Road Test: 2009 Land Rover LR3 HSE V8
The Mountain Goat Gets More Refined
Review and images by Russell Purcell
Since its debut as a replacement for the Land Rover Discovery in 2005, the LR3 has earned a loyal following of affluent buyers who have embraced the model for its prestigious nameplate, luxury trappings and proven all-terrain prowess.
For 2009, the LR3 remains unchanged mechanically, but continues its evolution with regards to appearance and equipment availability. Styling refinements include body-coloured bumpers and fender flares, new door and tailgate handle finishes, clear turn signal lenses, new wheel designs, and options such as Sirius satellite radio and a heated steering wheel.
Slipping behind the wheel, you will immediately be impressed by the fit-and-finish of the interior. The leather hides that drape the seating surfaces are supple and abundant, and all interior panels feature high-grade plastics and trim pieces that are appealing to both the touch and eye. The compact gauge cluster is simple and well-designed, and most vital switchgear and controls are within easy reach. I say most, as the window switches are poorly placed atop the door panel near the A-pillar. This requires even very tall users to have to lean forward or adjust their regular seating position to operate them. It also places them in the splash zone for raindrops when the window or door is opened.
The dash is dominated by a large, near-vertical centre stack that is capped with a navigation system, placing it within easy reach of the driver. This 7-inch touch-screen is recessed enough to protect its screen from glare, and is called to perform a host of secondary functions such as the status of the vehicle’s advanced four-wheel drive system. Audiophiles will enjoy the high-end harman/kardon audio system (AM/FM/CD/MP3), but I must admit that its controls are small, and can be difficult to operate while driving. Luckily there are secondary controls for the basic functions to overcome this on the four-spoke steering wheel. HVAC controls are glove-friendly, and the dual-zone climate control system, heated wipers, washers and mirrors should help tame Canada’s varied climate. Second- and third-row passengers won’t feel left out, as heating and ventilation have been very effectively routed throughout the cabin.
Unlike many SUVs that are basically glorified pickup trucks, the LR3 has been engineered to tackle some of the world’s most difficult terrain. As a result, the driver has the ability to dial the vehicle’s standard height-adjustable air suspension, transmission, centre differential and chassis settings to match the road surface, weather or angle of incline/decline. The Terrain Response System features a large rotary dial, and two thumb levers reside immediately aft of the chunky shifter, allowing the more adventurous driver to select the perfect parameters for whatever conditions may come along (settings include modes for gravel and snow, mud and ruts, sand, or rock crawling). Add to this the potent combination of Hill Descent Control, all-terrain ABS, and true low-range gearing, and you will find very few areas out of reach.
My test vehicle was a top-of-the-line HSE model featuring the potent 300-horsepower 4.4-litre V8 engine, but base model LR3 SEs come equipped with a 216-horsepower 4.0-litre V6. Both engines come mated to the same 6-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive system. The V8 gives the LR3 the legs to sprint away with a healthy growl whether traversing a riband of asphalt or exploring hill and dale, but I did find it a bit anemic when the vehicle was fully laden with passengers and gear. Some buyers may want to wait for the upcoming LR4, as its engine bay will be filled with a 5.0-litre V8 that is rumoured to deliver 375 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, a powerplant that will be better able to hustle the substantial weight of a vehicle of this type. The six-speed transmission is a smooth operator, and does a very good job of keeping the engine in its optimal range whether in stop-and-go city traffic or hitting the highway.
The overall driving experience is serene and civil, but don’t expect handling to be on par with the likes of a Cayenne or Touareg. The tall, long body and significant weight conspire to keep you on your toes when cornering at speed, as a relatively high centre of gravity promotes some body roll. Wind and road noise is minimal, and the cabin remains quiet as the air-suspension absorbs the effects of road surface irregularities, speed bumps, and post-winter potholes.
The interior is outfitted with five seats in most LR3s, but my HSE unit came fitted with a third row comprised of twin, compact rear seats. These seats are optional and are available in all models, but it should be noted that they are best reserved for agile children, as access is a challenge for lanky teenagers and adults of any size.
There is no shortage of cargo room in this vehicle and there are bins, cubbies and cup-holders throughout the cabin. The wide centre console also includes a small cooler box to keep your drinks chilled. The rear hatch is a two-panel design featuring a fold down tailgate as well as an upswing hatch to protect you from the weather. The second and third row seats fold perfectly flat, establishing a stable foundation for your gear (providing 2,557 litres of effective space), and an extended ceiling allows the LR3 to carry taller items than most.
Standard premium features on the HSE include 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, Optikool privacy glass, Straight-Grained Walnut or Grand Black Lacquer, two-panel sunroof, eight-way power leather seats, heated seating in all rows, navigation, Bluetooth capability, and a 550-watt harman/kardon Logic7 audio system with 14 speakers. Additional safety features include front and rear park assist, an electronic parking brake, Bi-Xenon adaptive headlamps, and a full complement of airbags (including side and curtain units).
It will be interesting to see if new owner Tata Motors can maintain the high level of quality and reliability that Land Rover’s last two owners (BMW and Ford) worked so hard to achieve. With a host of competent rivals from the likes of Porsche, Volkswagen, Audi and Lexus available for similar money, Tata’s engineers have their work cut out for them. Hopefully, they will see the need to focus on preserving the unstoppable off-road capabilities of the Land Rover line, rather than trying to match the comfort and luxury levels of their marketplace rivals, as this is where their strength lies. I fear that Tata may already be headed down the wrong path, as my test vehicle arrived with significant damage to the now-painted rear bumper shroud after another journalist took it off-road, a situation that would not have been an issue on previous models.[PSGallery=4npjra8qu]
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