The previous model in the discovery series, the LR3 made great strides in improving the performance and reliability of the Discovery series. When introduced in 2004, it was a complete redesign of the discovery formula that shared practically no components with the previous generation model. Despite this it retains the key features of the Discovery, such as the stepped roofline and steeply-raked windscreen.

At first glance the new model, the LR4, doesn’t seem to have changed much in comparison to the previous model aside from the slightly altered headlights, tail lights, grille and bumper. But eyes can be deceiving since most of the changes are under the skin. The new model is not so much a revolutionary redesign but rather an evolution of an already impressive vehicle. Land Rover has done with the LR3, what Volkswagen has done with the new Gti, which is to hone the performance of the existing model to perfection rather than completely redesign it.

More muscle
For starters the there is the all new engine from Jaguar, a five litre V8 beast that produces 385 bhp and 520 Nm of torque. With so much power and torque under the bonnet it comes as no surprise that the LR4 will be a lot quicker in a straight line than it looks. But what is truly impressive is the way in which it handles bends. While it may not be as agile as some other models in the same class, it is definitely well planted and deceptively quick through bends. And if that wasn’t enough, once at cruising speed there is some wind noise produced by the large mirrors but aside from that the cabin is nearly as quiet as some of the best premium luxury sedans in the market today. Even the suspensions do a great job of soaking up all manner of poor road surfaces keeping you comfortable and relaxed, regardless of the trip. Once you enter the rough stuff, the LR4 is head and shoulders above the rest. Its Terrain Response system makes it almost criminally easy to look like an off-road king. All you have to do is set the suspension height, choose the type of terrain that you want to traverse on the dial and off you go. Yes! It is actually that simple.

Inside the cabin, even after a slight redesign, it still feels like a Discovery, albeit in a much more refined guise. And few vehicles can provide you with such generous seat articulation or such a commanding view of the road ahead. If you in the mood for transporting a large number of people or a tonne of camping gear? No problem at all. The LR4 is easily one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, providing ample seating space for upto seven people or the seats can be folded flat to increase cargo space. The boot even features a useful split-opening tailgate.

As far as equipment and safety is concerned, you need not worry at all since even the basic model comes equipped with nearly all the important features, including nearly all the safety equipment and the ‘all too important’ Terrain Response System. So, while the basic vehicle is more than capable of meeting your needs, you will never regret spending more to option it up. Because all money spent on such a fine vehicle only serves to make it even better, so how can you possibly go wrong?