Land Rover Discovery 5 Buyer's guide review

The Land Rover Discovery 5 is a mid-size seven-seater luxury SUV that debuted in 2017, and it is the fifth and the latest generation of the Discovery series. Since the introduction of the Discovery series in 1989, there have been five generations of the Discovery series. This model is renowned as an influential historical masterpiece, as it was one of the first to market a true off-road capable family car, even though it was positioned below the Range Rover in the company's line-up.

The third generation of the Land Rover Discovery, titled the Discovery 3 was released in 2004 with the first all-original design for the Discovery. Then the fourth generation (Discovery 4) was released in 2009 with a few updated stylings and an improved interior. But unlike the previous two generations, the Discovery 5 marked a significant design architecture with better performance and efficiency.

Whether for day-to-day usage, family outings, or off-road adventures, the Discovery 5 offers an ultimate mix of attributes that makes it a standout in its segment.

The Discovery 5 offers a range of engines, including both petrol and diesel options to provide different preferences and performance needs. Some recent models even have mild hybrid technology to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. We can see two main diesel engine levels of this vehicle in Sri Lanka (the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the 3.0-liter Turbocharged V6 engine), as well as two main petrol engine levels (2.0-liter Turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the 3.0-liter Supercharged V6 engine). All these engines were powered by the Land Rover Ingenium technology to enhance its off-road capabilities.

If we compare the diesel engines, the 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine creates a maximum power of 237 horsepower along with a maximum torque of 430 Nm. This engine offers a good balance of power and efficiency, making it suitable for long-distance driving. As for the 3.0-liter Turbocharged V6 engine (TD6), it creates a maximum power of 254 horsepower, along with a maximum torque of 600 Nm. The TD6 engine provides strong performance for off-road driving and heavy-duty tasks.

If we consider the petrol engines, the 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine creates a maximum power of 296 horsepower, along with a maximum torque of 400 Nm. This engine offers a good mix of power and efficiency, providing a smooth driving experience. The 3.0-liter Supercharged V6 (Si6) engine creates a maximum power of 335 horsepower, along with a maximum torque of 450 Nm. This Si6 engine delivers good performance with quick acceleration, providing a dynamic driving experience.

If you're servicing this vehicle via an authorized dealer in Sri Lanka, the regular servicing might range from 50,000 to 150,000 LKR per service. However, larger services that involve significant replacements might cost you around 200,000 - 300,000 LKR, depending on the condition of your vehicle. Many users in Sri Lanka believe that using super diesel is the best option to increase the mileage and the performance of the diesel model.

When it comes to the performance of this vehicle, the Discovery 5 is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission to provide smooth gear changes. It also has an all-wheel drive system (AWD) to ensure that power is distributed to all four wheels for maximum traction and stability. The Discovery 5 comes with an electronic air suspension system that allows the vehicle to adjust its ride height automatically, optimizing comfort and handling for various driving conditions. It can lower the vehicle for easier entry and exit, and raise the vehicle for better ground clearance when off-roading.

The fuel consumption of the Discovery 5 depends on the engine variant and driving conditions. For the diesel engines, it ranges from 7.2 to 9.4 liters per 100 kilometers, and for the petrol engines, it ranges from about 9.9 to 12.4 liters per 100 kilometers. The most fuel-efficient model available in Sri Lanka is the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel model, as it has a combined fuel consumption of around 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers.

The Land Rover Discovery 5 has a modern and sophisticated exterior design that differs it from its previous generations. It has a more streamlined exterior with some distinct characteristics that make it recognizable as a Land Rover. The sleek profile of this vehicle enhances its aerodynamic efficiency while reducing its drag coefficient. It also has a wide track and a low center of gravity to provide stability on the road.

The front grille of the Discovery 5 features a design with a hexagonal pattern, but it can vary slightly depending on the trim level. The LED headlights and taillights of the Discovery 5 provide excellent visibility, and the LED daytime running lights enhance the identity of this vehicle. The front bumper has air intakes that aid in cooling the engine and brakes, as well as powerful fog lights for improved visibility.

The Discovery 5 has a slightly curved roofline with a sunroof and a moonroof, subtle character lines along the sides of the vehicle to show a more sculpted look, Alloy wheel designs range from 19 inches to 22 inches, and aerodynamically enhanced winker mirrors for added convenience and safety. The doors have a good opening radius, making it easier to enter or exit the vehicle.

The rear design of this vehicle is not a fan favorite, but it has a single-piece, powered tailgate that replaces the split tailgate design of the previous models. It offers a wider opening for easier access to the boot area. The exhaust outlets are integrated into the rear bumper, providing a clean appearance. The five-seater configuration offers a boot space of about 1,100 liters, while the seven-seater configuration offers a 258-liter boot space.

The interior of the Discovery 5 blends premium materials with advanced technology to enhance practicality. The cabin is made of soft-touch plastics, leather upholstery, wood trims, and metallic accents, ensuring durability and comfort. The driving position offers a clear view of the road and easy access to all controls and displays.

It has five and seven-seater configurations, and the second and third rows of seats can be folded to expand the boot space. The front seats offer memory options, massage functions, and lumbar support for the overall comfort. The Discovery 5 offers generous legroom and headroom in all three rows, ensuring a comfortable ride and making it suitable for family use.

The dashboard has a clean and modern design, with an organized control placement. It has a 12.3-inch interactive driver display, which shows various information such as speed, navigation, and driver assistance data. It has a leather-wrapped, dual-multifunctional, fully digital steering wheel with paddle shifters and integrated controls for various functions such as audio, phone, cruise control, and driver display.

The Discovery 5 is equipped with a 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system which includes navigation, smartphone connectivity, and voice control. The system is designed to be user-friendly, with clear menus and responsive touch controls. The vehicle also features a dual or tri-zone climate control system, with rear-seat passengers having access to their own climate controls, enhancing comfort during long journeys. The cabin is equipped with many storage compartments, including a large glovebox, center console storage, door pockets, and cupholders. It also has an underfloor storage compartment and a hidden cubby behind the climate control panel. Multiple USB ports and 12V charging points are placed throughout the interior to ensure all the passengers have their devices charged during trips. Higher trims also include wireless charging pads for added convenience.

Despite its size, the Discover 5 handles well on paved roads. The steering is precise and responsive, and the low center of gravity contributes to its stable and composed handling, even during cornering and high-speed driving. The transmission is well matched to the engine's power characteristics, so the power delivery is always stable. The use of acoustic glass and sound-deadening materials helps to minimize wind and road noise.

It has a 6.2-meter turning radius, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces and U-turns. The advanced Terrain Response 2 system adjusts the vehicle's settings to optimize its off-road capabilities in various terrains such as mud, sand, grass, and gravel. It can also be manually customized by the driver according to the specific off-road conditions. The All-Terrain progress control system ensures that the Discovery 5 maintains a steady and controlled pace, even on slippery and uneven surfaces. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, anti-lock braking system, and parking aids improve safety while providing a clear view of the vehicle's surroundings.

When it comes to the safety features of this vehicle, it is built with a lightweight aluminum structure designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces in the event of a collision. It's also equipped with multiple airbags in front, side, and curtain, protecting all occupants. ISOFIX anchor points are provided for securely installing child seats, and the rear doors are equipped with child locks to prevent accidental openings from the inside. Whether you're driving on busy streets, highways, or exploring off-road trails, the Discovery 5 will provide a peaceful and secure driving experience.

As of June 2024, the average international market price for the Land Rover Discovery 5 ranges between 39.5 million LKR and 60 million LKR, depending on its trim. You can find the latest price with more details and cars of this model for sale from the following link Land Rover Discovery 5 Latest Price