2013 Land Rover LR4: A Classic
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Decades ago, Land Rover built its reputation by making robust 4x4s. Traditionally, these vehicles were unequalled in off-road conditions and looked as though they belonged on an African safari (as is the case in many movies). While modern Land Rovers still have the same capacities, they’re more geared for tackling the urban jungle than for frolicking in the mud.
Once an English brand, Land Rover now belongs to India’s Tata, just like the Jaguar label. Land Rover has nonetheless stayed true to its roots and continues to be assembled in Solihul, England. To give you a better picture, the Land Rover line has just two models, the LR2 and LR4. If you’re looking for a little more prestige, there’s the Range Rover division, which makes three swankier models: the Evoque, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
5.0L V8
Even though it doesn’t have the Range Rover badge, the LR4 is not exactly the most affordable vehicle you’ll ever come across, with a starting price of nearly $60,000. In fact, it costs more than the Range Rover Evoque. If the LR4 strikes your fancy, then you’ve got a relatively simple choice to make, as only three trims exist and the main difference between them being the equipment level. All come with a 5.0-litre V8 that delivers 375 horsepower and the same amount of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Two things that we loved about the LR4: the brand’s prestige and the vehicle’s signature style. With classic and sophisticated lines, it looks something like a smaller Range Rover. While most modern SUVs feature rounded edges, the LR4 remains angular – an esthetic that is emphasized by its raised roof and nearly vertical windshield. Expansive windows add to its style while ensuring excellent visibility for all. The LR4 is easily recognizable and its design is right in line with the Land Rover tradition.
The LR4 is even more attractive when you add the Black Design package. New this year, it includes black finish for various components, including grille accents, the side air-intakes, the door handles and the 20-inch wheels. It’s hard not to be seduced by this dark finish, especially when it is contrasted against a white vehicle body.
Big on luxury
On board, the choice of materials, finish and attention to detail are all perfect. The dashboard controls have been simplified over the years, and there’s a touch screen to manage the audio and navigation systems. A control panel on the centre console gives away the LR4’s off-road inclinations. It includes the controls for the Terrain Response system, which lets you select one of five different four-wheel drive modes, as well as the air suspension and Hill Descent Control systems.
A third-row bench makes it possible to increase seating capacity and squeeze in two extra kids (there’s not enough legroom for adults). Mind you, when raised, this bench infringes on the cargo hold quite significantly. When it’s folded down, however, the LR4 offers more cargo space than many of its competitors, thanks to its square shape and height. Stowing your items is made easy with the split tailgate (the upper section lifts up, while the lower section folds down – obviously!). Thus, you can toss in your things without completely opening the hatch.
Elegant, but not sporty
While most modern SUVs handle more like cars, the LR4 truly feels like a sport-utility vehicle – a feeling that is accentuated by its raised position and boxy shape. On the road, the steering doesn’t provide tons of feedback, and its relative height (compared to its width) translates into pronounced weight transfer on corners. By way of example, it’s a far cry from the dynamic handling you get from the BMW X5. This vehicle is at its best when driven in an elegant, not sporty, manner.
The V8’s 375 horses are more than enough. Accelerations are good, as is pick-up. When we saw the posted fuel consumption figures, we expected to make several trips to the gas station. But much to our surprise, we calculated an average of 11.7 L/100 km. That’s not bad for this type of vehicle, though we mostly drove it on the highway.
One of the really interesting features on the LR4 is the electronic air suspension. It allows you to raise the ground clearance some 124.97 mm (4.9 inches) – which can come in handy if you head off the paved road. Alternatively, the Access setting will lower the vehicle by 50.8 mm (2.0 inches), making it easier to climb in and out of the vehicle, or to load it up with all your gear. Trailer owners will also find it handy, especially the fact that they can adjust the ground clearance via remote control and thus attach the trailer more easily. Incidentally, the LR4 is pretty decent in this area, as it can tow over 7,500 lbs. (3,400 kg).
Naturally, if you try to talk to Land Rover about reliability, they’ll look at you like you have two heads. Buying a Land Rover is something of a leap of faith, as the brand is not exactly synonymous with reliability. Other than that, the LR4 is in a class of its own and if you like this type of vehicle, there are few alternatives that can compare.
