Land Rover Discovery

The Discovery has a reasonably luxurious design and world-class interior materials. The cabin is loaded with lavish comforts, and as you move up through the more costly trims, the comfort level just gets better. Good support and even better cushioning are provided by power-adjustable, heated leather seats with an optional massage function for the driver and front-seat passenger; second-row seats provide fore-and-aft and recline adjustments. There would be less potential for adventure as there is not enough room to carry much haul gear. When you fold the seats in both rear rows, then the space can accommodate ample luggage for long adventures. 

All Discovery models come with full-time all-wheel drive as standard, although buyers may pick between a 296-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 355-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, the latter of which uses a 48-volt hybrid system. The Land Rover's adventure-ready purpose appeals to people looking for an SUV for more than just driving around the mall parking lot, but it comes with exceptional highway performance. The Discovery's handling isn't as sluggish as one might think, but it feels clunky and top-heavy while sharp cornering.

The Discovery never lets you forget you're driving a huge SUV. Overall, the ride quality is fairly good, and even hard bumps are readily dealt with. However, steering sensation is nonexistent, particularly on-center, where a massive dead spot requires maintained steering alignment while traveling on the highway. If you need to haul a hefty load, the Discovery can handle up to 3720 kgs.

All Discovery variants are equipped with Land Rover's Pivi Pro infotainment system. It has an 11.4-inch touchscreen display and modern capabilities like an inbuilt Wi-Fi hotspot with a 4G LTE broadband connection and real-time traffic and weather reports. It has a simple menu structure and supports over-the-air upgrades. The cabin contains up to nine USB connections, and unique tablet-holding devices enable you to set up rear-seat entertainment for children. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad, a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, and a full-color head-up display. 

The Discovery can be identified as a high-end SUV just by looking like a member of the Land Rover/Range Rover family, and even the most affordable models have an off-road attitude. The new single-piece tailgate and horizontally stacked taillights contribute to a sportier look, although some critiques mention that the offset rear number plate disrupts the overall aesthetic harmony.

Although the overall design is well-received, some reviewers have noted that the large rear overhang appears somewhat awkward, detracting from its otherwise sleek profile.

The Land Rover Discovery is practical, delightful to drive, accommodates seven comfortably, and is exceptionally capable for off-road. The high seating posture creates confidence and complete control. In fact, it is truly a good all-rounder that it excels at almost everything. But when it comes to looking for improvement, we would have preferred a plusher cabin, and greater thigh support in the second row of seats, and some may find the rear look to be on the odd side of weird.

However, the major issue is the high fuel consumption of its petrol engine. Indeed, the Rs 15 lakh price difference compared to a similar diesel reduces the blow, and driving a petrol SUV has several advantages, like smoothness, a broad powerband, and quick throttle response. However, the car only provides 5kmph when you drive it so hard, which is a lot of petrol to consume regardless of how you look at it. This is the reason why most of the Indian car buyers will continue to favor the diesel version. However, you will be compensated with a growling, happy-to-rev, swift, supercharged Jaguar-based petrol that is a true pleasure to drive if you can get your brain (and money) around the high fuel expenditures.