2005 Land Rover LR3 Priced Nearly $13,000 Higher than Outgoing 2004 Discovery

The electronically controlled air suspension system will also be overkill for most owners. While improving on-pavement ride

The available third row of seats is more efficiently packaged than the side-mounted back row in the current Discovery. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

quality somewhat over a conventional suspension system, the true benefits of air suspension are its ability to reduce the vehicle's center of gravity during high-speed highway driving and raise its ground clearance when scaling difficult terrain. In comparison, Volkswagen chose to offer its ride-height adjustable suspension system as optional equipment, which is one of the reasons the German brand has been able to lower the Touareg's price of entry to a comparatively affordable $53,520. Add a V8 engine, limited slip rear differential and 4-wheel air suspension to the VW, however, and the price rises to $67,985. Even with the Touareg's higher quality interior, the LR3's $6,085 discount and available 7-occupant seating may be difficult for some customers to pass up.

While a 5-seat LR3 comes standard, an accommodating third-row is more efficiently packaged than the current Discovery, folding flat into the floor rather than up against the sidewalls. Another option is Land Rover's alpine roof option, which replaces the standard

The top-line LR3 HSE comes with a touch-screen, voice-activated navigation system, 600-watt audio system, 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlamps and memory seats. (Photo: Land Rover)

all-steel roof with a power glass sunroof over the drive and front passenger, plus two fixed glass sunroofs over the second and third rows of passengers.

The new LR3 will be available in eight standard colors, including Chawton White, Bonatti Grey, Alveston Red, Java Black, Adriatic Blue, Zambezi Silver, Maya Gold and Tonga Green - the latter being the only new color.

The extra change needed to purchase the top-line LR3 HSE will buy a touch-screen, voice-activated navigation system, 600-watt audio system, 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlamps and memory seats.