The 2012 Land Rover LR4 is a mid-range luxury traditional SUV that seats either five or seven passengers depending on whether a third-row option is selected. Like all Land Rovers, the LR4 offers highly impressive off-road prowess. Reviewers are also drawn to its strong V8 engine and beautiful, roomy interior. Only one trim level is available; MSRP starts at $49,750.
Powertrain
The LR4 is powered by a 375-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission featuring Commandshift, which adapts both to the driver’s style and to driving conditions. A fully independent suspension and full-time four-wheel-drive create the ability to drive nearly anywhere; the driver can even select one of five settings to adjust the engine, suspension, and transmission settings according to driving conditions. And with proper equipment, the LR4 can tow 7,700 pounds. Unsurprisingly, all this heavy equipment reduces the fuel economy to 12 mpg city/17 mpg highway.
Exterior
The LR4 comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, foglights, automatic halogen headlamps, power heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, power front sunroof, fixed rear sunroof, and heated rear glass with Wash Wipe. Options include a heated front windshield and washer jets, LED daytime running lights, power-folding mirrors, 20-inch wheels, and locking rear differential.
Interior
Standard features consist of push button start, Front and Rear Park Distance Control, stadium seating, fold-flat second-row seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, power front seats, leather upholstery, keyless ignition and entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and Bluetooth connectivity. Optional features include a heated steering wheel, heated front and second row seats, rear climate control, fold-flat third-row seating for two more passengers, rearview camera, hard-drive navigation system with real-time traffic and voice control, ambient lighting, center console with cooler, driver’s seat memory, and a 360-degree parking camera system.
Entertainment System
The standard audio system boasts an in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, 11 speakers, a 7-inch color touchscreen interface, steering wheel audio controls, USB/iPod connectivity, and an auxiliary audio jack. This can be upgraded to a Harman Kardon audio system with 16 speakers and/or satellite and HD radio. A rear entertainment system with a six-DVD changer is optional as well.
Safety
Safety devices include ABS, stability control with rollover mitigation technology, traction control, hill start assist, hill descent control, front side-thorax airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, electronic parking brake, and electronic brake assist. Crash test ratings are not available at this time.
The automotive press lauds the LR4′s four-wheel-drive system as one of the best on the market; this feature, combined with the powerful engine and high maneuverability, make the LR4 a top performer in off-road driving. Some question how necessary this ability really is though, especially considering the resultant loss in fuel economy and so-so handling on curves.
Image Credit: US Land Rover Media Resource
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