Hi,
New member here, looking for advice. I'm thinking about trading in my Q7 for something that I can take on the beach this summer, but, I'm not sure if the L4 would get me what I need. Is the new (post 2012) transmission (coupled with the V6) really capable of true, deep sand off road? Goal is to make the treck to a day spot way out across many miles of deep Massachusettes sand. A few years ago we watched a Volvo XC90 tyring to make the trip and completely burning out its transmission - the vision still haunts me...
So, is the L4 really different from the Q7? Is there a locking differential, or is it all torsional, like the Audis? I know they all (?) have the offroad select that includes a sand mode, but does that really mean what it says, and it can handle it all?

I've been looking through posts, and haven't found anything on topic - forgive me if I missed something already posted on point.

 

The LR4 is a Contender Offroad. The Driveline is robust and it does very well off the beaten path. Remember tire selection is key it allows all the systems to operate at peak efficiency. If you know sand is in order don't handicap the truck with crummy all season radials.

 

Thanks. I just sent paperwork to purchase a totally (completely) loaded 2015 LR4 with 27,000 miles. I'm probably over paying a bit, but this truck has literally everything. Shipping to me on Thursday. Now, I have to figure out wheels and tires. It's coming with stock 20 inch, so I want to go down to 19 (or even 18) and put something on that will work in sand or snow, if there is such tire. New to the offroad world...

 

Try compmotive wheels for the LR4, check with them or a distributor they should fit even on later model LR4 brakes.

Very good 18" wheels if not expensive.

 

Thank. She arrived early, last Saturday. I'm hooked. Probably overkill for my three weeks at the beach each summer, but I will probably go with the Compos. Now, I need to pick a tire that will fit and is good both in sand and on snow... May the advice come pouring in.