2010 Land Rover LR4

Review

Admittedly there were issues with the Land Rover LR3. Consumers and professional reviewers alike complained about the vehicle's slow acceleration, its clumsy overall feel and handling capabilities, the massive number of buttons and gears inside the car that were arranged in confusing array. There were only a small handful of the cars even delivered into the United States thanks to the lukewarm response.

With the all new 2010 Land Rover LR4, it is quite obvious that the vehicle manufactures not only got the hints, but they took them very well.

Vehicle Performance

The Land Rover LR4 has received an upgrade as far as all the power is concerned. Going from a 300-hp engine which cruised gently from 0-to-60 in something close to 9 seconds, the new LR 4 has a 375-hp, 5.0-litre V-8 engine that performs considerably better. Achieving a test speed of 0-to-60 in just under 7 seconds, the vehicle's handling has shown marked improvement. The luxury SUV has increased responsiveness and no longer feels like a lumbering giant while it absorbs those annoying bumps and shocks in the road much better, lending a much greater sense of agility than its predecessors.

Off-road, the LR4 has amazing capabilities. Using the Land Rover's Terrain Response system, you can decide which setting you are driving through in order to enable the onboard computer to best assist you with your driving task. Along with the added traction-control system this car's ability in the deep and rugged terrain is excellent for its class. It is a wonder, however, just how many people will shell out the $50,000 for one of these luxury cars in order to put it through that kind of punishment. Well, the capability is there should the need ever arise.

With a fuel economy rated at 12mpg city and only 17mpg highway, this car comes in somewhat lower than other cars in its class as far as efficiency goes. In addition, the price tag of $48,100 for a base model is also somewhat higher than other luxury SUVs in its class as well, so those who have an interest in buying this car, certainly should have an interest in something other than saving money.

Vehicle Design

Along with its stunningly better engine performance and handling, the designers for the 2010 LR4 made the interior much better than in previous models of the Land Rover. Updated looks for all the controls which are much more stylistic and progressive, while definitely maintaining an upscale appeal are a nice touch. In addition, they reduced the total number of controls in the car from 50 to fewer than 40 and clustered them together in a more logical and useful grouping that is easier to manage.

The vehicle design also includes changes to the headlights and the front bumper, neither of which, take away from or significantly alter that traditional Land Rover look or appeal.

Vehicle Specifications:

• Vehicle Types Available: The Land Rover LR4 comes in a simple 4 wheel-drive style with either a 5 or 7 passenger setup.
• Transmission: The transmission is a 6-speed automatic with an optional manual shifting system.
• Physical Dimensions: 113.6 inch wheelbase, 190.1 inch width, 75.4 inch width and 74.1 inch height with a curb weight of 5,800 lbs.