Best New Luxury SUV

Civility, comfort, and quality are the promises of a luxury vehicle. Among the new high-dollar SUVs available this year, none delivers these attributes as capably as the new Land Rover LR3, which replaced the Discovery in the British automaker's lineup. Not surprisingly, the 2005 Land Rover LR3 wins our nod as the Autobytel Editors' Choice for Best New Luxury SUV.

Comfort has been a hallmark of the Discovery for years, but only after clambering aboard through small doors. The 2005 Land Rover LR3 is easier to access, and once inside the quality of the cabin is immediately palpable. Like its bigger brother, the Range Rover, the new Land Rover LR3 bathes occupants in luxury, from the soft leather upholstery and full complement of upscale features to the wood trim on the dash and the real metal accents throughout the interior.

Coupled with a sophisticated drivetrain and equal capability on both paved roads and overgrown trails alike, the 2005 Land Rover LR3 not only defines luxury but also the essence of a sport-utility vehicle, making it easy for our editors to call it the Best Luxury SUV for 2005.

- Christian J. Wardlaw