Welcome!

All the things you mentioned, the 4.6/4.8 have...looks, power, comfort, ability.

Yes the 4.6 will be pre, and the 4.8 post, facelift. Exterior differences are mostly at the front end, with different bonnets and grilles, headlamps, and front bumpers/air dams.

Only difference in the rear are the tail lamps, and only on close scrutiny with a slightly different reflector pattern. Most people wont ever notice, they are pretty much identical from behind.

The biggest difference in the interior will be the steering wheel, and the sunroof. Pre-facelifts will have a standard size tilt slide and the post will probably have a big panoramic roof that can be troublesome.

Drivetrain differences are well described earlier.

Yes they will do everything you want but will be maintenance hogs compared to an LC80. It may very well end up competing with your track car for your wrench time.

But as mentioned, it gives you a unique driving experience closer to a sporting vehicle than an SUV. You just have to pay for it.

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04 X5 3.0i auto
03 X5 4.6is