Land Rover’s Discovery continues to offer the toughest, most practical and most capable choice in the large SUV sector. Structurally much has been borrowed from larger Range Rover models, but the Discovery 5 continues to have its own authentic appeal. In many ways, it’s the ultimate expression of the Land Rover brand.
From behind the wheel you get a great view of the road ahead and a real feeling of control that you can properly exploit this time around. This heavyweight Discovery weighs in at over 2.2-tonnes, particularly the 258bhp 3.0-litre Td6 six-cylinder diesel.
All Discoveries come with smooth 8-speed auto transmission, air suspension and a twin-speed gearbox with a low range setting for tough off-roading. An optional ‘Capability Plus Pack’ upgrades this set-up to even more capable ‘Terrain Response 2’ status and adds in an ‘Active rear locking differential’ and the clever ‘All Terrain Progress Control’ system, a low speed cruise control system for off piste driving.
Land Rover says that this Discovery is “the most capable 4×4” it’s ever made. Most owners will be more interested in a 3.5-tonne braked towing capability that’s massively greater than its rivals.
Opt for ‘HSE’ or ‘HSE Luxury’ and you’ll be offered the choice of all three of the available powerplants. Most buyers pay the £1,300 premium to progress from the Sd4 to the Td6 six-cylinder diesel we’re testing here.
The ‘HSE’ (“the most popular one for customers”, according to Land Rover) comes with two of its most significant features: powered operation for the rear seating rows and a larger more sophisticated 10-inch centre-dash touchscreen. From here, you access the ‘InControl Touch Pro Navigation’, a rear view camera and a 300-watt 10-speaker Meridian Sound System with a sub-woofer.
Other ‘HSE’ features include 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, heated rear seats, upgraded Windsor leather upholstery, a fixed panoramic sunroof, ‘Signature hi-line’ tail lamp clusters and ‘Gesture Control’ to open the tailgate simply by waving your foot under the bumper.
If you desire the most opulent Discovery, then it has to be ‘HSE Luxury’, like the one we tried. Its alloy rims are huge 21-inchers and a few other items are upgraded including the front seats which gain winged headrests, climate control and a massaging function, while leather trim is extended around dash and doors; ambient lighting is configurable; the glass roof gains an opening front section; and the Meridian Sound System becomes an even more powerful with 14-speakers and a 825-watt output.
Plus backseat passengers enjoy a rear seat entertainment system with two 8-inch screens, ‘WhiteFire’ wireless headphones and four-zone climate control. Other ‘Luxury’ features include a heated steering wheel and an ‘Intelligent seat fold’ system that drops the rear seats via an app.
The ‘HSE’ and ‘HSE Luxury’ come with ‘InControl Touch Pro Navigation’ preventing you from speeding, plus three extra safety features that flash up warnings if it detects drowsiness; monitor your blind spot; and warn you of approaching vehicles when reversing.
Sharon Gardner, Head of Business at Lloyd Land Rover Kelso, said: “The Discovery Fifth Generation is proving to be popular with old and new customers. With the introduction of the 2.0 litre Ingenium Diesel Engine being an option in this model it has attracted more customers to the brand.
“Personally, I love the technology in the Discovery 5 and the fact you can configure the 7-seat interior formation from your iPhone! Cabin space has increased from Discovery 4 and there is lots of hidden space to store items.”
Is the Discovery the world’s ultimate family SUV? In most cases, yes it is as there’s nothing else quite like it. Don’t take our word for it – drive it at Lloyd Land Rover and tell us what you think or watch the short Discovery lifestyle film. Price: £64,195
Optional extras:
- Namib Orange – £1660
- 21-inch Style 9002 Diamond Turned Wheels – £520
- Nimbus/ Espresso Leather Seats with Massage – £870
- Privacy Glass – £390
- Capability Plus Pack – £1,000
- Front Centre Console Cooler – £235
- Electrically Deployable Towbar – £985
- Smoker’s Pack – £35
- Park Assist – £935
- Activity Key – £315
- Television – £880
- Head-up Display – £1,035
- Second Row 2x 12 Volt Charging Sockets – £110
- Climate Seats/ Second Row + Heated Rear Seats – £835
- Timed Climate, Park Heat w/ Remote – £1,035
PCH Options* (based on Discovery SW 2.0 SD4 S 5 Door Automatic):
Monthly Payment: £599
Term of Agreement: 48 months
Customer Deposit: £599
*Based on Discovery SW 2.0 SD4 S 5 Door Automatic standard specification, non-maintained. Contract Hire subject to status. Over 18s only.You will not own this vehicle. Must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Excess mileage charges over 6,000 miles annually charged at 21.06p per mile.The promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotion and is subject to availability at participating Retailers only for new vehicles ordered by 31st March 2018. Provided by Land Rover Contract Hire a trading style of Lex Autolease Limited, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport, SK3 0RB. Model shown for illustrative purposes only. Lloyd Motors Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lloyd Motors Ltd FCA Number: 308524. E&OE.
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