LR4 is still on top
Read these threads with interest. I have been a Land Rover owner since 2004, and between my wife and I we've owned every model with the exception of the full sized Range Rover. I just purchased a 2014 LR4 two weeks ago after being out of the model for several years. I had moved to the Range Rover Sport, my wife drives an Evoque. The RRS was a great vehicle but I found that it had some limitations - off road performance was a bit lacking (specifically, ground clearance and approach clearance) and interior room was not adequate (I too like to carry my mountain bike inside, or large Pelican cases from time to time). I did some market research and actually looked outside the Land Rover lineup at Toyota, BMW, Lexus, and even GM/Chevy. I wanted to look objectively for the best full sized SUV. In the end, I was right back to Land Rover and the LR4 for all the reasons I fell in love with the brand so many years ago.
I ended up purchasing a black HSE Lux with the Almond/Arabica interior. I did not opt for the Vision Assist Package. There simply isn't a better serious 4WD SUV on the market than the LR4. After 2 weeks back in one, I am more convinced of that than ever, and love the vehicle. The updates for the 2014 are well engineered and really enhance the vehicle without detracting from the overall strong utility feeling of the vehicle. The LR4 is the only vehicle that seems to be able to successfully stradle the line between a true 4WD utility vehicle and a luxury vehicle. Every other similar vehicle is either more one or the other. The LR4 is the perfect blend. The interior room is incredible, with a very flexible configuration design that gives multiple seat/flat combinations depending on what you need/want to do. And yet, when sitting side by side with just about any other full-sized SUV on the road, the LR4 is actually on the smaller size (exterior dimensions). I won't rehash all of the vehicles' features as there is plenty of print on them. Rather, my overall impression is one of quality, comfort, and utility. Like no other vehicle I have ever driven, the LR4 simply feels and behaves like it can and will do anything I ask of it, from carrying a small sofa to looking great for a black tie event to rock crawling up a horrendous trail. More - it inspires confidence - I know that it will do whatever I ask of it - and will keep me safe and comfortable while I'm doing it. Even to the point of sleeping in the vehicle, which I do from time to time - plenty of room to stretch out while still packing it full of gear to support and outdoor adventure.
Perhaps the thing about the LR4 that makes me "love" it vs. just like it a lot is that unlike most of the vehicles I looked at, the LR4 has a distinct character and personality. I had a Discovery 2 which I also loved, and which served me well for many years. I haven't found another that I have loved (including the LR3) until now. The 2014 LR4 recaptures the Land Rover experience that drew me to the brand. From its unique exterior (which pretty much says "I don't care about aerodynamics, I'm here to get the job done") to an incredibly comfortable and roomy interor, it all just works together. I look forward to every drive in the darned thing, and have already bonded to this great machine. Maybe that's what keeps me coming back to Land Rover.
I have been troubled to hear of production slow down in favor of the Range Rover models, and even rumors of discontinuing the LR line. That would be a real tragedy, in my opinion. While the Range Rover line is very nice, it's being geared and styled more and more for the urban crowd. That's OK - I know that's where a lot of the demand is for. BUT, there is still a need for the unparalleled utility of the LR/Discovery line. I hope that Land Rover stays true to its roots and maintains the LR/Discovery line - without it the Land Rover lineup becomes just another crossover/metro series of urban soccer-Mom vehicles and loses its links with a fine heritage. By all accounts, the LR4 is the best 4WD on the market today, and I'd have to agree with those accounts! For those of you on the forum considering whether or not to jump into an LR4, I would say, don't hesitate - you might not have the chance in the next few years, and it's well worth the money, you'll love this vehicle.
Lastly, concur on the ebony interior - too much lacquer and it's IMPOSSIBLE to maintain. Not practical. Looks great on the showroom but I'd hate to have it as a daily driver and off road working interior.
