Our test vehicle was the Landrover Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 SE. The iconic slab sided exterior design of the Discovery 4 has been updated, taking a stylish vehicle and improving it with smoother and simpler surfaces. The interior also has a significant reduction in the complexity and number of controls. Natural-finish woods and leather everywhere provide a subdued and luxurious crafted bespoke feel.
Sitting in the electronically multi adjustable heated leather driver’s seat, I found myself comfortable but wishing for another 2-3 inches of seat travel. After a while the upright seating position became uncomfortable and I started to ache in the right knee and ankle, however I am taller than the average bear.
The electronically height and reach adjustable 4 spoke steering wheel steering wheel is heated and houses the switch layout for driver information, remote audio controls, cruise control etc. A new 5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) driver information screen sits within the instrument cluster displaying key information in a clean, simple manner.
There are storage pods everywhere and at this spec level you want for little.
All three rows of seats are supportive and comfortable. Rear seat passengers are well catered for with their own air conditioning controls, plenty of head, shoulder and leg room and the third row of seats fold flat electronically and provide adequate room for my 6’3” frame to sit comfortably.
Active safety features include EPB, Slip Control System includes: EBD, All-terrain ABS, ETC, DSC, Electronic differential control, EBA, EUC, Hydraulic rear brake boost, RSC, Trailer stability assist and HDC with GRC. Passive safety includes up to 8 Airbags, active front head restraints and upgraded body protection.
The 3.0L SDV6 has 183kW of power and torque of 600Nm. A key feature of the new LR-SDV6 3.0 is the fact that 500Nm of torque is available virtually in an instant. It feels so smooth and the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to provide unrivalled response. Mate this to the ZF HP28 6-speed automatic transmission and you have instantaneous power for both on and off road conditions.
No one in the 4WD market sorts their suspension like Landrover and the ride over corrugated dirt roads really has to be experienced. On road it handles exceptionally for a large tall 4WD and off road only the Range Rover matches the wheel articulation.
The Discovery 4 has its award-winning Terrain Response system, which optimises the vehicle set-up for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations, with five different settings to suit different terrains.
All this means that the Discovery 4 will pretty much go wherever you point it. In reality these electronic gadgets make 4wdriving easy and if they can’t take you where you want to go then you really shouldn’t be going. The Discovery 4 will crawl over rocks or up the slippery slope with virtually no fuss and a level of composure that is hard to imagine.
The Discovery will tow 3500Kg and doesn’t even raise a sweat doing it. Is there a better combination of luxury, comfort, off road capability, 7-seat capacity, towing ability, power and economy on the market?
What is good:
• Engine transmission combination
• Sophisticated Terrain Response system
• Towing Capacity
What is not so good:
• Drivers seat needs more travel
• Spare wheel location
• Reliability issues
Model Landrover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE
Model Price $93,669 RDAP
Drivetrain 4WD 3.0L SDV6 6 speed auto
Power 183 Kw @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 600 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 230 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 2½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 8.8 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 3500 kg
Tow Ball Rating 350 kg
Servicing $1,040 – 3yrs/45,000km
Warranty 3yr/100,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 88/100
Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 9
Equipment 18
Performance 18
Ride & Handling 9
Practicality 10
Fit for Purpose 8
Towing Ability 10
Off Road Ability 10
Value for Money 8
