I picked up my current car a year ago so I thought I’d share a brief review of my ownership experience.

I’d been looking for the ‘right’ car for a while, happy to wait because the the previous car (L405 VSE SDV8) was the best car I’d ever had. It’s replacement had big boots to fill.

In the last year I’ve done 10,000 miles. Its had one service, no issues or additional work. The engine is magnificent; smooth, happy to bumble along, or if you kickdown, it takes off like a scalded cat. The SDV8 was no slouch, but the 5.0 is just epic. Fuel consumption averages about 25 mpg, on a run it can be 30 mpg. Very happy with that.

Things which annoy me though:
Touch screens. Laggy and fiddly. I know it was older tech, but I preferred the set up in the old car.
Seats. I’m bound to be in a minority, but I preferred the pre facelift seats, they just fitted me better (I’m quite skinny!) They’re not uncomfortable, just not as comfortable. Also the cooling function isn’t great, nor was it on the old car. My L322 had decent seat cooling.
Exec rear seats. Just a pain. They take up boot space and who needs a powered arm rest? Just too much. Preferred the set up in the old car, but that said, not a fan of powered folding seats - its a palaver and takes longer than just pulling a couple of levers.

So overall I’m happy. A few gripes, but easy to overlook when you’re on a run and the engine is at full chat. Ultimately, its a Fatty and a damn good one! 2024 - >. 2021MY L405 5.0 SC Portofino Blue
2018 - 2024 2016MY L405 4.4 SDV8 VSE Aintree Green
2017 - 2018 2017MY Jaguar F Pace Portfolio 3.0 SDV6 BRG
2013 - 2017 2010MY L322 3.6TDV8 VSE Buckingham Blue
Various RR Sports and Freelanders before that!

Thanks for sharing Andy,

How did the mpg compare to your old SDV8? Have you done any towing?

Considering coming back to the fold, after a couple of years out and a new A35 AMG, followed by a GLC 300 I think it's time to return to a L405! Considering a 2017 (because buttons) or into a facelift > 2018.

Feels like the 5.0 would be a nice "welcome back" but slim pickings out there... Sold - Bell a 2015 MY16 Loire Blue Autobiography 4.4 SDV8
Previously George a 2007 MY07 Java Black VSE 3.6 TDV8
Previously a 04 MY04 Defender 90

On the SDV8 I’d average about 35mpg, more on a run. Never towed with any of my Fatties and only the L322 had a tow abr - it stayed in the cubby hole for thje whole time I had the car. 2024 - >. 2021MY L405 5.0 SC Portofino Blue
2018 - 2024 2016MY L405 4.4 SDV8 VSE Aintree Green
2017 - 2018 2017MY Jaguar F Pace Portfolio 3.0 SDV6 BRG
2013 - 2017 2010MY L322 3.6TDV8 VSE Buckingham Blue
Various RR Sports and Freelanders before that!