2010 Land Rover LR4 Review
All-new successor to LR3, Discovery.
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Walkaround
The 2010 Land Rover LR4 exterior design is all new, a crisper, cleaner design compared to the look and shape of the outgoing LR3.
This time out, the grille has two bars instead of one, and they are perforated. The third side window stops at the same level on the bodyside as the first and second windows, instead of wrapping up and over the roof sheetmetal.
Where the LR3 had narrow fender flares front and rear, the LR4 has wider ones that Land Rover says reduce aerodynamic lift at the front by a full 50 percent. Where the front fenders of the LR3 were solid sheetmetal, the LR4 carries front fender vents that do not carry turn signal repeaters, similar to but not the same as the more expensive Range Rover Sport that uses repeaters in the side vents. The LR4 has new LED lamps front and rear, with the headlamps using the same diagonally staggered lamp positions as the LR3.
Interior Features
The 2010 Land Rover LR4 has been completely redesigned inside. Everything in the cockpit has been reconfigured to be more luxurious to see, touch and feel, and to be easier to understand and use. The dashboard, instrument panel, door panels and seats, all have been redesigned and upgraded. There are fewer switches than on the previous-generation LR3, because some vehicle functions have been moved to the touch screen at the center of the instrument panel.
The LR4 has an interesting setup in the second row, with a 35/30/35 three-section split folding rear seat that folds flat, and can be folded down in three-row versions to afford limousine-like rear seat leg room, or accommodate large cargoes and people simultaneously.
During our test drive in Scotland we found the new LR4 interior design much less vertical, dark and plasticky than that of the LR3's, with much better materials, beautifully fitted and finished. Underway, it's very comfortable and very quiet, considering that the LR4 is quite a big box that catches lots of air and rides on enormous tires. The front-row power seats are beautifully stitched, supportive and comfortable. The thick multi-function steering wheel mounts a complete set of controls for audio, telephone and cruise control. The center stack has been completely redesigned to be easier to read and use. The interior redesign in the LR4 is a complete success in terms of comfort, luxury and utility.
The new optional surround camera system uses five cameras, two facing forward, one on either side of the truck facing down, and one at the rear to give a near-360-degree view of surroundings. Camera views can be selected from the main nav screen, and the view can be zoomed if necessary. This feature was developed to assist drivers in trailer hookups and trailer maneuvering, as well as for checking all-around clearances and terrain when driving off-road. This useful and fun camera feature is only available in off-road mode, in order the keep the driver's eyes from wandering off the highway.
• For more information such as specs, prices, and photos of the 2010 Land Rover LR4, click here: 2010 Land Rover LR4.
