The LR3's air suspension allows adjustable ride height and is cross-linked for improved off-road performance. The Active Roll Mitigation system did an admirable job of providing a comfortable ride with minimal body roll in corners, especially considering the LR3's height and high center of gravity. Damping was good, with none of the float found in some long-travel SUV suspensions. In keeping with the LR3's capabilities and nature, its steering, throttle, and brake efforts are higher than in a luxury car. And while it's almost as quiet as a luxury car, this is definitely a capable off-road vehicle.
Being British and being part of the Ford Premier Automotive Group, what better replacement could Land Rover find for the Discovery's aged Rover aluminum pushrod V-8 (which sprang to life 45 years ago in Buicks and Oldsmobiles) than a derivative of the Jaguar AJ-V8? With aluminum-alloy construction, dual overhead cams, 32 valves, variable intake-cam timing, and 4.4 liters of displacement, it produces 300 horsepower at 5,500rpm and 315 pound-feet of torque at 4,000rpm.
The LR3 matches its engine with a six-speed ZF HP26 electronically controlled automatic transmission that features both adaptive shift logic and a CommandShift manual-shift mode. Acceleration is surprisingly brisk, going from 0 to 60mph in around 8.5 seconds--especially impressive considering the LR3's bricklike aerodynamics and 5,700 pounds of weight. Unsurprisingly, the average fuel consumption was 14mpg in mixed driving according to the trip computer. EPA estimates for the 2005 Land Rover LR3 are 14mpg city and 18mpg highway.
The Terrain Response system, Land Rover's most-advanced 4x4 system to date, also makes its debut in the 2005 LR3. It features five different modes, all of which take advantage of electronic connections between the LR3's engine, transmission, suspension, braking, traction control, and off-road assistance systems for optimum traction and control in varying conditions. For everyday driving we left the selector knob on the console in the general driving position. There are also selections for slippery surfaces such as grass; gravel; snow; and off-road selections for mud and ruts, sand, and rock crawling.
The 2005 Land Rover LR3 HSE's Integrated Body-Frame features front and rear crumple zones and a strong safety cage around the passenger cabin. Seat-mounted thorax air bags for the front passengers and side-curtain air bags for all outside positions supplement dual-stage front air bags, providing a total of eight air bags in seven-passenger models and six bags in five-seaters.The LR3 is heavy and subject to the laws of physics, but large, powerful four-wheel vented disc brakes with a four-channel all-terrain antilock system, electronic brake-force distribution, and emergency brake assist provide impressive stopping capability. The Dynamic Stability Control system adds further assistance and works both on and off the pavement. A full-size spare tire is stowed under the rear of the vehicle, high enough to have no negative impact on ground clearance.
Warranty protection covers four years or 50,000 miles. That includes 24-hour roadside assistance and emergency towing to the nearest Land Rover dealer. Land Rover offers its Concierge Service for the first four years of ownership.
Where to buy
2005 Land Rover LR3 HSE:
$49,995.00
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Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com
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