As ever, the Land Rover Discovery is the most practical and capable large SUV you could choose. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

There's nothing quite like a Land Rover Discovery and the current version of this fifth generation model continues to offer the toughest, the most practical and the most capable choice in the large SUV sector. Enhancements made over recent years include a smarter look, the adoption of MHEV mild hybrid engine technology and a much higher standard of media connectivity from the revised cabin. Yet the Discovery remains a supremely practical choice for up to seven adults and is an easy class-leader off the beaten track. In the large family SUV segment, it's still almost unique.

Background

Without the Discovery model line, it's doubtful whether the Land Rover brand would even exist today. Launched back in 1989, the original version merely bolted more spacious bodywork onto an aging Range Rover chassis, but the sales it generated were enough to save the company. They also financed a more sophisticated five cylinder air suspended model in 1998 at the same time as the company's engineers were busily beavering away at something much better, third generation Discovery3 of 2004 which was ultimately developed into the Discovery4 of 2009. It took a further eight years before this more unusually-styled fifth generation model arrived, a car now thoroughly enhanced with JLR's latest MHEV electrified engine tech and media features. Potentially then, lots to look forward to.

Driving Experience

There's still something very special about a place behind the wheel of a Discovery. In contrast to more car-like rivals, it's not a cockpit-like experience with all the controls angled towards you as they would be in, say a Range Rover Sport. No, this is different - a place of command: a place to do business with the elements, be they the snake-infested swamps of the rainy season in the Serengeti or the snarled-up traffic of a wet windy morning on the school run. This current version of the fifth generation model gets a very capable Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and a smooth and responsive ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, plus the brand's 48V MHEV mild hybrid tech. Land Rover only now offers this car with its six cylinder D350 diesel, which makes 62mph in 5.9s en route to 130mph. There's a huge 700Nm of torque - great for towing and off roading. Hence the class-leading 3,500kg braking towing total. Plus Land Rover has developed clever technology to make this towing ability more accessible. Advanced Tow Assist is an ingenious development which allows drivers to complete potentially difficult reversing manoeuvres when towing trailers, caravans and horseboxes with ease. As before, there's class-leading off road ability thanks to permanent 4WD and the standard 'Terrain Response' system. An optional Configurable Terrain Response set-up allows drivers to fine-tune the Discovery's throttle mapping, gearbox shift points, steering and suspension settings to suit their preferences and requirements.

Design and Build

All the usual Discovery styling cues remain firmly in evidence - the clamshell bonnet, the stepped roof and the highly visible C-pillar. Visual changes to this improved Discovery are subtle. The signature LED headlights create a more purposeful look, plus there are animated sweeping front and rear indicators and a body-colour front fender vent. There are smarter signature LED rear lights too, which are joined across the back of vehicle by a new Gloss Black panel. Customers can also make their Discovery more eye-catching with an optional 'R-Dynamic' pack, which brings a revised front bumper and more purposeful Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents. Inside, there's JLR's 'Pivi Pro' centre-dash infotainment monitor with its big 11.4-inch full-HD touchscreen. This offers over-the-air updates, plus dual-SIM technology with LTE modems. It complements the 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display digital instrument cluster screen, which can include a high-definition 3D navigation mapping. The steering wheel and gear selector have been re-styled over earlier models too. The second row seats have been redesigned in recent years with longer, thicker cushions, better lateral support and careful seat profiling. But the fold-out third row chairs are no more comfortable than before. We like the Discovery's stadium seating configuration, which sees each row of seats positioned higher than the one in front, ensuring every seat is the best seat in the house. Unlike some of this car's 7-seat SUV rivals, the third row chairs are designed for adults as well as kids. Auto Access Height technology reduces the ride-height by up to 40mm as passengers prepare to enter or exit the vehicle. You can specify a gesture-controlled powered inner tailgate and even with all three seating rows upright, there's still 258-litres of luggage space. With the first two seating rows in place, there's 1,137-litres of room. With everything folded, that rises to 2,391-litres.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £63,000; that's for the base S D350 diesel variant. There are four trim levels; 'S', 'Dynamic SE', 'Dynamic HSE' and 'Metropolitan Edition' and pricing rises up to around £78,000. There's also a Discovery Commercial van variant. A key standard equipment feature across the range is the 'Pivi Pro' infotainment system. And you're going to want to look at options like the 'Activity Key', a wristband that allows you to dispense with the usual key for when you're engaged in lifestyle country activities. Other key extras include a cabin ioniser, a head-up display and a gesture-controlled tailgate. There are various optional Meridian sound systems. And we'd also want Land Rover's Click and Go tablet holders, incorporated into the front seatbacks. The easy-to-use system also includes USB-A charging sockets that are perfectly located to minimise trailing wires. Using the onboard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, which is capable of linking up to eight devices, rear passengers can be entertained on even the longest journeys. You should also consider the upgraded 'Terrain Response 2' driving modes system, which adds extra drive modes and a set-and-forget 'auto' setting.

Cost of Ownership

It would be wrong to say that the MHEV mild hybrid engine tech has transformed this Discovery's running costs because it hasn't, but it's made a useful difference and has kept efficiency competitive. MHEV tech is based around use of a Belt integrated Starter Generator in the engine bay to harvest energy usually lost under deceleration, which is then stored in a 48V lithium-ion battery located beneath the rear load space. It's able to redeploy the stored energy to assist the engine under acceleration, while also delivering a more refined and responsive stop/start system. Let's get to the WLTP figures. The D350 diesel returns up to 34.8mpg on the combined cycle and up to 213g/km of CO2. Of course, the driver will need to play his or her part in pursuit of cleanliness and frugality, selecting the 'Terrain Response' system's 'ECO' mode as often as possible and keeping an eye on the 'Eco Data' part of the infotainment screen. Here, you get various screen options. There's one that shows you the 'Energy Impact' of various electrical items. And another with so-called 'Eco Tips' that are supposed to improve your frugality. More useful is the 'Driving Style' display that marks your driving efficiency from 1 to 5 in three areas - 'acceleration', 'speed and engine' and 'braking' and gives you a percentage-based 'Driving Score' as a result. There's also a 'History' screen that graphically shows your recent efforts at frugality, awarding you a little trophy for your most economical journey.

Summary

The world takes on a different appearance from behind the wheel of a Land Rover Discovery. At the helm, you know you're in a car that can take on just about anything, be that a seven-up trip to the Alps or a relaxing ride home on a wet and slippery winter's night. But it's only when you put it through its paces in properly extreme terrain that the genius in its design becomes fully apparent. How can a car capable of such extremes on the rough stuff be so utterly easy to use on the school run? Only Land Rover knows. The more sophisticated design and clever in-car connectivity improvements of the enhanced version of this fifth generation model are welcome but ultimately, the recipe is as before. There's a clever, classless feel about this car that nothing else can quite replicate. Other rival SUVs claim to be tough but at the wheel, you're always a little hesitant to see them prove that. A Discovery's different, a uniquely capable SUV and a British success story that we should be proud of.

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Rear wash/wipe

Heated rear window

Privacy glass

Variable intermittent wiper

Rain sensing windscreen wipers

Acoustic laminated windscreen

Electric windows with one touch open/close and anti-trap

Brakes

Electronic traction control

Cornering brake control

Hill descent control

Electronic Stability Programme

Emergency brake assist

Black brake calipers

Roll stability control

Gradient acceleration control

Torque vectoring brake

Hill launch assist

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Emergency braking

Brake pre-fill technology

Carpets/Rugs

Premium carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Dynamic stability control

Adaptive dynamics

Electronic air suspension

Communication

Android Auto

Apple car play

Wireless device charging

Remote

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Lane keep assist

Blind spot assist

Wade Sensing

Traffic sign recognition with adaptive speed limiter

Speed proportional steering

Front and rear parking aid

Rear traffic monitor

Electric power assisted steering (EPAS)

Rear collision monitor

3D surround camera

Driver Convenience

Remote boot release

Stop/start system

Powered gesture tailgate/boot lid

Power inner tailgate

Click and go integrated base unit

Push button start

Emergency services call system

Driver Information

Trip computer

Service interval indicator

Head up Display

Driver condition monitor

Sportshift selector

Interactive driver display

11.4" touchscreen

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Electric heated/power fold memory door mirrors with approach lights and auto dimming driver side

Entertainment

Dynamic volume control

Digital Audio Broadcast radio-DAB

Pivi pro connected

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

Sliding front sunroof and fixed rear panoramic roof

Rear side wing doors

Metal treadplates with Metropolitan script

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Automatic headlights

Puddle lights

Automatic headlight levelling

Matrix LED headlights with signature DRL

Rear fog lights

Centre high mounted stop light

Animated directional indicators

LED darkend tail lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Cabin Air Purification plus

Interior Features

Electric adjustable steering column

Leather steering wheel

Loadspace cover

Multi function steering wheel

Lockable glovebox

Heated steering wheel

Front centre console refrigerator compartment

Luggage tie downs in loadspace

Twin front cupholders with cover

USB with 12V socket in centre console

Storage glovebox

Shopping bag hook

Loadspace Hook

In-facia storage

Central hinged twin lidded storage

First and second row door bins

Lower centre console storage

Third row storage

1 x 12V power socket in Row 1, Row 2, and loadspace

1 x USB-C (power only), 1 x USB-A & 1 x USB-C (power & data) in Row 1

2 x USB-C in Row 2 (power only)

2 x USB-C in Row 3 (power only)

Interior Lights

Footwell lights

Overhead lighting console

Loadspace light

Configurable cabin lighting

Packs

Online pack with data plan - Discovery

Safety

Driver and passenger airbags

Front side airbags

Curtain airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Rear airbags

Customer configurable autolock

Power operated child locks

Seat belt reminder

Seats

Isofix child seat preparation for front passenger seat

2 seat bench in 3rd row

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Rear ISOFIX

Intelligent seat fold

60/40 electric heated and cooled folding rear seats with manual slide and powered recline, centre headrest and armrest

Electric heated third row seats

Single front passenger seat

Front passenger seat ISOFIX

Security

Immobiliser

Locking wheel nuts

Remote central locking

Keyless entry

Intrusion sensor

Towing

Trailer stability assist

Transmission

Front axle open differential

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

All terrain tyres

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 219

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 225

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 219

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: 15.5:1

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 2997

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 92.3

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 83

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 33.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 33.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 32.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 8.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 8.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 8.6

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 45E

Service Interval Mileage: 21000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 105000

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: 120

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 350

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 2

Coin Series: Metropolitan Edition

Coin Description: D350

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Performance

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516

Top Speed: 130

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.3

Engine Power - KW: 257

Engine Power - RPM: 4000

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Power - BHP: 350

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 285/40 R22

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Wheel Style: STYLE 5124

Tyre Size Rear: 285/40 R22

Vehicle Dimensions

Width (including mirrors): 2220

Height: 1888

Height (including roof rails): N

Width: 2000

Wheelbase: 2923

Length: 4956

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3245

Minimum Kerbweight: 2367

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 89

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 3500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 878

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 172

No. of Seats: 7

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.4

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1997

Max. Roof Load: 80

Body Glass

Solar attenuating windscreen

Driver Information

Wifi enabled with data plan

Embellishment Trims

Titanium mesh trim finisher

Entertainment

Meridian sound system - 12 speaker + subwoofer, 14 channel amplifier, 400W

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof

Premium metallic paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Three zone climate control

Interior Features

Additional Windsor leather upholstery

Packs

Towing pack with advanced tow assist - Discovery

Cold climate pack - Discovery Metropolitan Edition

Advanced off-road capability pack - Discovery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Santorini black

Metallic - Varesine blue

Metallic - Lantau bronze

Metallic - Eiger grey

Paint - Special

Premium metallic - Charente grey

Premium metallic - Silicon silver

Premium metallic - Carpathian grey

Seats

20 way heated and cooled, massage electric memory driver seat with captains armrest + power height adjust headrest + 4way power lumbar support

Security

Secure tracker pro

Towing

Advanced tow assist

Detachable towbar

Trim - Leather

Windsor Leather - Caraway - Metropolitan Edition Seats

Windsor Leather - Light Oyster/Ebony - Metropolitan Edition Seats

Additional Windsor Leather - Ebony - Metropolitan Edition Seats

Wheels - Alloy

22" alloy wheels - style 5124 in gloss black

21" alloy wheels - style 5025 in gloss black

22" alloy wheels - style 5025 in satin dark grey with 5 split spoke contrast diamond turned finish

21" alloy wheels - style 5123 in gloss dark grey with contrast diamond turned finish

Wheels - Spare

21" full size alloy spare wheel

22" full size alloy spare wheel