The Land Rover Discovery comes in four different trims for 2018 and with a choice of two different powertrains. A 3.0L supercharged V6 is the base engine, providing 340 horsepower and giving the Land Rover Discovery a respectable 0-60 time of a claimed 6.9 seconds. The optional engine is a 3.0L Turbodiesel making 254 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. While acceleration is slightly slower for the diesel, the extra torque provides a more relaxed power band, while fuel economy is also improved. Besides, with a 0-60 time of 7.7 seconds, the diesel version can more than keep up. On all Discoveries, power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Base SE trim is available only with the gasoline engine and includes most of the amenities one would expect on a $50,000 vehicle, and then some. Standout features on the SE include 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, automatic headlights, power folding and heated mirrors, rain sensing wipers, a parking assistance system, a 10-speaker stereo and a 10-inch touch screen for the interior.
HSE models get 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof and keyless entry. Inside, HSE trimmed Discoveries come with an upgraded 380 watt Meridian sound system, a bigger 12.3-inch screen, a navigation system and 12-way adjustable seats.
The Luxury trim features unique 20-inch wheels, chrome door handles 16-way power adjustable Windsor leather front seats, heated front and rear seats (all seven of them!) a powered third row of seating, an 825 watt 14-speaker sound system, 3-zone climate control and additional ambient lighting. Interestingly, the Luxury trim includes some extra off-roading goodies as well, such as a twin-speed transfer box with a high and low range for off-roading, and an electronic air suspension system which can raise and lower the vehicle.
The Land Rover Discovery rolls into its sophomore year of 2018 with a few added features for all models. Nice to have updates include a 10-inch Touch-Pro navigation screen along with automatic emergency braking offered as standard equipment. A new HUD and 12.3-inch interactive display system is available on HSE and HSE Luxury trims
The Land Rover Discovery competes with mid-sized luxury SUV's like the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7. It starts at right around $50,000 and offers space for up to seven adults with its three rows of seating. With dimensions that are slightly longer than the outgoing LR4, the new Discovery offers plenty of space, while its trademark roofline provides extra headroom for third-row occupants. Unlike other SUV's in this class, the Discovery has real off-road chops, with enough ground clearance to tackle most obstacles and standard 4-wheel drive. It can even wade through up to 35-inches of water.