A Land Rover Discovery with a supercharged gas engine.
The hits keep coming. Or at least the weekly model or two I have had the privilege of driving in 2017. This past week it was the Land Rover Discovery, the second time in two months the keys to this model and trim/grade fell into my hands.
Only this time the Discovery HSE Luxury came with a supercharged V6 gasoline model — the previous model featured a turbo-diesel.
2017 Land Rover Discovery
Land Rover prices the 2017 Discovery costs from $49,990 for the gas model (SE) and $58,950 for the diesel (HSE). Other gas trims to consider include the HSE ($56,950), HSE Luxury ($63,950) and First Edition ($73,950). Add $995 for your destination fee and another $2,000 if you plan to upgrade to a diesel.
Spend any time with the Land Rover Configurator — Range Rover and Discovery series alike — and you’ll find various grades and permutations of each model.
Beyond the eponymous Discovery’s four grades, you’ll find an array of packages for further customization. These include: three Black Design packages based on wheel size choices — 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels ($800-$3,200); a pair of complete dynamic design packages ($4,350 and $5,550); Drive and Drive Pro packages ($550 and $2,350); 7-Seat luxury climate ($2,180), vision assist ($1,000), and capability plus ($1,250).
My test model included nearly all of the top packages along with such individual upgrades as black roof rails ($400), head-up display ($950), ebony headliner ($350) and silicon silver metallic paint ($1,495). I counted 20 packages and options in all — Land Rover supplied a $350 headliner credit; I’m not sure if it was due to a long list of options or something else.
With all said and done, there were more than $18,000 in upgrades and options included, bringing the MSRP (sticker price) to a lofty $82,300. Notably, that price is in line with what well-equipped competing models offer from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.
Discovery Model Highlights
Instead of rehashing the many similar points I made earlier with the 2017 Discovery, allow me to direct you to that review here. For this review, I’ll cover the main features of the latest model as well as expand on a few other areas of this model:
1. Engine — What do three liters of V6 power get you? With Land Rover, you have a choice of supercharged gas and turbocharged diesel options. Both engines displace exactly at 3.0 liters. The diesel has two advantages over the gas engine: a 5 mpg fuel economy edge and stronger boost down the line. But don’t discount the gas model as it delivers excellent off-the-mark acceleration. Plus, it doesn’t come with a $2,000 price premium. Land Rover matches both engines with a clean-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
2. Seating — Land Rover offers 2+3+2 seating in the Discovery, with the third row optional. If you go with the last row, you’ll find a 50:50 split fold-down bench seat. It offers decent shoulder and hip room, although taller riders may find head- and legroom tight. So, consider this space sufficient for youngsters and usable for adults in a pinch.
3. Storage — Having the benefit of a third row also creates one significant demerit. Namely, standard storage space is nonexistent as that third seat abuts the rear liftgate. I’ve never seen anything like it in other models as there is no way to store anything behind the rear seat. That said, Land Rover didn’t shortchange passenger space to create a token storage area. The good news here is that if you fold down one of the rear seats, you’ll gain some room. Drop the third row and you’ll enjoy 45 cubic feet of cargo space.
4. Off-Road — If you’re not familiar with Land Rover’s off-road capabilities, you’re in for a treat with the Discovery. The 2017 Discovery is an all-new model, replacing the previous LR4. This also means you’ll enjoy 11.1 inches of ground clearance compared to the 9.4 inches in the LR4. Importantly, fording depth is also up — 35.4 inches. If you have no plans for off-roading, then you’re not likely to opt for such features as the height-adjustable air suspension, low-range four-wheel drive, and the advanced traction system found in Terrain Response 2. But think of the possibilities!
5. Around Town — Most Land Rover owners will spend their time in and around town, taking their children to the ball field, commuting to work, shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying other pursuits common to today’s families. Compared with the LR4, the Discovery seems swift on its feet, thanks to a design that’s up to 800 pounds lighter than its predecessor with a far more rigid frame to go with it. This also means body roll stays at a minimum, so take on those twisty roads with confidence.
6. Amenities — Land Rover is all about creature comforts and the Discovery does not disappoint. Not hardly. Standard equipment includes automatic headlamps, power-folding and heated side mirrors with approach lights, a panoramic glass roof, and a rear parking aid. You’ll also find keyless entry with push-button start, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker audio system. A dizzying array of amenities ups the luxury quotient, adding such features as LED headlights, a power sunroof, power tailgate, power drop/lift second- and third-row seats, heated front and rear seats, three-zone climate control, navigation, Meridian sound system, and a sound view camera. My test model added a front center console cooler compartment ($350), rear seat entertainment ($2,270), and features mentioned earlier.
Land Rover Discovery Parting Thoughts
So, what’s my opinion of the Land Rover Discovery the second time around?
First, it offers a distinct departure from the previous LR4. Traditional SUV fans may object to the change. All I can say is try it out, especially off road, to determine how the new Discovery performs.
Second, your price can quickly escalate if you’re not careful. A base SE trim will cost you $50,000, so my test model cost $32,000 more. That’s the high end of the model line. Personally, I would choose the diesel, stick with the HSE and pick the drive pro package. Yes, choose the 7-row package if you even think there is a possibility of carrying additional people from time to time. At this point, your total is about $66,000, the middle price range for this midsize SUV.
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See Also — Driven: 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport
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