My colleague is looking at the LR4 and is trying to decide if it's worth spending the premium to buy the newest version.

Can anyone lend a high-level overview of the major differences between these models? Is there anything mechanically significant?

 

Hi - not sure where you're based - some variations by country of course.

Broadly (and others may disagree) I'd say the differences are minimal. The difference between a 2010 and a 2015 is much more driven by the fact that one is a brand new, expensive vehicle, the other is 5 years old, out of warranty, driven etc. So maintenance, servicing, warranty etc is very different - as is depreciation of course. I'd suggest that was by far the biggest driver of the difference between those two years.

That said, there are of course some pretty material differences. 2010 has the 5.0L V8 engine, the newer models have a supercharged V6. Pretty similar power output (the V6 has about 50hp less) - but the newer one is of course (a little) more fuel efficient as a result. Think the newer ones have the 8sp transmission vs. the 6speed but not sure about that. They feel pretty similar - personally I like the sound and feel of a V8 but not sure there is a lot in it. Of course you may be in a region where the diesels are popular?

Nav system and audio was newer after about 2013 and is a bit faster and easier to use (although not a lot...) A relatively small facelift although not that noticable for the exterior too.

But all that said, I would suggest they are very similar vehicles. So decision is really a $30k 5-year old vehicle vs. a $55k new one - think that drives the choice in my mind

Good luck - I have a 2010 and think it's a terrific vehicle so am sure your friend will love it

 

Many many thanks for the thoughtful reply

 

I actually prefer the shift handle over the button on the older personally.

 

one month later... yeah I know.

FYI shoot me a pm, I've got PDF's of major model year differences in the 4's