2005 Land Rover LR3 HSE
All-new, All Luxury

It’s been a while since I’ve spent time inside a Land Rover, and quite frankly, could never quite understand its appeal. It wasn’t by any shape of the imagination a good looking sport utility vehicle, nor did it seem very comfortable. For most in our neighborhood, it was a status symbol.

Then when Ford took over Land Rover, things changed some, at least in the looks department. After having driven the LR3 for a week, it seems in the luxury department, as well.

Introduced for 2005, LR3 is an all-new model for Land Rover, one of only nine introduced in 56 years; and the first developed entirely under Ford. Around before SUV’s became "the" vehicle to drive Land Rover was built in Britain and in many cases, driven over various terrain and off-road.

The new LR3 is available in two trim levels: SE and HSE, both with a 300 horsepower, 4.4-liter, V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, plus a host of goodies one will quickly learn to covet.

A smooth riding automobile, the LR3’s "intelligent" transmission adapts its shift patterns to driving style and road conditions. One will need to brush up on the use of the LR3’s Command Shift gear change operation. Easily operated, the commands are located on the center console at the driver’s fingertips.

Navigating the LR3 only on local roads and highways (no off-roading) we can only speak to its manners on this terrain. Equipped with Land Rover’s Terrain Response technology, the LR3 optimizes drivability and control over varied surfaces. You choose one of five terrain settings by turning a rotary knob and you can choose a general driving program, grass/gravel/snow surface, and three off-road modes: mud/ruts, sand and rock/crawl. So amazing. And so easy!

Not only was Land Rover designing a car for off-roading, but also one with impeccable on-road manners. The LR3’s high tech powertrain uses a version of the Jaguar’s 4.4-liter engine found in the AJV8. Added to the LR3 are more low-end torque, enhanced dust and water proofing and revised breathing so that the LR3 can wade in as much as 24 inches of water.

When riding in the LR3 (which for a small person is no small task when attempting to climb inside) one has the feeling of solidity and protection. Using an "integrated Body-frame," Land Rover has mated a tough frame with rigid body structure. High strength steel has been applied to such areas as the A-pillar and roof cross members.

With safety as high priority, LR3 has eight airbags on seven-seat vehicles and six on five-seat models. The driver and passenger airbags deploy in two stages. There are seat-mounted thorax airbags for those in the front seats and side curtain airbags for all rows. Of course, antilock brakes are standard, along with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).

It took some time to get accustomed to the LR3’s sound system controls. We never did locate the Satellite Radio although we know it must have one. Othewise, the 550-watt harmon/kardon LOGIC7 digital surround-sound AM/FM, six-disc CD changer and 14 speakers (nine in the SE) came through loud and clear. Incorporated into all this is a touch-screen DVD based navigation system with 2D and 3D maps.

Also high tech are the LR3’s adaptive headlights that swivel with traffic to light the road ahead. If you’re backing up, you’ll be assisted by warning sensors.

The second row bench seat is set higher than the front, and the optional third row higher than the second. All fold flat offering more than six feet of space. The rear also offers a sliding load space floor, dog guard, cargo divider and woodgrain interior enhancements and body protection items. Whew! Too much to mention.

The new LR3 has redeemed Land Rover in our mind. Before we didn’t have much use for this SUV, but do appreciate all that’s gone into making this new model a highly desirable vehicle. We enjoyed our week in the new LR3 and expect it to be a strong contender in the large SUV market niche.

Copyright 2005. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All rights reserved.