Land Rover Freelander L359
Land Rover Freelander 2 (L359) (2006-2014)
The Land Rover Freelander 2 was first unveiled at the British International Motor Show in 2006. It was given the model name L359, however was marketed as the Freelander 2 in Europe and LR2 in North America and the Middle East.
Land Rover’s fourth all new vehicle in the space of four years, it followed the release of the Range Rover in 2002, the Discovery 3 in 2004 and the Range Rover Sport in 2005.
Design & Exterior
The Freelander 2 was created using the Ford EUCD platform, Ford’s global midsize car automobile platform. A five-door monocoque structure, it was built for off-road driving with a fully independent suspension and modern stability control systems such as Roll Stability Control. Bigger than its predecessor, the boot storage space was increased by 38%, while the interior boasted more head, shoulder and leg room for both driver and passengers.
The exterior was very much created in Land Rover’s design language of the time. It was quite clearly influenced heavily by both the Range Rover and Discovery vehicles, while still retaining key points of difference as a fresh, dynamic re imagining of the Freelander. The Freelander 2 retained the clamshell bonnet, stepped roof and, by and large, much of the basic form. However, the shape was no doubt more ‘chiselled, geometric and simple’, as described by Land Rover design director, Geoff Upex.
Engines & Transmission
The new iteration of the Freelander 2 featured a transversely mounted 3.4 L engine from the Ford SI6 series or a 2.2 L DW12 common rail turbodiesel engine. Both were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring Land Rover’s CommandShift technology and driver-selectable sport mode. The diesel engine was also available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The original Freelander 2 featured a Haldex four-wheel drive system called ‘Third generation coupling’. However, from the 2009 model year the vehicles were fitted with a version of the active on demand coupling, Haldex’s fourth generation design.
Driving Technology & Off-Road Capability
The second-generation Freelander also boasted a slew of new safety features as standard (including 7 air bags), as well as a modified version of the Terrain Response off-road driving system seen in both the Discovery 3 and the Range Rover. The Terrain Response system featured a choice of terrain profiles (General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand) which work to adjst the car’s driving technologies including Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Traction Control and Hill Descent systems.
Other driving technologies within the Freelander 2 included an ‘intelligent’ 4×4 system which increased traction and fuel economy and Land Rover’s Gradient Release Control.
Interior & Entertainment
Inside, the Freelander 2 featured an Alpin 440-watt 14-speaker surround sound audio initially. Optional extras included the addition of a 7” touch navigation screen, 12-speader Dolby Pro Logic II audio system, parking assistance system, keyless entry and adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights.
Later model years came with an upgraded Meridian audio system boasting a 18-speaker system combined with Trifield technology. 5” display screens were also included as standard across all vehicle trims. Other optional additions included cold climate and lighting packages.
As well as this, the interior of the vehicle was more spacious and comfortable for passengers. It used Land Rover’s Stadium Seating layout and their hallmark command driving position.
Evolution Of The Freelander
Later model year vehicles of the Freelander 2 included the Freelander TD4_e in 2009. This vehicle was specifically designed to reduce carbon emissions. To that end, it featured stop-star technology which stops the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it again when the clutch is depressed.
Another eco-friendly feature built into the Freelander TD4_e was a heavy-duty starter motor which recovered energy through regenerative braking. This energy was then stored in capacitors and used to restart the engine.
The 2011 model year of the Freelander 2 was made available with the option of two-wheel drive. This was called the Freelander 2 eD4. The 2014 model year vehicle featured a new look interior and exterior, with notable changes including a newly designed grill and upgraded interior options.
Freelander 2 in the US
The Land Rover Discovery was marketed in the US and North America as the LR3, and the Freelander followed suit as the LR2 upon its release in the States in 2007. Subsequent model years and trims were known as the LR2 HSE and LR2 HST, which was a limited run vehicle.
In the US, the Freelander 2 debuted with a Ford 3.2 L inline six-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
