Just purchased a 2014 HSE Lux with heavy duty package this weekend (Havana, Arabica/Almond interior). The dealer received 6 LR4's this week with the next batch being 2015's sometime likely late October. Not caring for some of the additions and changes mentioned, and being able to deal now, the 2014 made sense. Very strong trade on my 2012 Lux with 40k miles.
I was given a 2014 Lux demo Thursday with 4 miles on the odometer while my 2012 was having small warranty items being repaired. I requested a 2014 to compare the V6-V8. At first, I didn't like it, but after two days seeing the differences with the new gearing, sport mode and also manual shift, I definitely prefer the V6. Living at 8,000 feet, the V8 is more than ample, but the SC V6 in sport mode is quicker off the line by quite a bit. Plenty of torque passing at 65+ (still not as great tho as my X5d with 425lbs of torque, but...).
I'm not quite sure what changes were made from 2012-13, but moving up to this 14, I am really impressed. The car seems more solid, improvements to the leather interior, liking the move to paddle shifting (I don't shift off road, so no worry about being on the wheel as opposed to steering column) and the smoothness and stability on road is fantastic. I also like the new front bumper/grill/fogs/HID's/LED's.
Still a few gripes:
- can't stand touch screen, missing out android compatibility (likely back to iPhone anyway)
- placement of heated wheel is poor now with paddle shifters
- improved shutting, yet lacking power tailgate
- no option for ventilated seats (minor gripe, but 65k rig should have)
- same odd design for rear doors collecting all sorts of mud/road grime, especially off road
- lost one cubby with new shifter dial
Still have the lux loaner for a few days. Anxious to pick mine up Tuesday morning once prepped. Wasn't psyched about the $1800 price, but really impressed with the Havana color just trading black.