The generically-named LR4 — a.k.a. Discovery 4 elsewhere around the globe — is Land Rover’s first new SUV since Tata Motors took over the struggling Ford subsidiary… and it certainly won’t go unnoticed.
The LR4 marks a radical departure from the late LR3, obviously not in terms of styling but pretty much everything else. It’s a remarkable evolution and, more importantly, the dawn of a new era.
Minor exterior changes
From an aesthetic point of view, the 2010 Land Rover LR4 is almost a carbon copy of its predecessor. Of course, designers tweaked a couple of lines and details, revamping the front grille, improving aerodynamics and adding LED taillights. Nothing major, though.
Step inside, however, and you’ll be amazed by what you see. Gone are the hard, unattractive plastics of the old LR3; say hello to a much more refined environment that will make you feel at times like in the top-of-the-line Range Rover. Seriously.
But wait, it gets even better. Drivers who needed a map to sort out the myriad of buttons and controls in the previous model will be ecstatic to learn that Land Rover reportedly cut their number in half, making for a simpler, cleaner-looking and more user-friendly dashboard. Not only that, the center stack is now driver-oriented for a more ergonomic experience.
The seats benefit from higher-quality upholstery and provide greater comfort, while the array of amenities is wider and more luxurious than ever before. Can’t-miss features include Land Rover’s Portable Audio Interface with iPod connectivity and the available camera system that helps you park the LR4 anywhere, anytime.
Of course, off-road enthusiasts still have that wonderful Terrain Response system to play with. Through a five-position control knob on the center console, the system optimizes vehicle set-up for different terrain conditions, including mud, gravel, grass, snow and rocks, while delivering uncompromising performance on tarmac. I have myself put it to the test in sand patches and muddy trails, hoping to explore the limits of the LR4, but it seemingly kept saying: "Is that all you’ve got?" Bravo!
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| Now, the LR4/Discovery is even more capable and stylish. (Photo: Land Rover) |
The LR4 marks a radical departure from the late LR3, obviously not in terms of styling but pretty much everything else. It’s a remarkable evolution and, more importantly, the dawn of a new era.
Minor exterior changes
From an aesthetic point of view, the 2010 Land Rover LR4 is almost a carbon copy of its predecessor. Of course, designers tweaked a couple of lines and details, revamping the front grille, improving aerodynamics and adding LED taillights. Nothing major, though.
Step inside, however, and you’ll be amazed by what you see. Gone are the hard, unattractive plastics of the old LR3; say hello to a much more refined environment that will make you feel at times like in the top-of-the-line Range Rover. Seriously.
But wait, it gets even better. Drivers who needed a map to sort out the myriad of buttons and controls in the previous model will be ecstatic to learn that Land Rover reportedly cut their number in half, making for a simpler, cleaner-looking and more user-friendly dashboard. Not only that, the center stack is now driver-oriented for a more ergonomic experience.
The seats benefit from higher-quality upholstery and provide greater comfort, while the array of amenities is wider and more luxurious than ever before. Can’t-miss features include Land Rover’s Portable Audio Interface with iPod connectivity and the available camera system that helps you park the LR4 anywhere, anytime.
Of course, off-road enthusiasts still have that wonderful Terrain Response system to play with. Through a five-position control knob on the center console, the system optimizes vehicle set-up for different terrain conditions, including mud, gravel, grass, snow and rocks, while delivering uncompromising performance on tarmac. I have myself put it to the test in sand patches and muddy trails, hoping to explore the limits of the LR4, but it seemingly kept saying: "Is that all you’ve got?" Bravo!
 |
| The center stack is now driver-oriented for a more ergonomic experience. (Photo: Land Rover) |