What snow we do get here doesn't last too long but when it arrives (last 2 winters especially) it has been heavy and lasted longer than normal. Forthcoming winters are predicted to be as bad or worse with NASA claiming low solar activity will play a key part. For 2WD FL2, many things about this are not good.

Last winter I was driving my FL1 up a steep side street when a van came down skidding all over the place so I mounted the kerb and ploughed through thick snow like it wasn't there so I avoided the skidding van.

Some people like 2WD SUV's because they want SUV status but good fuel economy. Land Rover have done the right thing from a financial perspective as people are expected to order many eD4 models and the prestige quality will be above such as the Ford Kuga or VW Tiguan. But, and this is the key part, Land Rover are renowned for kick ass 4x4's and just try and imagine the level of embarrassment if you were in an ed4 in snow and just sat there with the wheels spinning. People enjoy laughing at other 2WD SUV's when they look like mighty cars but just get stuck anyway. But in a Land Rover you would be a laughing stock. I personally guarantee someone will post a youtube video one day of an eD4 stuck in some snow where our cars would plough through.

Aside from winter, I just love the peace of mind of 4WD. Living in Derbyshire on the doorstep of the peak district, winter is bad but also rain in the summer has flooded certain roads in the hills and I love wading through with ease. I work in Derby and it does not take much rain to flood some roads and the river has been known to burst its banks. Even wet roads in heavy rain are not a problem for our cars but with the eD4, the peace of mind is gone.

Basically, I could not bring myself to buy one despite the lower price and fuel savings. Land Rover are the Kings of 4x4, with the eD4 you will be nothing but the court jester. LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey

Agree and would never buy a 2 wheel drive landrover. To me it would be like buying one of those watches from abroad  freelander 2 SE black and beige - now sold

I once owned a 2WD Land Rover and it was fantastic. A 1974 Series III. It had heavy duty springs that used to give me back ache because there was now give in the springs when you hit a bump. I used to carry several concrete slabs to bow the springs.

When it snowed you had to get out and adjust the free wheel hubs to get 4WD full traction. Brilliant  A Land Rover owner since 1988

From a 1974 series III to a 12MY XS FL2 with help of a 1995 D1, 1996 D1, 2005 D3, 2007 D3 and a 2009 FL2.

gstd4-e wrote:

When it snowed you had to get out and adjust the free wheel hubs to get 4WD full traction. Brilliant

Had a suzuki vitara that you had to manually adjust the hubs for 4wd freelander 2 SE black and beige - now sold

Those were the days guys! I suspect the modern media and internet will enjoy showing pics and videos of a brand new FL2 getting stuck.

eD4 owner after getting stuck:
Onlookers thoughts:
An FL2 2WD:  LL.B (Hons) - University of Derby
LOT (Lord of Time) - University of Gallifrey