Our L322 is not unrefined. Many observations about the L405 4.4SDV8 comment on a lack of refinement.

With half an hour to spare and some internet research... none the wiser


L322 4.4 L V8 TDV8 diesel (2010-2012):

4,367 cc (266.5 cu in) V8 t/turbo - Ford AJD-V8
313 PS (230 kW; 309 hp) @ 4,000
700 N·m (516 lb·ft) @ 1,500-3,000

7.5 secs, 130mph

Transmission ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic

Kerb weight approx 2735 kg


L405 4.4 L SDV8 (2012 - )

4,367 cc (266 cu in) V8 - Ford
340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp)
740 N·m (546 lb·ft)

6.5 secs, 135 mph

Transmission ZF 8-speed automatic

Kerb weight 2160 to 2360 kg

I think it's more along the lines that the 3.0 is smoother Ryan.

I've not driven the 3.0 in the 405 but have in the D4 on a few occasions and it does seem a quieter engine than the 4.4. Not sure how it makes sense as it's basically derived from the same architecture. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

Think he's looking at 4.4 v 4.4 if I've understood correctly.

Never been in an L405..... way out my price range for a good few years

Would the heavier L322 absorb more "noise"....would have thought new one would be much better though....?

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

i think the point is that those who refer to the SDV8 as noisy and unrefined are comparing it to the 3.0.......

Compared to the 4.4 TDV8 I'd say it's an improvement, but kind of hard to tell, may be exactly the same, but the L405 is a nicer place to be. Either way, it's no worse.

If the 3.0 didn't exist, the no one would be calling the 4.4 unrefined 👍

^yep that was my point.... There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

There are other threads on the comparison between the 322 and 405, but my view is that with the 4.4 engine you get noticeably more performance and refinement in the 405 than in the 322. As you say the 322 is not unrefined. The difference will, I think, be better sound insulation and aerodynamics in the 405. The downsides of the 405 are less load space, the seats only fold rather than fold and tumble and the mirrors don't fold as much, so the wider 405 is a tight fit in a single garage.

I have limited driving experience of the 3.0, but think that it is quieter and smoother than the 4.4, presumably a feature of the V6 rather than V8 format, and the car takes off from rest more quickly as the car is lighter and the engine picks up revs more quickly. It does however have less power at higher speeds and I have been told that it gets pushed around more in windy conditions, the heavier 4.4 is more 'planted', as of course is the even heavier 322.

The 5.0 SC is pretty smooth and refined. I have not tried the 3.0 V6 petrol, the reviews suggest the other options are better and of course when the engine deal with Ford runs out in 2018 there will be new choices.

If I were buying a 405 today my first choice would be the 5.0 SC, but the 4.4 is delightful to drive and much more economical. I'm afraid the extra overtaking capacity of the bigger engines would make the 3.0s less attractive, and there was a period when 3.0 diesels were seizing, if buying second hand one might want to avoid the relevant build period, or check if the car already had a new engine. Only Range Rovers since 1988

The seizing issue would make me run a mile. Don't care how much smoother it seems - it's gonna be really smooth and quiet when it's unable to run and you are stuck on the hard shoulder....

I wouldn't want an engine you can get in a Discovery.... you might as well save a ton of money and just buy one of them.

Subjective thoughts, of minimal value as I have never been in a 3.0, but that's what I would be thinking.... 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

I've owned an L322 4.4 and it's a good car but not as refined as the SDV8 L405, nor as quick. I'm one of the members that believe that the issue regarding refinement is really about the L405 TDV6 being more refined than the SDV8. Both are a fair bit more refined than the L322. The V6 is as quick as the L322 4.4 and the SDV8 more noticeably so.

I had the V6 in the 2 x D4’s that I’ve owned and now have the SDV8 in the FF.

While I’ve never driven a L322, I’d like to just add that the slightly rough edge on the V8 is both characterful and enjoyable and it makes me smile; use even some of the performance and it sounds and feels like being outdoors and listening to the distant thunder of a summer storm

Come to think of it, it’s not unlike the noise and feel of my Triumph’s 1200 triple

Funny you say that - I have a Triumph Rocket III and the TDV8 does have a bit of that noise.

Only a bit though.

Nice choice of bike

The Tiger doesn’t have the same sensory overload as the Rocket, but glad you can see what I mean though.