Premium, Powerful Pedigree
Land Rover helped create the luxury SUV segment with the original Range Rover, and it continues to define it to this day with models like the 2016 LR4. The LR4 has all of the off-road capability that Land Rover engineers into all of its vehicles, but it’s no backwoods bumpkin. The go-anywhere ability is matched by a smooth and civilized powertrain and a luxurious interior. The LR4 offers everything other luxury SUVs do, and a few things the competition doesn’t.
Performance
The 2016 Land Rover LR4’s powertrain is stout and rugged, and of course the LR4 features the unrivaled off-road ability one expects from Land Rover.
The sole engine option on the 2016 LR4 is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that’s seen use in a wide variety of Jaguar Land Rover models, from the Range Rover to the F-Type sports car. It brings that impressive pedigree to the LR4, along with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. In the LR4, the V6 is harnessed to an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
And while the LR4 is as bulky as it looks, this marvelous engine can still scoot it to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 121 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy isn’t too shabby either, at 16 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 19 mpg highway).* That’s thanks in part to an engine start/stop system.
While the LR4 will affably rack up the miles on the highway, though, it really comes into its own off road. It can wade into water up to 27.5 inches deep, and when the adjustable suspension is fully raised, it has 9.4 inches of ground clearance.
To help drivers make the most of those capabilities, the LR4 is also equipped with the Land Rover Terrain Response system, which optimizes various vehicle parameters for different driving conditions. The system also includes integrated Hill Descent Control with Gradient Release Control, which automatically holds the brakes for a period after the driver releases the pedal, to control acceleration as the vehicle descends a steep grade.
Features
The 2016 Land Rover LR4 is a five-door SUV, with seating for five or seven. It’s available in three trim levels, with prices starting at $50,400.**
While it may be a rugged off roader, the LR4 is also a luxury vehicle, so it comes with a generous complement of standard equipment. The list includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, a sunroof, 11-speaker Meridian® audio system, 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, fog lamps, an electric parking brake, and central touchscreen display.
Upgrading to the LR4 HSE nets all of the applicable standard features from the base model, and adds Xenon headlights with LED signature, navigation, rear climate control, a third-row seat, passive keyless entry, power-folding exterior mirrors, and other features.
The top LR4 model is the HSE Lux, which adds even more features to the standard equipment from the base and HSE models. That includes interior mood lighting, a power-adjustable steering column, memory system for the steering column, driver’s seat, and mirrors, a chilled cubby for the front center-console storage bin, 17-speaker Meridian® surround-sound system, the Premium Leather Package, and the Climate Comfort Package (heated windshield, steering wheel, front and second-row seats, and headlight washer nozzles). A rear-seat entertainment system is also optional on this model.
Design
While many modern SUVs are adopting car-like styling, the 2016 Land Rover LR4 stays honest to its roots. The boxy silhouette hasn’t changed much since the LR4’s predecessor, the Land Rover Discovery, first arrived in the U.S. decades ago. Rather than try to make the LR4 seem like anything other than what it is, Land Rover has continually refined the styling. Details like the grille mesh, side vents, and available LED daytime running lights are really all that is needed to update this iconic shape.
On the inside, the LR4 can rival just about any other luxury vehicle. The quality of the leather and wood is impressive, and these status-symbol materials aren’t used in nearly as gaudy a way as they are in other luxury vehicles. Land Rover also strikes a good balance between digital and analog controls, with both a touchscreen display and a full complement of chunky buttons and knobs.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Land Rover LR4 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rear park assist, rearview camera, Active Roll Mitigation, and front and head-curtain airbags. A front park-assist unit is available as an option.
Verdict
The 2016 Land Rover LR4 has the luxuries to rival any modern SUV, but it can also go where many of its competitors can’t.
To schedule a test drive, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image Credit: Land Rover
