Anyone check out the LR4 HSE Luxury LE?

[Finlayforprez]

Personally, I would love to see a real off-road expedition package that is utilitarian and iconic to Land Rover. I like the Arabica leather in the Limited Edition, but don't care for the bling and chrome. Don't get me wrong I like the comfort and luxury that the LR4 offers, but I would like to see a focus on the Discovery's heritage and classic rugged design. Lastly, give us a darn 18" wheel option (at the least). Heck I would give up leather, navigation, and most luxury items for things like standard underbody protection, spare tire carrier, heavy duty bumpers with winch, roof rack, driving lights, etc. Then again I am a little crazy.

-David

 

[sirgrotius]

I don't think you're crazy; that'd be a nice balance. One super luxe, limited edition, and then one more utilitarian, heritage-type vehicle.

I probably should be embarrassed to admit it, but I've never been off-roading, but I like the idea behind it and mostly picked up the LR4 for the third-row seats, the concept, the fun, and the drivability in snow.

It may be like buying a really nice suit, once you get one, you start wearing a suit more. Maybe I'll start going off-roading? One concern I have, however, is that I bought mine EOY 2012, partly for tax reasons had to get it by Dec 31 2012, and there were no more available in my basic specs (black or white with lux package) AND the heavy-duty package. Could I go true off roading (thinking about a class) without the HDP?

 

[mbw]

I don't think you're crazy; that'd be a nice balance. One super luxe, limited edition, and then one more utilitarian, heritage-type vehicle.

I probably should be embarrassed to admit it, but I've never been off-roading, but I like the idea behind it and mostly picked up the LR4 for the third-row seats, the concept, the fun, and the drivability in snow.

It may be like buying a really nice suit, once you get one, you start wearing a suit more. Maybe I'll start going off-roading? One concern I have, however, is that I bought mine EOY 2012, partly for tax reasons had to get it by Dec 31 2012, and there were no more available in my basic specs (black or white with lux package) AND the heavy-duty package. Could I go true off roading (thinking about a class) without the HDP?

You can easily go off road without the locking rear diff. You just will have to use the traction control a bit more. The center locking diff is able to evenly distribute power between front and rear, but if you loose grip in the front or rear then all the power for that side goes to the wheel that doesn't have as much grip. The TC will kick in and apply brakes to the wheel that is spinning to move power to the other wheel, and move you along.

The locking rear diff enables both rear wheels to move together at the same speed without using traction control. So you will be guaranteed to have the rear wheels moving and the front wheels using traction control to get at least one more tire in the game.

Most LR4's do not have the heavy duty package. I think most buyers are interested in the bling and wont have a clue about all the hardware. I think LR has done a pretty good job of maintaining these vehicles off road abilities, even as their true target demographic is not as interested (directly anyway, they definitely like the idea of it and the pedigree)

I think it is odd to not have a full size spare on all models, but a lot of things shock me about the price point and the options, like the non-xenon headlights.. ***.

Anyway, if you are ordering an LR4, go ahead and add Heavy Duty pack, because it is well worth it and will make the LR4 even more capable.

As Clarkson said in his review of the LR3: "Of course you might be thinking, why on earth are you doing this. I am never going to drive my car over a scottish mountain. Thing is though, this watch, goes to 1000 feet, and i'm never going to take it down, im never going to 1000 feet, but, it's nice to know its ok if I drop it in the sink"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QunqcDxP3Mw

 

[Finlayforprez]

You can easily go off road without the locking rear diff. You just will have to use the traction control a bit more. The center locking diff is able to evenly distribute power between front and rear, but if you loose grip in the front or rear then all the power for that side goes to the wheel that doesn't have as much grip. The TC will kick in and apply brakes to the wheel that is spinning to move power to the other wheel, and move you along.

The locking rear diff enables both rear wheels to move together at the same speed without using traction control. So you will be guaranteed to have the rear wheels moving and the front wheels using traction control to get at least one more tire in the game.

Most LR4's do not have the heavy duty package. I think most buyers are interested in the bling and wont have a clue about all the hardware. I think LR has done a pretty good job of maintaining these vehicles off road abilities, even as their true target demographic is not as interested (directly anyway, they definitely like the idea of it and the pedigree)

I think it is odd to not have a full size spare on all models, but a lot of things shock me about the price point and the options, like the non-xenon headlights.. ***.

Anyway, if you are ordering an LR4, go ahead and add Heavy Duty pack, because it is well worth it and will make the LR4 even more capable.

As Clarkson said in his review of the LR3: "Of course you might be thinking, why on earth are you doing this. I am never going to drive my car over a scottish mountain. Thing is though, this watch, goes to 1000 feet, and i'm never going to take it down, im never going to 1000 feet, but, it's nice to know its ok if I drop it in the sink"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QunqcDxP3Mw

I concur with mbw - very well said!

The locking rear differential is a great option, especially if you are planning to do some more advanced off roading. I do not have the locking rear diff. and I have never had a problem - albeit I only do moderate trails. I know other guys with LR4s who do crazy off roading and a few of them do not have the locking rear diff. Even if you had the HD package with the crappy stock street tires, you might still have issues. Upgrading the tires can make a huge difference. Even without the locking rear diff. these vehicles can go through anything!

As for the full-sized spare, it would be nice if they all came with that option. When I upgraded to the Coopers, I actually bought five tires and an extra rim and now have a full-sized spare - though it can be a little annoying off roading because it decreases ground clearance. I would love a spare-tire carrier for the back (the swing away kind), but don't want to get it yet.

I LOVE that video on Top Gear - I wish they would do an episode with the LR4!!!!!!!!