We've known it over the years as the Discovery, Discovery II, LR3 and now, LR4. What hasn't changed is its distinctive stepped roofline, impressive cargo capacity and 7-passenger seating, for the ultimate in utilitarian chic coupled with Gobi-gobbling off-road capability.

Like its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport siblings, the sheet metal stays the same, but the LR4 gets its own set of LED-rimmed overlapping-circle headlights, thematically consistent LED taillights, 19-in. wheels, a new smoother front fascia and a two-bar perforated grille. This last item both visually lowers the car and feeds more cooling air to a significantly more powerful direct-injected 5.0-liter engine, based on Jaguar's AJ-V8 family, that replaces last year's BMW-sourced unit.

The LR-V8 makes 375 bhp (a 25-percent increase) with variable timing on all four camshafts, variable valve lift on the intake side and a 2-stage intake plenum, good for a 0–60 sprint of 7.5 seconds. It's coupled to an all-new ZF 6-speed adaptive automatic, feeding power to all four wheels through an electronic 2-speed transfer case. For fording streams and the like, the engine's belt drives are waterproofed, along with the alternator, starter motor, a/c compressor and power steering pump. And a deep oil sump prevents oil starvation, at up to 45 degrees pitch and 35 degrees roll.

The interior has been completely redone, retaining the same basic architecture but with a more premium feel that includes a significant reduction in the number of buttons and controls. The center stack is tilted slightly toward the driver, the Terrain Response selector is now ahead of the shifter, and the steering wheel and its button layout are new. Lower seat cushions have been extended for better thigh support, and LEDs provide subtle ambient lighting at various places throughout the interior.

And yes, that funky asymmetric tailgate continues...odd, but it does give the LR4 some additional character.