To distance itself from the Discovery name, which conjured thoughts of unreliability among some, Land Rover changed the name of U.S.-bound Discos to LR3 when the latest model debuted for 2005. For 2010, the model has again acquired a new name—it’s now the LR4—on account of a host of changes and 1300 new parts.
Like the other V-8–powered Land Rovers, the LR4 retires the 4.4-liter in favor of Jaguar’s new 5.0-liter direct-injection V-8 that here boosts output from 300 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque to a far more serious 375 hp and 375 lb-ft. Acceleration is said to have improved substantially, with a claimed 0–60 time of 7.5 seconds (our long-term LR3 did the 0–60 run in as quickly as 8.6). Maximum towing capacity stays the same, at over 7700 lb.
On the outside, the functional look and the sheetmetal of the LR3 remain. The exterior styling changes are limited to new headlights, grillwork, bumpers, and taillights. LEDs are now found front and rear. Inside, the upright center console and the two-tier glove box elements are similar, but the dashboard is new and shares some of its switchgear with the Range Rover Sport. The only carry-over items on the dash are the round vents. A Jaguar-sourced touch screen infotainment and navigation system greatly simplifies the interior and cuts down on the number of buttons, although Jag’s system isn’t exactly fast-acting and can be a bit frustrating to use. The cabin retains its airy and upright feel, but improved materials and the updated electronics lend the LR4 a more modern and expensive appearance. Seven-passenger seating remains optional, and automatic high-beam headlamps and an Infiniti-like five-camera “surround” view system are newly available.
Under the skin, the LR4 has received a number of suspension changes. They include a wider track front and rear, suspension knuckles that lower the roll center, larger anti-roll bars, and revised bushings and shocks. The goal was to improve handling and reduce body roll while improving the ride. Other alterations include the addition of a roll sensor to the stability-control system—which also gains a trailer-towing algorithm—and new variable-ratio steering that quickens as the wheel is turned off-center. Larger brakes adapted from the Range Rover Sport with four-piston front calipers aim to keep the additional power from overwhelming the LR4.
On sale this fall, the LR4 should avoid a big price increase despite the numerous improvements.
