2005 Land Rover LR3 SE

Overview:
The LR3 replaces the Discovery and it’s a huge improvement over the old vehicle. Wheelbase is up 14 inches and overall length is extended 6 inches. The LR3 is an inch wider and several inches lower than the top heavy looking Discovery. Two trim lines are offered, the SE and the upscale HSE. Prices start at $44,330 and $49,995 respectively. This is the first new vehicle released by Land Rover since Ford took over the company from BMW. Land Rover’s reputation as the off road king continues with a long list of advanced technology designed to make the LR3 unstoppable in the rough. Comfortable seating and a quiet refined power train make the LR3 a well-rounded package. Those able to afford it will probably not mind the poor fuel economy.

Under the Hood:
Power comes from a 4.4 liter V8 making 300 horsepower. This engine is a modified version of Jaguar’s 4.2. Land Rover re-worked the intake and improved engine oiling for truck duty. 0-60 time is said to be just under 9 seconds. Not blazing but not bad considering LR3’s 5400-pound weight. The engine is smooth and quiet ands feels quite responsive. Fuel economy is said to be 18 highway and 14 city. The 6-speed automatic shifts flawlessly and keeps the LR3’s engine nicely in its power band. The transmission has a ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ mode and it can be shifted manually. Permanent 4-Wheel Drive is standard on all LR3s. Low range is available for off road use.

Ride/ Handling/Hauling:
On the Road:
The LR3 is a pleasant vehicle to drive thanks to a fully independent front and rear suspension. The ‘four corner’ Electronic Air Suspension features automatic load leveling for improved handling and ride. I detected a slight pitching motion at highway speeds when changing lanes, for example. I did a quick Internet search and discovered that none of my colleagues mentioned this in any review I read so maybe it’s just me. In any case, it’s minor. Overall handling is quite stable and the ride is super smooth. Watch your speedometer. I caught myself exceeding the speed limit more than once without realizing how fast I was really traveling. It’s very easy to go 70 mph in a 55 zone. This is always the mark of a fine vehicle.

Off Road Features:
The big news here is Land Rover’s ‘Terrain Response’- a multi-mode system designed to maximize traction and control with 5 driver selectable settings: general, grass/gravel/snow, sand and rock crawl. This system modifies the response of the engine, transmission, differentials, dynamic systems and the air suspension. Most of these adjustments go unnoticed by the driver. Hill Descent Control holds you back when headed downhill. The LR3 has excellent braking with 4-wheel disc ABS standard. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist are included on all LR3s.

On the Inside:
Highlights here include straightforward controls and easy to read instrument cluster. There is a handy optional center console cooler able to chill up to 6 cans of soda. Front and rear cupholders and door mounted bottle holders come in handy. Outward visibility is excellent for the driver and raised stadium seating on the 2nd and 3rd row seats give passengers a good view too. Land Rover’s ‘Panoramic Alpine Roof features two fixed-glass sections for rear passengers. A regular sunroof is found up front. Front seating is exceptionally comfortable thanks to 6-way power drivers seat (8 way in the HSE) Outer second row seats can be folded away and the center seat can be turned into a table. It is said that there are over 100 configurable seating combinations.

Dual zone automatic climate control is standard The navigation system may be the best I’ve ever seen. Nearby streets are labeled on the 7 inch center mounted screen along with your current route. The SE comes with a 9-speaker 240 watt Harmon Kardon sound system. The HSE gets 550 watts and 13 speakers. The only knock on this comfortable interior is the lack of trim. It’s just plain black. Looks a little dreary for such a premium vehicle. Wood trim and brushed aluminum would have looked nicer in my opinion.

Safety/Warranty:
The LR3’s comprehensive supplemental restraint system features 8 airbags. Front driver and passengers get side airbags and side curtain bags are standard for both front and rear seating positions. Crumple zones and reinforced doors further protect occupants. Dynamic stability control and something called ‘Active Roll Mitigation’ adjusts the suspension while cornering. Park distance control alerts you to nearby objects while backing up. A perimeter security system activates an alarm if the any of the doors hood or tailgate are opened. There are childproof windows and doors and the LR3 features the LATCH system to help safely secure a child’s safety seat.

Bottom Line:
I was in the audience at the California International Auto Show last October when Motor Trend announced the LR3 as their ‘SUV of the Year’. I was anxious to get behind the wheel of this all new design. For the most part the LR3 does not disappoint. Off road ability is fantastic. The ride over rough terrain is unmatched. The fully independent suspension gives the LR3 a good on road ride and handling characteristics. Having said that I would add that this SUV fells more truck-like on the road than say a VW Toureg. If superior off-road and commendable on-road ability is what you’re after it’s hard to beat Land Rover’s new LR3.

Tom Collins
4-6-05