Revamped Land Rover Discovery Showcases Improved Diesel Engine Performance at its Peak
For three decades, the Discovery has served as Land Rover's versatile toolbox, navigating the taut space between robust off-road prowess, opulence, and technical finesse. ntv.de took a spin in the new powerful diesel edition.
Land Rover's introduction of the new diesel edition of the Discovery begins with a historical overview. So, let's embark on a journey into the golden-painted first-series Discovery from 1990. This uncommon three-door version made its appearance a year following its initial release. Under the hood, the vintage Rover V8 rumbles melodically with a comparatively modest 3.5 liters of displacement for an eight-cylinder engine. The vehicle's weight is also petite for off-road machines, tipping the scales at just under 1.9 tons. Add to that the coupling with a five-speed manual transmission, whose lever still offers a bit of resistance. Somehow, it's quaint.
The 155-horsepower powerhouse gets moving a tad coarsely, with its 260 Newton meters pulling the tires rather hesitantly. The plastic cabin environment feels more like a utilitarian Japanese vehicle than an elegant British one, but the dependable air-conditioning system still represents luxury, as it did back then.
In terms of luxury, manufacturers seldom viewed the "Disco," as industry insiders affectionately called it, as a genuine luxury off-roader (there's the Range Rover for that). Of course, that's preposterous, given the price tag. The latest model starts at over 77,000 euros, by the way, and has been rolling off production lines since 2017, with facelifts in between. And with the top-tier diesel now a part of the lineup, you can add another 5,000 euros to the bill. And regrettably, this six-cylinder torque monster (350 hp and 700 Newton meters) is quite enticing. Why? Because it bestows even more regality upon the 2.3-ton 4x4. While the base model accelerates smoothly in the lower speed range, the top version is significantly more animated.
The engine starter can't help but hesitate, despite a small electric motor (mild hybrid) prodding the crankshaft. But once it gets going, the three-liter engine churns sturdily, eclipsing the 100 km/h mark in just 6.3 seconds. That might not sound impressive today, but the "Disco" is also a heavyweight. If you're curious about the weight: it boasts high aluminum content and no ladder frame.
The "Disco" is a jack-of-all-trades
This Land Rover is quite versatile. Allow me to introduce the Discovery: "What can I do for you?" Indeed, the Brit brings together innumerable skills. Transporting up to seven individuals? No problemo. Stowing luggage equivalent to 2,500 liters? Of course. Towing until help arrives? Easy, up to 3.5 tons. And then conquer challenging terrain? The rear differential lock and low-range gearing are no trouble, and there are numerous features that make rock-climbing a breeze. It'll cost you an extra 2,305 euros, though.
Let's be real - the primary function of traditional 4x4s is in urban traffic. And there, the ample "Disco" (4.96 meters long) is particularly comfy, especially on the now frost-damaged road surfaces of many streets. That the air-suspension is adaptively controlled is no shocker.
The Discovery has also become quite polished on the inside. Gone are the days of functional plastic, replaced with elegant leather upholstery that extends beyond the seats to even grace the dashboard with lavish-looking contrast stitching (optional). A narrow yet elegant wooden trim is also available upon request. The extensive infotainment system caters to the needs of the younger generation. The 11.4-inch touchscreen in the center console invites easy navigation. Notably, the engineers have cleverly neutralized the most annoying sounds and vibrations from various "assistants." The functionalities are divided into three clusters and can be precisely tailored to individual preferences.
Within the model range, the Discovery stands out as the most exotic option in this region, not because of any lack of appeal in the moreALA Fusion, but rather due to its dimensions and price. The newly added diesel variant has only increased the Discovery's allure, especially for those who value torque, but it comes with a higher price tag. At least, it's quite economical, with an average fuel consumption of around 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Unfortunately, there's bad news for V8 enthusiasts: the Discovery has officially said goodbye to this engine type. Downsizing has even reached robust off-roaders like this one.
The Discovery's versatility extends beyond rough terrain, as it seamlessly navigates city streets. Other vehicles on these urban asphalt paths must yield to its ample size and impressive presence.
Though the Discovery offers impressive off-road capabilities, it would still need to contend with larger vehicles during highway drives, highlighting the need for capable and responsive driving features in 'Other vehicles'.
