I have just placed an order for an SDV6 Autobiography for March 2017 delivery. Pending the dealer forwarding this for a build slot, I still have a little time left to make changes to the order, and would appreciate advice on the following:

1 I am tempted to change the engine to a 4.4 SDV8 in the expectation of more impressive torque across the rev range and a better engine sound. Unfortunately, I have not so far been able to test drive one. Given the recent upgrade to the V6 engine, is the V8 worth the extra £6,500? Would I be likely to notice the difference in mid-range overtaking etc., and is the engine note like a 'typical' V8? Also would it be a more difficult model to sell or trade-in (I plan to keep it at least five years)? What would the comparative real-world fuel consumption be (lots of short 10-mile journeys and some long motorway runs, totaling about 5,000 miles per annum)?

2 I am tempted to add the 'heads up' display, which is about £1,500 including the reflective windscreen you also have to specify. Is this as good as it sounds, or just a gimmick?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

HI DD

I have the 4.4 and I can honestly tell you its better than the SDV6 in my opinion. Nicer noise and just WOW torque. Amazing acceleration on the road for a Diesel. In dynamic mode this is truly awesome drive

I also have HUD and its not the best implementation, but I can honestly say I would not want to be without it....It is annoying you have to have the special windscreen, but such is life !.

I agree its a lot of extra money, but if you can afford it, you wont regret it... In my humble opinion

Cant comment on MPG as I have never owned an SDV6. I drive mine very hard and fast. I am used to M BMWs. My average is around 24 which sounds bad, but I do drive it as a sport should be driven !!

Rowdie wrote:

HI DD

I have the 4.4 and I can honestly tell you its better than the SDV6 in my opinion. Nicer noise and just WOW torque. Amazing acceleration on the road for a Diesel. In dynamic mode this is truly awesome drive

I also have HUD and its not the best implementation, but I can honestly say I would not want to be without it....It is annoying you have to have the special windscreen, but such is life !.

I agree its a lot of extra money, but if you can afford it, you wont regret it... In my humble opinion

If you're going for the V8 then you should go for the 5.0 petrol. You know it makes sense!

I found an interesting comparison tool on Fleet News
http://www.fleetnews.co.uk/costs/car-runni...18,7616126

SDV6 139.64p a mile
SDV8 159.62p
5.0V8 166.25p L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!

....and I'd be helping the environment now they've decided that diesels aren't eco-friendly after all!

Do you cover many miles each year? Do you do much town driving? L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!

donny dog wrote:

....and I'd be helping the environment now they've decided that diesels aren't eco-friendly after all!

The SDV8 is tempting, the 5.0V8 is rather unnecessary, and the SDV6 is bottom of the range. But I would go SDV6. It's fast enough, a little cheaper to run, weighs less, and is better for the environment. I would either give the £6500 savings to a climate related charity or take it in cash down to the horses and if I won then I'd get the 5.0 next time. L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso
RRS TDV6 HSE Lux (MY2011)... Nara Bronze / Arabica - now gone!

For 99% of use the 3.0SDv6 in HSE Dynamic or Autobigraphy is all most people need - so it doesn't make a sports car fart or rumble like the V8 when you put your foot down, but then you are not buying a sports car but a long haul cruiser with off-road capability. The V8 is noticeably heavier over the front end than the V6 and with the V6 you will get more of your money back when you want to sell it than the V8 which really isn't very popular. V6 has a bit less torque but it does have more than enough of it but if you really want loads a torque then go for the Hybrid, but you will only get 1 mile in purely electric mode............. and pay less tax than the V8. 2020 Pangea Green 1st Edition D240 New Defender 110 is here and loving it
2018 Melting Silver Mini Countryman PHEV - soon to be replaced
2015MY Corris Grey SDv6 HSE Dynamic, the best car I have ever owned, totally reliable only a cou0le of rattles in 3 years, now no longer in my care
Also in my garage is a 1996 TDi300 Defender 90 County HT made into a fake CSW

Thanks for the input - what you say makes sense. Even dealers try and put you off the V8 - it makes you wonder why they make it!! Does the extra front weight make a difference to the handling?

I'm torn between head and heart - I know you're right yet I'm also swayed by Rowdie's enthusiasm for the V8!