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My entire week behind the wheel of the 2013 Land Rover LR4 I felt as if I was keeping a feral cat trapped in a garage, and not because it was so raucous and chaotic on the road, but because I was keeping it from its wild nature, it's natural habit: the great outdoors.
Sure, the LR4 is a lumbering luxurious people mover, but it's also a rough-and-tough off-roader -- and that's the true beauty of a Land Rover.
Once again I was reminded how quickly I'd drop the many dollars needed to own one of these British brutes after my time behind the wheel.
What is a Land Rover LR4?
Capable, courteous, and cautiously beautiful, the Land Rover LR4 has remained throughout its four generations a luxurious off-roader for the high-class and well-off of the world.
As utilitarian as it is amenity-laden, the Land Rover LR4 is the go-to vehicle of well-to-do country dwellers in need of an off-roader that's just as welcome at the country club as it is on the back roads. And that's the true beauty of the LR4, because it truly is as comfortable in either location.
2013 Land Rover LR4 Price and Specs
The 2013 Land Rover LR4 is available in three trim levels (base, HSE and HSE LUX); the Land Rover LR4's base price is $59,490. The top of the line HSE LUX model jumps to the $70,790 mark.
Across the line, all 2013 Land Rover LR4 models are equipped with an LR-V8 5.0L engine good for 375 horsepower. A 6-speed CommandShift transmission handles the power. With its 2-speed transfer gearbox, and Land Rover's 4-Corner Electronic Air Suspension and Terrain Response, the LR4 truly is built to handle whatever you throw its way.
Driving the 2013 Land Rover LR4
It doesn't matter if you're traversing the urban sprawl to pick up the kids at school or fighting through the muddy back roads to get to your secluded cottage for the weekend; the 2013 Land Rover LR4 will do each (and more) with aplomb.
The LR4 really can do anything. There are few, if any, luxury SUVs I'd take through mid-car levels of water, but I've done it in the LR4. In the same vein, if I were to choose a vehicle to pull up to a party in, I'd choose the LR4, too. It's the ideal blend of class and crass.
There's no denying this is a massive vehicle (if I don't engage “load height” for entry and exit, it can be quite the sight to see), but it doesn't feel huge when you're behind the wheel. Of course, all-around cameras help in stickier parking-lot situations where size can be an issue, but otherwise, the 2013 Land Rover LR4 is a pleasure to drive.
It's not about speed or agility in this behemoth, but more about poise, grace and ability -- all of which it has in spades.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Land Rover LR4
I'm a huge fan of the new Landie face. Designers did a great job updating the off-roader to modern standards, without losing its rugged heritage-inspired look. True, the '13 Landie is as boxy as ever, but I think that's just perfect. That's what a Land Rover is supposed to look like -- leave the fancy looks for the Ranges.
Decked out in white with black satin grille, Land Rover badging and 19” alloy wheels, my tester was quite the looker. I love the black-on-white look and think it adds a certain youthful look to the LR. This isn't an SUV that will appeal to the masses due to its purposeful exterior poise, but I love it.
Inside, the 2013 Land Rover LR4 received some key upgrades with soft-touch materials, mood lighting and unique rear seat combinations (35:30:35 available). Some might not realize it, but the LR4 is actually the “least luxurious” along with the LR2. The Range Rovers are the silver-spoon Landies in the family, while the LRs are there to do a job, and do it well. That's not the say the interior isn't comfy, because it so is.
Of course, Land Rover's onboard entertainment system is a constant source of contention for me. Fingers crossed they'll change it one day soon...
Comparing the 2013 Land Rover LR4
Sixty-five years of experience in the world of off-roading kinda makes you untouchable, however, the Land Rover LR4 isn't alone in its luxurious abilities. In fact, I'd say it has a formidable opponent in the Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC simply because the Merc offers a diesel powerplant where the Land Rover doesn't.
Sure, the LR4 is a lumbering luxurious people mover, but it's also a rough-and-tough off-roader -- and that's the true beauty of a Land Rover.
Once again I was reminded how quickly I'd drop the many dollars needed to own one of these British brutes after my time behind the wheel.
 |
What is a Land Rover LR4?
Capable, courteous, and cautiously beautiful, the Land Rover LR4 has remained throughout its four generations a luxurious off-roader for the high-class and well-off of the world.
As utilitarian as it is amenity-laden, the Land Rover LR4 is the go-to vehicle of well-to-do country dwellers in need of an off-roader that's just as welcome at the country club as it is on the back roads. And that's the true beauty of the LR4, because it truly is as comfortable in either location.
 |
| Capable, courteous, and cautiously beautiful, the Land Rover LR4 has remained throughout its four generations a luxurious off-roader for the high-class and well-off of the world. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
2013 Land Rover LR4 Price and Specs
The 2013 Land Rover LR4 is available in three trim levels (base, HSE and HSE LUX); the Land Rover LR4's base price is $59,490. The top of the line HSE LUX model jumps to the $70,790 mark.
Across the line, all 2013 Land Rover LR4 models are equipped with an LR-V8 5.0L engine good for 375 horsepower. A 6-speed CommandShift transmission handles the power. With its 2-speed transfer gearbox, and Land Rover's 4-Corner Electronic Air Suspension and Terrain Response, the LR4 truly is built to handle whatever you throw its way.
 |
| All 2013 Land Rover LR4 models are equipped with an LR-V8 5.0L engine good for 375 horsepower. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Driving the 2013 Land Rover LR4
It doesn't matter if you're traversing the urban sprawl to pick up the kids at school or fighting through the muddy back roads to get to your secluded cottage for the weekend; the 2013 Land Rover LR4 will do each (and more) with aplomb.
The LR4 really can do anything. There are few, if any, luxury SUVs I'd take through mid-car levels of water, but I've done it in the LR4. In the same vein, if I were to choose a vehicle to pull up to a party in, I'd choose the LR4, too. It's the ideal blend of class and crass.
There's no denying this is a massive vehicle (if I don't engage “load height” for entry and exit, it can be quite the sight to see), but it doesn't feel huge when you're behind the wheel. Of course, all-around cameras help in stickier parking-lot situations where size can be an issue, but otherwise, the 2013 Land Rover LR4 is a pleasure to drive.
It's not about speed or agility in this behemoth, but more about poise, grace and ability -- all of which it has in spades.
 |
| It doesn't matter if you're traversing the urban sprawl to pick up the kids at school or fighting through the muddy back roads to get to your secluded cottage for the weekend; the 2013 Land Rover LR4 will do each with aplomb. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Inside and Out of the 2013 Land Rover LR4
I'm a huge fan of the new Landie face. Designers did a great job updating the off-roader to modern standards, without losing its rugged heritage-inspired look. True, the '13 Landie is as boxy as ever, but I think that's just perfect. That's what a Land Rover is supposed to look like -- leave the fancy looks for the Ranges.
Decked out in white with black satin grille, Land Rover badging and 19” alloy wheels, my tester was quite the looker. I love the black-on-white look and think it adds a certain youthful look to the LR. This isn't an SUV that will appeal to the masses due to its purposeful exterior poise, but I love it.
Inside, the 2013 Land Rover LR4 received some key upgrades with soft-touch materials, mood lighting and unique rear seat combinations (35:30:35 available). Some might not realize it, but the LR4 is actually the “least luxurious” along with the LR2. The Range Rovers are the silver-spoon Landies in the family, while the LRs are there to do a job, and do it well. That's not the say the interior isn't comfy, because it so is.
Of course, Land Rover's onboard entertainment system is a constant source of contention for me. Fingers crossed they'll change it one day soon...
 |
| Inside, the 2013 Land Rover LR4 received some key upgrades with soft-touch materials, mood lighting and unique rear seat combinations. (Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
Comparing the 2013 Land Rover LR4
Sixty-five years of experience in the world of off-roading kinda makes you untouchable, however, the Land Rover LR4 isn't alone in its luxurious abilities. In fact, I'd say it has a formidable opponent in the Mercedes-Benz GL 350 BlueTEC simply because the Merc offers a diesel powerplant where the Land Rover doesn't.