2005-2008 Land Rover LR3: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Land Rover redesigned its best-selling model for 2005, giving it a new name, new styling, and more power. The LR3 replaced the 1994-2004 Discovery and was nearly 14 inches longer in wheelbase, 5.7 inches longer overall, and some 850 lb heavier. Cargo volume increased by 27 cu ft, but passenger space was little-changed. LR3 retained Discovery's raised rear roof section, but the spare tire mounted inside instead of out, and a glass liftgate with drop-down tailgate replaced a swing-out cargo door. It had seating for five, or for seven with an optional 3rd row. Front side and curtain side airbags were standard. The curtain airbags covered all seating rows. LR3 launched with a 300-hp V8 (Discovery had a 217-hp V8). Released midyear was a base V6 version with 216 hp. Both had a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate. All-wheel drive with low-range gearing was standard and included a locking center differential for severe off-road conditions. A locking rear differential was available. Also standard were antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction/antiskid control, and hill descent control. New was Land Rover's Active Roll Mitigation designed to detect an impending tip and activate the antiskid system to reduce the chances of a roll. The V6 LR3 was offered only as the base model. V8 models were the SE and HSE. HSE had 19-inch wheels vs. base and SE's 18s, plus additional equipment and unique trim. LR3 replaced the Discovery's solid axles and metal springs with an independent air-spring suspension with four available ride heights and automatic load leveling. LR3 also introduced Land Rover's Terrain Response system as standard; twisting a dial changed suspension and powertrain electronic calibrations to accommodate normal driving, slippery pavement, mud, sand, and low-speed off-roading.