For those who enjoy taming the badlands but have to be pampered while doing it, Land Rover’s laudable 2015 LR4 is just the ticket. This luxury-laden 5- to 7-passenger midsize SUV again boasts extensive off-road credentials, a supercharged V6 powerplant, plenty of standard and optional appearance bling and creature comforts, a slew of optional add-ons, including three-row seating, and, of course, a hefty price tag.
After some significant tweaks in 2014, the upcoming LR4 iterations tote a few further upgrades in the form of added exterior color choices, re-styled wheels, standard step running boards and interior accent upgrades. Additionally, an upgrade of Rover’s InControl Apps, including WiFi access and added entertainment features targeted to interact with Apple and Android smartphones, also debuts for 2015. Rest assured, however, that the LR4’s traditional 3 trims—the hardly basic Base, the up-featured HSE and the seriously loaded HSE LUX—remain offered for the upcoming season.
In 2014, a standard single-speed Torsen 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system was installed in all versions of this princely people hauler. While this somewhat less trail-making configuration remains adequate for moderate off-road duties, those interested in testing their mettle over truly challenging terrain will want to grab the optional Heavy Duty Package, featuring traditional on-demand 4WD capability. With a 2-speed transfer case, auto-locking hubs, a locking rear differential and a crowd-pleasing driver-selectable all-terrain feature (Rover’s Terrain Response off-road technology) that adjusts traction control features for a multitude of surface conditions, this hardy 4WD setup is what Land Rover is really all about. Beware, though, that this beast remains more comfortable off-road than on.
Anyhow, also introduced in 2014, the peppy supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine returns for the upcoming model year, again boasting an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Hill start assist and the touted Gradient Acceleration Control feature are standard with the 8-speed automatic, while auto stop/start technology helps keep mileage numbers at a sort of livable 14 mpg city/19 highway. An available towing package, meantime, allows this sturdy sport ute to haul up to 7,716 pounds of trailer hither and yon.
Of course you can’t visit the mountaintop or the river bed in just any old vehicle, thus the 2015 LR4 celebrates said journeys with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, roof rack, heated reverse-tilt power mirrors and adjustable air suspension system outside, with leather upholstery, full power accessories and power-adjustable front captain’s chairs and reclining rear seats inside.
Cruise control returns for 2015, naturally, as do goodies like telescoping tilt-wheel steering, dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a remote garage door opener and dual-zone auto climate control, along with an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and Bluetooth hands-free technology.
Entertainment-wise, look for the 380-watt Meridian premium sound system to return boasting a single-CD player, 11 speakers and auxiliary audio input via several USB ports.
The LR4 HSE, meanwhile, adds distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, power-fold outside mirrors, third-row seating, rear climate controls and voice-activated satellite navigation via the improved InControl system, while the HSE LUX tosses in standard memory for driver's settings, a cooled center console bin, upgraded leather upholstery and an 825-watt Meridian stereo boasting 17-speaker Surround Sound.
Options for the 2015 LR4 again include a Climate Control Package with heated windshield washer jets, heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel, while the safety-minded Vision Assist Package adds adaptive xenon headlights with auto hi/lo beams, a 360-degree camera and blind-spot warning technology. The available Black Design Package, furthermore, offers blacked-out exterior trim and black 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and can be complemented by a number of unique interior trim arrangements, including upgraded leather. Finally, satellite radio and rear-seat DVD entertainment remain standalone options.
Again for 2015, standard safety equipment in the trio of LR4 iterations includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, standard rear and available third-row head airbags, and front head restraint whiplash protection. Turn-signal-integrated mirrors, front fog/driving lights, daytime running lights, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm also remain as standard safety features.
