BY JEFF TAYLOR SearchChicago – Autos Correspondent
For the 2010 model year, the Land Rover line receives a number of important performance, technology and interior upgrades.
Land Rover presented the media with an overview of the changes and upgrades to the 2010 models and then let us loose in the countryside of Vermont on road and off. The changes were needed enhancements done across the board to improve the vehicles’ level of luxury, performance and convenience.
For the 2010 model year the LR3 turns into the LR4; the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport keep their names but get subtle exterior changes. All the Land Rover and Range Rover exteriors have been upgraded with smoother, less busy noses with new LED headlamps, new grilles and bumpers receiving the most attention. Rolling stock has been upgraded to 19-inch status with optional 20-inch tires available on the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.
While Land Rover was pretty pleased with the new exterior changes it spent most of the presentation discussing the revised interiors. Finally the Land Rover and Range Rover interiors back up the primo exterior and high level of technology. Land Rover realized that less is more with a reduction in the number of buttons and dials and ditched the complicated infotainment system, replacing it with easier-touse touch-screen units.
The dash design and gauge cluster in all models also have been revised; they are much more contemporary. I was impressed with the upgrade in the materials, surfaces and attention to detail. The aluminum trim is actually aluminum instead of painted plastic and all the interior panels now have a soft feel to them.
Seats also receive an upgrade in the first and second rows.
Buyers will like the new ambient lighting system consisting of white LEDs focused on the door handles and the center console area when exterior lights are activated. The steering wheels also have been revised with better controls.
In the Range Rover the traditional gauges have been replaced by a 12-inch thin film transistor (TFT) screen, which presents all essential driver information via virtual dials and graphic displays; it looks like something you would see on your laptop.
The LR4 gets a smaller 5.0-inch TFT display nestled between the speedometer and tachometer to keep tabs on what the vehicle is doing. Another cool high-tech addition includes an optional 360-degree camera system consisting of five separate digital cameras that monitor the sides and the ground all around the LR4. This setup came in handy when I was off-roading because it allowed me to see how close I was to trees, rocks and obstacles.
For the 2010 all Land Rovers get a power infusion via a new direct-injection 5.0-liter V-8. Horsepower climbs by 75 to reach a healthy 375 and torque is a mirror at 375 pound-feet; this upgrade really helps to move the mass smartly.
On supercharged versions the 5.0-liter block gets “puffed” with a sixth-generation Eaton twin-vortex supercharger that pumps up horsepower to 510 and produces 461 pound-feet of torque.
Backing these V-8 engines are silkysmooth ZF six-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive. Fuel economy has improved slightly for 2010 and ranges from 12/13 city to 17/18 highway on the different vehicle and engines.
What you can’t see is how tough the LR4 and Range Rover are off-road. For that Land Rover let us loose in the woods and threw in some water hazards to verify their prowess. The Range Rover Sport can go off-roading but it would take a beating.
Land Rover long ago established its reputation as a capable off-roader then added luxuries and technology to the mix.
For 2010 these vehicles receive some big improvements, including a change to Land Rover’s terrain response system. It now includes a launch control program for starting the SUV in sand or dirt.
Hill descent control has been revised to keep the vehicle in a slower decent down steep hills. Gradient release control is another new feature that prevents the vehicle from attaining speed too fast when you take your foot off the brake. I tried out these enhancements on some very steep hills and they improve off-roading safety and comfort level.
While these vehicles can handle extreme off-road conditions, the 2010 Land Rovers are pleasant to drive on the road. They received braking, steering and suspension enhancements. These upgrades allow you to drive the LR4, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport with more confidence and control.
Surprisingly the 2010 Land Rovers have a value story to tell: The upgraded interior and technology enhancements have been added without a large increase in base pricing. The LR4 starts at $48,100 but there are plenty of add-on packages and options, including a $9,565 HSE LUX package. The Range Rover Sport HSE starts at $60,495 and the supercharged (S/C) version checks in at $74,195. The Range Rover HSE starts at $79,275, the supercharged (S/C) at $95,125 and there are plenty of optional packages to enhance the ride.
