Land Rover updates Discovery large SUV range

LAND Rover has continued its run of model updates with the announcement of a mid-life facelift for its Discovery seven-seat large SUV that introduces new Ingenium mild-hybrid engines, minor styling changes and an upgrade in tech and equipment.

Available to order now, the new range checks in at $99,900 plus on-road costs for the entry-level S D300, which marks a significant $27,044 increase over the outgoing range, however Land Rover claims buyers are compensated with $30,000 worth of extra value along with more powerful six-cylinder engines.

The nine-variant range tops out at $118,600 for the R-Dynamic HSE P360, which is actually cheaper than the previous 3.0 V6 HSE Luxury flagship, which asked $126,034.

Fans will be able to distinguish the new Discovery by a number of small design changes, starting with new LED headlights that feature a daytime running light signature set lower into the headlight cluster.

The revised front bumper features new side vents and a wider body-coloured graphic, while at the rear new LED tail-lights and a gloss black panel are new additions.

Moving inside the vehicle, the new Discovery is treated to a redesigned centre console housing the latest version of Jaguar Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system, projected onto an 11.4-inch HD touchscreen display.

The Pivi Pro system features dual-sim technology, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, two LTE modems and over-the-air software updates, and pairs with the standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster featuring 3D mapping and various customisation possibilities.

A colour head-up display can be optioned, while a new four-spoke steering wheel and rear-seat tablet holders have been included.

With the third-row seats stowed, the Discovery features up to 2485 litres of luggage volume, and 258L when all seven seats are in place which can be operated via the touchscreen by the Intelligent Seat Fold feature.

Second-row seats have been redesigned for greater comfort, with better lateral support and longer and thicker cushions, while the second-row air vents have been relocated to provide better air flow.

Arguably the biggest change to the new Discovery has been the introduction of a pair of inline six-cylinder Ingenium engines, replacing the 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines from the outgoing range.

D300 diesel versions will be powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-pot developing 221kW and 650Nm from 1500-2500Nm, down slightly on the 225kW/700Nm from the outgoing V6.

Meanwhile, petrol power has been reintroduced in the form of the P360, a 3.0-litre turbo inline six good for 265kW/500Nm from a wide 1750-5000rpm.

Both are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and feature 48V mild-hybrid technology to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system is standard, as is the Terrain Response 2 off-road system that has been bolstered with the addition of Wade mode.

Off-roading is also made easier with the new ClearSight Ground View feature, which provides drivers with a view of the ground in front of the bonnet using forward-facing cameras, which can help identify pesky hidden obstacles.

Three trim levels will be available on the range – S, SE and HSE – while the diesel can be had with either the basing or R-Dynamic bodykit. Petrol grades are R-Dynamic only.

Ride comfort is ensured with standard air suspension and adaptive damping technology capable of reading the road ahead.

To the end of October, Land Rover has sold 676 examples of the Discovery, down 34.8 per cent over the same period in 2019.

2020 Land Rover Discovery pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs