What Does Land Rover's LR4 Replacement NEED To SUCCEED Against The BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7, etc.?

If you were to closely examine Land Rover's product portfolio, you'd notice that there's a wee bit of a gap between the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Well, not really.

There is the LR4.

And while Land Rover has been keen on keeping the LR4 "updated," it hasn't been exactly on the tip of every buyer's tongue when they go shopping for an all-new sport-utility vehicle. Thankfully, the company is doing the right thing by fully replacing the LR4 with an all-new Discovery.

Though the company is currently undergoing testing with the all-new generation product, we were curious: What does this next-generation Land Rover NEED to square up with the likes of the hottest competition available right now (e.g., the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7)?

Let us know in the comment below!

The new Discovery will feature a lower, sleeker design inspired by last year’s Discovery Vision concept and a plusher, more upmarket cabin that will be no less practical or versatile than that of the current model.

The new model will also be significantly lighter than the current car and come packed with new technology when it goes on sale late next year.

The new seven-seat model will crown a family of “a minimum of three” Discovery models, Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern revealed at the recent Los Angeles motor show...

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skytop - 12/30/2015 6:42:02 AM

+1 Boost

It can't defeat BMW. Can a feather defeat a hammer?

jeffgall - 12/30/2015 8:35:54 AM

+1 Boost

Currently have a Q7 that I would like to replace in the next year or two. With a family of 5, the GLE and X5 are out of the question. Just not enough cargo/3rd row room in the back. Also not interested in going into the full size Suburban/Tahoe category. With that said. It leaves me limited to the new Q7, new Disco, and the MDX (which I am not a fan of). Would also consider the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, but I believe it is a ways out.

With that said, the new Disco will need to build on the Range Rover's successful styling, have a high quality interior that is functional for the family, and have much better fuel economy than the out going LR4. Will not be the class sales leader, but if done right, will gain some market share. I for one am highly anticipating its arrival for consideration.

Agent00R - 12/30/2015 9:09:31 AM

+1 Boost

Big family!

Good luck in your search for a new ride. Let us know how it goes!

Excellent points throughout this comment as well!

jeffgall - 12/30/2015 9:44:54 AM

-1 Boost

I did forget to mention the XC90, but the 4 cylinder engine and ownership by the Chinese is a turn off for me.

To a degree, I am surprised that this need isn't more addressed by the luxury manufactures, but I guess for many with a young family, they are more in the market for vehicles in the mainstream brands - Explorer, Acadia, Pilot, Durango, and all minivans. I do like the size of the GL/GLS, but it is above my price range.

MDarringer - 12/30/2015 10:37:14 AM

0 Boost

@jeffgall We are a family of 6 with 4 small boys and we got a Ford Flex, but with car seats in place, there really isn't much space. The Mrs. wants an Escalade and we will probably wind up with one. The problem is that the Escalade sells so well that getting an internal deal just isn't in the cards.

And no, a Suburban or a Yukon Gigantor will not do. She wants the Escalade.

W208 - 12/30/2015 1:35:49 PM

0 Boost

@MDarringer.....I'd have to side with the missus in this case. The new Escalade is one sinister looking SUV in comparison to its brethren.

mre30 - 12/30/2015 9:43:48 AM

+1 Boost

It's tricky to not create a cannibalization situation in LR/RR lineup. One the one hand, RR is sorely lacking a 7/8 seat Escalade/GLS competitor.

On the other hand, such a vehicle would certainly cannibalize the Range Rover. On the other hand, they need a true 7-seater (no the RR Sport doesn't count). Sure the LWB Range Rover is nice, but perhaps they should make a 7 seat version?

Maybe the LR4/Discovery is more a people-carrier than an SUV? Very complicated - RR/LR seems to be stuck with a muddle of overlapping vehicles and price points.

MDarringer - 12/30/2015 10:33:47 AM

-1 Boost

1. Far better quality control as it related to durability / reliability.

2. This needs to be advantageously priced (middle to high end Explorer territory) to be a volume product.

3. A "Hyundai" warranty.

The Land Rover Range Rover Land Rover Discovery will not appreciably change LR's slow sales.

Olivy - 12/30/2015 12:26:18 PM

+2 Boost

Wife and I were very close to buying an LR4 with our 4th child born in September 2015. We decided on a 2015 lincoln navigator "long" 4x4 back in May 2015 because of:
1. Adult sized third row
2. Very usable cargo space
3. Comfort
The LR4 was definitely my favorite if I didn't need the space so much. What sold me?
1. The charming third row sun roof and visibility.
2. Third row could comfortable fit two adults. The latest concept looks like another 3rd row for children. This trend is horrible in my opinion because a 3rd row should fit your kids as they grow into adults, not until they are 14. This is why we ruled out the MDX and XC90. The closest unibody SUV we considered with good third row space was the Mercedes GL and Dodge Durango.
3. Capability. Locking diffs, ground clearance, truck frame for durability, off road capabilities. This is the essence of the discovery and with the defender no longer in the US, land rover doesn't have a truck like off roader when the LR4 leaves us. The new Disco should keep the classic tiered 3rd row with extra glass and visibility, boxy useful shape, and strong ruggedness. Make it out of aluminum. Make it more efficient. PLEASE land rover do not make another tarted up car chassis with "mild" off road capability. If you want that you buy a range rover.

Olivy - 12/30/2015 12:39:01 PM

+1 Boost

I agree with MDarringer, quality control needs to be improved. A toyota-like approach to long term durability would greatly improve the brands reliability scores. Some LR4s are spotless for 100 to 200,000 miles. Some are rolling disasters. Does it depend on whether the workers are building the car before or after lunch? Are these "Friday" cars? Is component quality assurance lacking? Is engineering specification lacking? Land rover should stop ignoring the long-term stigma associated with their brand. Make a public and concerted effort to address reliability and durability with this new disco. Start an internal program with a 20 step mission list. Successfully improve these points and then advertise the heck out of it when the improved vehicle is launched. consumers will say "you know i was always afraid of british cars but now that they have addressed this stigma, I'll give them a try".
my 2 cents.