2007 Land Rover LR3 HSE
The Land Rover LR3 replaced the Discovery in 2005. Although this vehicle continues to carry the Discovery name in other parts of the world, Land Rover says it's using the new alphanumeric nomenclature in the U.S. to better focus marketing efforts on the Land Rover brand. This vehicle is a huge improvement over the Discovery Series II. The LR3 is the first vehicle totally developed by Land Rover following its purchase by Ford Motor Company in 2000 and a $1.4 billion overhaul of the Solihull manufacturing facility in the UK where it is built.
The 2007 Land Rover LR3 HSE I tested ($55,750) is a comfortable vehicle. Driver and front passenger get power-adjustable seats with adjustable armrests, and the second-row seats have generous headroom and legroom. Even the third-row seats can be comfortable for adults. Driving the Land Rover LR3 from Evergreen to Colorado Springs revealed a class-leading combination of capability, utility, luxury and style. The LR3 handled the curving mountain roads brilliantly, yet was comfortable on I-25 during rush-hour. I did not have a chance to test the four-wheel-drive LR3 in the snow but driving on dry paved surfaces, the immediate sensation is of security, composure and protected personal space. The driver is seated high above the average car, and insulated from outside noises, and is very quiet. The thick steering wheel is notably solid and transmitted very little road vibration.
The HSE is very well equipped and adds On/Off-Road Navigation system with voice-activation, the Lighting Package (bi-Xenon headlights, rain sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, Homelink Rear Park Distance control, automatic headlights, and front fog lights), the Rear Seat & Climate Package, and the Personal Telephone Integration system with console cradle and Bluetooth Connectivity. The HSE I tested had the upgraded Luxury Package ($1,750), which includes adaptive front lighting system, cold climate package, and center console cooler box. The HSE has an upgraded 550-watt Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound stereo audio system with six-disc CD changer and 14 speakers, rear park distance control. Third-row seating is standard on the HSE
The 4.4-liter 300-horsepower V8 is an adapted version of Jaguar's 4.2 V8 engine. It has an increased stroke length which enhances torque, so that the V8 delivers 315 pound-feet at 4000 rpm. Combined with the electronic six-speed transmission, the V8-equipped LR3 moves out smartly at part throttle, and has passing power in reserve. Land Rover says the V8 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8 seconds, which is respectable performance. The LR3 may be the best vehicle for anybody who wants a luxury SUV that can also go anywhere any four-wheel vehicle might go.
Denis and his wife Jeanie live in Evergreen and own the Mountain Man Nut & Fruit store in Bergen Park.