Ch-Ch-Changes: 2008 Land Rover LR2 HSE

Land Rover is adding an extra trim level to the LR2 lineup. The entry-level Land Rover was introduced in April as a 2008 model and was a great improvement over the Freelander it replaced. The LR2 hasn’t set the world on fire in the sales department yet; the much more expensive Range Rover and Range Rover Sport outsold the newcomer in July.

To add variety — and hopefully augment sales — Land Rover has come up with the Land Rover HSE trim level. This is a step up from the base SE and features body-colored molding instead of the gray plastic of the SE, 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and titanium-colored door handles. The appearance package adds a sportier look, but the HSE won’t go any faster than the SE since it boasts the same 230-hp engine.

The LR2 HSE will arrive at dealerships in November. 

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Comments

[Jay]

First of all, I don't think Land Rover needs this product because they are viewed in the market as an "upscale niche" brand and buyers don't see this as a true Land Rover (kinda like a fake Gucci bag). Potential buyers see it as "too down-market". The benchmark X3 sells better because BMW caters to a wide range of luxury buyers. Plus the X3, is just a better vehicle overall than the LR2. What they should have done is not price the LR3 out of the mid $30K range. I think a lot buyers have always considered this the entry level model into the brand despite the Freelander. Land Rover/Jaguar (once they're sold) need to follow Porsche's lead on how to become more profitable without a wider range of vehicles.

[Tom L]

I think the main problem is that its engine is viewed as underpowered. Its actually a wonderful car and I have already seen a few around town. But it would benefit from a more powerful engine. I would say a 300hp V8. And it better be only a liter or so bigger than this 6 cylinder. And anyone else peeved that this engine is borrowed from Volvo? The current one that is?

FORD! DEVELOP. NEW. ENGINES. In the time its taken me to write this Audi just developed a new one. BMW is studying a concept model. Even General Motors builds engines quicker than you, and they still are using pushrods!

[Jack]

I'm going to run out and buy one just for the titanium-colored door handles! The bean counters are putting together incentive packages as I type. This vehicle is nothing but a dog.

They Should have had an HSE trim to begin with... seems like Ford is more up the creek than any brand it owns

[bowrider]

Why is it that people loathe over a compact SUV with a 230 hp V-6? Why would such a vehicle need 300 horses?

This vehicle isn't value-priced and maybe I've missed it, but I haven't seen any advertising related to the LR2.

[MikeW]

Not a V6, an inline6.
The turbo 3.0 version of this inline6 would be more than sufficient (especially if you drive at altitude)