Skip to main content

2015 Land Rover LR4 brings civilization to the wilderness with new smartphone connectivity feature

General Douglas MacArthur famously said that, “old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”

The Land Rover LR4 received a significant refresh last year, but it gets a few updates for the 2015 model year to keep it from fading away for a little while, until the all-new Land Rover Discovery arrives to replace it.

The biggest change is the addition of the Land Rover InControl Apps connectivity feature, which is designed to easily integrate with a driver’s (iOS or Android) smartphone. It includes apps for navigation, media streaming, Internet radio, and location services, all adapted for in-car use. Users can also access their phones’ calendars and contacts through the LR4’s infotainment system.

Available apps include: iHeartRadio for Auto, Stitcher, Gympse, Sygic, Parkopedia, Hotelseeker, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, News on Board, and MobileDay.

Other than that, the 2015 LR4 is relatively unchanged. Exterior updates include four new paint colors and a new 20-inch alloy wheel design. The rest of the relentlessly-angular design is the same as previous LR4s, which in turn were facelifted versions of old LR3.

The sole engine option is a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, which produces 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The two four-wheel drive system introduced for 2014 carry over. That means buyers can choose from a standard system with a single-speed transfer case, or a Heavy Duty Package with two-speed case and active locking differential. As always, Land Rover’s Terrain Response system works to keep the LR4 shiny-side up.

The LR4 is biding its time until a replacement arrives. This new model will revive the Discovery name, and will be influenced by the Discovery Vision concept from the 2014 New York Auto Show. It will also spawn a new “family” of Discovery models that mirrors, Land Rover’s Range Rover family.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more
Cybertruck production reportedly halted over pedal issue
Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

Tesla’s Cybertruck has been hit by a production delay caused by an issue with a part of the vehicle, a number of media reports have claimed.

Read more