The Land Rover LR4 has earned a reputation as the ultimate all-purpose vehicle for many years, thanks to its go-anywhere capability.
The LR4, known as the Discovery in some markets, has sold more than 1,100,000 units and won 219 international awards since its introduction in 1989. This illustrates the Land Rover's tremendous capability and versatility.
Able to handle any terrain on Earth, the LR4 is a true seven-seater and can be arranged in a variety of configurations to carry an assortment of cargo.
Land Rover is celebrating 25 years of the Discovery; to commemorate, they have released new special features which further heighten the level of luxury.
Design
The LR4 uses body-on-frame construction which gives it the extra "toughness" often missing in today's SUVs that are actually more like tall wagons. This kind of design leads to a bouncy ride normally, but Land Rover tuned the underpinnings to also deliver smooth on-road behaviour that's second to none in this class.
The 2015 LR4 retains Land Rover's classic squared-off shape, serving as a reminder of its utilitarian, rugged roots.
That's not to say that Land Rover hasn't softened the look over time. This year, the LR4 has sophisticated new headlights and a smooth front bumper design. The two-piece asymmetric tailgate is both distinctive and useful, and the panoramic glass roof is pure luxury. Overall, the look is very upscale and the car has aged well.
The base model is luxurious inside, but the top-of-the-range model is superb from any seating position.
There is also no shortage of options and accessories to outfit a LR4 to your exact preference.
The Land Rover is available in three trim levels - base, HSE and HSE LUX. The HSE LUX now comes standard with Windsor Leather seats.
Performance
With ever-tightening fuel economy standards, last year Land Rover replaced the LR4's 5.0-litre V-8 with a supercharged 3.0-litre V-6. Power is still respectable at 340 horsepower and 332 foot-pounds of torque, but efficiency has been improved to 14.3 litres/100 kilometres combined.
Aiding that improvement is the new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent Stop/Start system. Already equipped with Land Rover's rotary gear selector and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the LR4 is now available with Adaptive Cruise Control to make driving easier.
This system maintains a consistent gap between the LR4 and the vehicle ahead when the adaptive cruise is engaged.
While features like cruise control and paddle shifters create a more relaxed motorway experience, the LR4 is still the leader when it comes to mountainous driving. Land Rover offers the choice of a newer single-speed transfer box, or a twin-speed with high and low ranges to tackle the most demanding off-road conditions.
The adjustable four-corner air suspension can be optimized to comfortably conquer any terrain by merely turning a dial. Hill Descent Control allows even novice off-road drivers to easily traverse the most demanding trials by holding a slow and steady speed down steep grades.
I should point out though, the LR4's top-heavy design makes it lean in corners when driven fast around turns. However, it does have a comparatively tight turning circle, which is nice for navigating both trails and parking lots.
Environment
Being an upscale SUV, the LR4 boasts high quality materials and the intuitive and clearly labelled controls provide a nice tactile feel.
The cabin is roomy, and with its stadium seating, the LR4 allows each passenger a good view of the outside world. The large windows, especially the panoramic glass roof, create an airy feeling. This open-airy design is still unique to LR4.
The LR4 comes standard with five seats, but an optional third row expands capacity to seven. The legroom in the third row is tight, however, so it's best suited for children.
Additions of the advanced infotainment system further improve the in-car experience. Land Rover InControl Apps complement the existing system and bring the convenience, familiarity and original look and feel of compatible smartphone apps into the LR4. Developed with some of the world's leading app creators, InControl Apps offers services such as satellite-navigation, media streaming, Internet radio and location services. Of course, it also provides easy access to the phone's contacts, calendar and music library.
Many compatible apps already exist, and the range is continually expanding with new content becoming available every time the app updates.
Features
Starting prices for the 2015 Land Rover LR4 range from $59,990 to $72,990.
Standard equipment includes heated front seats, heated leather steering wheel, heated windshield, seven-inch colour touchscreen, and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include passive keyless entry, rear climate control, front and rear parking aids, rearview camera, and HDD navigation.
Fuel efficiency numbers (litres/100 kilometres) in the base model are 16.2 city, 12.1 highway and 14.3 combined.
Thumbs up
The LR4 is a true off-roader in every sense. Its air suspension is compliant and comfortable on the highway, yet capable of crawling over rocks and hills.
Thumbs down
While the LR4 is immensely versatile and luxurious, it is far from the most efficient SUV on the market. It's beginning to show its age against newer, modern SUVs.
The bottom line
If you want a traditional body-on-frame design that won't take a backseat to any challenging road condition, look no further than the Land Rover LR4.
Competitors
Porsche Cayenne: If you want mammoth performance, yet need something practical, the Porsche Cayenne has a model to suit your needs. The Cayenne is the pioneer of the sport crossover segment and shows no signs of slowing down.
The Cayenne is certainly not the most affordable people mover and ranges in price from $67,400 all the way up to $128,200.
Audi Q7: The Q7 is an imposing SUV. It boasts a high driving position, providing a commanding view of the road. However, its bulk can be an issue in tight spaces. The Q7's $58,200 base price makes it an economical choice in this segment. There is an all-new model coming out later this year which will make the Q7 truly best-in-class.
BMW X5: The BMW X5 is a great looking SUV inside and out, and offers a level of refinement that rivals many vehicles priced much higher. The previous generation X5 didn't garner the highest reliability ratings, but the overall feel is still luxurious and the ride and handling are superb. If you're looking for a sporty, luxurious SUV, the BMW X5 starts at $64,690.
editor@automotivepress.com
