2010 LR4 Has Arrived. Has It Ever.

Sure, the LR3 racked up over 100 International awards but those crazy contrivers over in Solihull couldn’t leave well enough alone and instead found so many ways to improve upon it that they had to call it “the next generation” LR4. 

Photo courtesy of Roverhaul.com©

“…for the new LR4 we’ve found ways to improve virtually every aspect of the vehicle’s design and engineering – some subtle, some major. New design signals comprehensive engineering change under the skin," says Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.

You might say “what new design?” but Mr. Popham is correct in saying that there are a number of improvements that are not so readily apparent.

Photo courtesy of Roverhaul.com©

Beginning inside, there are notable upscale touches that lend a truly premium feel, available seven passenger seating, and a more functional (read: user-friendly) dash.

As Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director explains, "The new interior not only has a much more premium look and feel, it’s also gained improvement to its functionality. The new console inclines towards the driver, the switchgear and controls fall more readily to hand, and new LED ambient lighting helps make the cabin a more pleasant and more easily used space after dark. We’ve made the interior environment more premium too, with smoother surfaces, softer materials and close attention to critical details such as stitching.”

Photo courtesy of Roverhaul.com©

A look under the hood reveals something new, too: a 5.0 liter LR-V8, a torquey beast that develops 375 bhp and 375 lbs/ft torque, bettering the previous 4.4-liter V8 for power and torque by 25 percent and 19 percent respectively. Yet when it comes to emissions the engine meets the stringent U.S. ULEV2 (ultra low emissions vehicle) regulations. This is all thanks to an industry-first direct injection design that is more precise in its fuel delivery.

“Our new 5.0-liter V8 was conceived from the onset with Land Rover models in mind. Designed with the emphasis on low-end torque, it is particularly suited to the LR4’s wide range of capabilities both on and off road,” says Engine Group Chief Engineer, Malcolm Sandford.

Other unseen advances introduced for the LR4 include revised suspension architecture, improved steering, larger brakes and enhanced versions of Land Rover’s award-winning Terrain Response™ and Hill Descent Control systems. That’s right; all improved. There’s even been a refinement made to the Dynamic Stability Control system that automatically slows the vehicle when taking a corner too fast, helping to prevent rollover.

Then there’s all the very cool stuff you can see… and the list is long. The nav system, for instance, features a new “towards guidance” detail that supplements the map with actual road signage you’ll see along your way, keeping you on track.

There is a new Portable Audio Interface that accepts a wide array of personal audio storage devices such as USB sticks and MP3 players. One port is a dedicated Apple i-Pod™ that’s been designed exclusively for Land Rover (for continued functionality in extreme driving conditions).

For safety’s sake, there are no less than five digital cameras strategically located around the vehicle to give you a virtual 360-degree view. You can even select one and zoom in to assist you with parking or towing or getting out of a tight spot off-road.

Not even towing is immune to advancements in technology. Trailer Stability Assist, for example, detects trailer oscillations by monitoring key vehicle behaviors, such as unintentional steering movements and slight vehicle swing in response to trailer behavior. In these circumstances, the system can initiate engine torque reduction and braking interventions to bring the towing back under control.

You can also hit the “Tow Assist” function on your touch screen menu for help in performing accurate towing maneuvers. You input particulars like type of trailer, number of axles, width, length, etc. and the cameras adjust to give you a clear, undistorted view of what’s going on back there. You’ll even get guide lines overlaid on the rear camera image to illustrate both the vehicle and trailer’s trajectory.

Lastly, the new front headlights incorporate available Automatic High Beam Assist technology. This can automatically switch on high beam headlights where external light levels are below the system’s threshold. Importantly, the system is also designed to detect preceding and approaching traffic, and in a split second will automatically switch back to low beam to avoid dazzling others. No more of that annoying side paddle pull whenever there is an approaching car at night!

Clearly, this is one sophisticated vehicle, but what may be its most amazing feature is that all of this cutting edge technology is found in a vehicle that can take you most anywhere you want to go, road or no. As Phil Popham says, "The changes and upgrades for LR4 transform many aspects of the previous generation, at the same time enhancing the flexibility and versatility for which this vehicle is famous. It can carry huge loads in its spacious interior, climb mountains, cruise across continents, haul trailers or transport up to seven family and friends in comfort. I can’t think of a more versatile vehicle anywhere."