Those familiar with the Land Rover line of SUVs know that the top-of-the-line Range Rover provides ultimate luxury, exclusivity, and tremendous off-road capabilities.
If you're a Land Rover enthusiast and the Range Rover is out of your price range, the LR3 is the next best choice. The LR3 is one of the most luxurious and elite SUVs in the mid-size luxury SUV segment.
Like the exclusive Range Rover model, the LR3 sports the familiar Land Rover nose. Around back, LR3 is very unique with Alpine rear quarter windows and an L-shaped rear glass. The LR3 buyers appreciate the fact that their SUV will never be mistaken for anything but a Land Rover.
Standing tall from both a visual perspective and in regards to all it offers as standard equipment, the LR3 is a favorite of mine in this segment.
Last year, a broader range of selection was afforded to LR3 customers with the arrival of a V6 engine. This year, Land Rover has raised the bar by adding leather trimmed upholstery, a power glass sunroof, a 240-watt 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and steering wheel touch controls as standard equipment in the LR3.
Land Rover's LR3 is offered in three trim levels: V6 SE ($42,150), V8 SE ($48,950) and V8 HSE ($53,950). Powering the LR3 V6 SE is a 216-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 while both the V8 SE and the V8 HSE feature a 300-horsepower 4.4-liter V8.
All LR3 models feature a four-corner independent height-adjustable air suspension and Land Rover's exclusive Terrain Response system.
Terrain Response automatically adjusts a whole host of electronically controlled systems to suit driving conditions. The Terrain Response knob positioned on the center console configures the engine's throttle response, the transmission's shift characteristics and gear selection, the center differential's operation and rear if equipped, the air suspension, and many dynamic systems for maximum traction, stability and control.
Those considering the LR3 should know that it's one of the most capable SUVs when leaving paved roads. However, I suspect most LR3 buyers will spend the majority of their driving time on paved roads.
Typically, vehicles that are great at off-roading aren't so comfortable when driving on asphalt or concrete. That's certainly not the case with the LR3.
The LR3 delivers a pleasing, smooth ride at all speeds. Land Rover did well at making LR3's cabin quiet. LR3 would be great for commuting across snow-covered roads or for that cross-country family road trip. Thanks to its tall stature, LR3 provides a spacious cabin.
The only negative aspect I experienced with my LR3 V8 HSE tester was fuel economy. Rated at just 14 mpg city and 19 mpg highway, my LR3 V8 HSE tester had a thirst for fuel. Also, both the V6 and V8 require premium fuel.
There's a long list of standard amenities offered in the LR3. For those who step up to the V8 SE or V8 HSE, three-row, seven-passenger seating comes standard. Five-passenger seating is standard in V6 SE models while seven-passenger seating is optional.
As mentioned earlier, the LR3 provides an upgraded audio system for V6 SE and V8 SE models. Our top-of-the-line LR3 V8 HSE model featured a very likable 550-watt 14-speaker Harman-Kardon audio system as standard equipment.
I enjoyed the DVD-based navigation system that is standard (optional in V8 SE) in the V8 HSE. It features a 7-inch LCD touch-sensitive screen with 2D and 3D map displays, and on- and off-road guidance displays. A special 4x4 information screen presents the Terrain Response system settings for transmission gear and transfer case range plus front-wheel-angle position, suspension setting as well as a suspension movement display.
Another likable item found in our LR3 V8 HSE tester worth noting was the optional (part of the Luxury Package) Cooler Box (like a mini-refrigerator) located in the center console.
The LR3 is an impressive, luxurious SUV with go-anywhere prowess that will provide you and your family with a safe and comfortable experience.
2007 Land Rover LR3 V8 HSE
Engine: 4.4-liter (300 hp) V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive Type: AWD
Fuel Economy: 14 city/19 highway
Base Price: $53,235
As Tested: $56,725 (including $715 for destination)
Website: http://www.landrover.com |
