternative fuels, use all the petrol!
2012 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2006 Mercedes GL420 CDI
2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
2006 Jeep Commander 3.0 CDI with GDE HOT Tune
1997 Nissan Patrol 4.2 GRSE
1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond 3.2 v6
1994 Range Rover 4.2 LSE Beluga Black, Softdash, Brooklands Body Kit - Loved it!
1993 Range Rover 4.2 LSE ended up converted to 300tdi

i get what you mean by the handling mine had several issues

1) Pirelli Tyres that were on it whilst had loads left on them they were old, swapped them out and had tracking sorted
2) rear lower arms warn but no clonking to let me know they have been changed
3) x1 rear shock (The other had already been done) this made biggest difference
4) front Disc + Pads decent ones for the breaking

all done now and very happy 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 - Current
2014 Navara V6 - Gone
2004 Vogue TD6 - Gone
Grand Cherokee - Gone
Discovery V8 (LPG) - Gone
Discovery TD5 - Gone

I found out that all the tyres were at least 10 psi down ! Now I've got them to the right pressures I'm happy enough with the handling and it no longer wanders drunkenly around, so no need to rush and get the tracking done.
Still disappointed with the prep from a nationwide dealer that the tyre pressures cannot have been checked. Encourage alternative fuels, use all the petrol!
2012 Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8
2006 Mercedes GL420 CDI
2006 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
2006 Jeep Commander 3.0 CDI with GDE HOT Tune
1997 Nissan Patrol 4.2 GRSE
1995 Vauxhall Monterey Diamond 3.2 v6
1994 Range Rover 4.2 LSE Beluga Black, Softdash, Brooklands Body Kit - Loved it!
1993 Range Rover 4.2 LSE ended up converted to 300tdi