The Land Rover Discovery is a competent SUV that exudes elegance. Over the years, the Discovery has adapted a look resembling the Range Rover. That extended to the cabin as the Discovery shed the Spartan look for a sophisticated interior, complete with high-end materials and upgraded technology. The HSE is the range-topping trim that comes with the full complement of creature comforts for the interior. It is also the priciest option.
Exterior
The 2020 Land Rover Discovery is a modern SUV with relatively slippery lines, which is the opposite of what the previous generations offered. The character is more determined as Land Rover seemed to go in a more sophisticated direction with the current model. The brand brought the clamshell-style hood, and it is above a narrow grille and full bumper, adding to the heft of the model.
At the back, the offset license plate is set there because the earlier generations had a tailgate-mounted spare tyre. It has been described as the most stylish of any Discovery. The big shark fin C-pillar maintains shape while the previous model's floating roof concept and the roof step remains.
Interior
The Land Rover Discovery delivers on the promise of on-road visual presence. It is possible to get seven adults onboard without anyone getting cramped. Those in the third row may not have the best time, but it would only be uncomfortable for those above six feet. The middle row is quite generous, and it gets better in the front row with adjustable seating. There are two cupholders every row for a total of six bottle holders in every door.
The boot capacity is 258 litres with all seats in place. When it is in the wagon mode, it increases to 1,231 litres. The rear row splits to 50/50 and the middle 40/20/40. The cockpit is modern and very airy, while the view outside is described as commanding. There is a horizontal theme on the dash carried into the touchscreen, which takes centre stage. The HSE trim especially has a luxurious appearance. There are lighter interior hues that brighten the cabin's ambience, while the big side windows make quite an asset regardless of the colour leather drapes.
Technology
The Discovery comes with a 10.0 touchscreen infotainment screen complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. There is an upgraded system with navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot built-in within the HSE. The Land Rover also boasts a 12.3 instrument gauge cluster display. Optional head-up displays provide the driver with information. There is also an optional rear-seat package for entertainment.
Additional features can be paid for with the 2020 HSE, including terrain response two systems for active off-road suspension, electric second and third-row seating, a sliding front sunroof, and privacy glass. Front row USB ports arrive as standard with additional ports for the rear row. There is also a wireless device charger on the features list. Climate control, heated steering wheels, and ventilated second-row seating come with the seven-seat luxury comfort pack.
Performance and handling
Every 2020 Discovery is a four-wheel-drive system equipped with a twin-turbo V6 diesel engine (capable of 225 kW and 700 Nm of torque) and matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2020 Land Discovery HSE can accelerate to 100 km/hr within 7.5 seconds. The gas engine is more popular, considering it provides the best acceleration.
Regarding the air suspension and centre differential, there is a wading depth of 900 mm and 207 mm of ground clearance. The HSE's fuel economy returns a fuel economy of 7.5L/100km for a combined cycle. It is a grand touring machine though the size makes it a bit unwieldy for urban settings. On the open road, it is quite commanding. There is not a lot of wind noise though there is some diesel rumble from the engine.
Safety
The Discovery HSE comes with six airbags, while modes with an optional third-row get eight airbags. Standard driver-assist and active packages on every model include blind-spot monitoring with corrective steering. There is also automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, side cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams for the higher trim levels. The 360-degree view parking camera system has front and rear parking sensors as the standard. The traffic sign recognition and driver condition monitors and keyless entries are all part of the standard package. Adaptive cruise control and active lane controls are on the options list.
Pricing
The 2020 Discovery HSE retails at $111,078, which is quite pricy but worth the amenities that it provides. The brand only offers three years roadside assistance and three years per 100,000 km. The service intervals are mandated to be once in 12 months or 26,000 km. The user can get a service plan to cover the diesel V6 for five years per 130,000 km for a price of $2,450. It works out at $500 every year.
Final thoughts
The 2020 Land Rover Discovery is quite capable when compared to the competition, such as the Audi Q7 and the Mercedes G Class. Some alternative features may be slightly better, but the Land Rover Discovery HSE is in a class of its own. It maintained a lot of the brand signature to remind the market of its heritage, but it has added a few accents. Thankfully, Discovery is shedding its military look for a more urban aesthetic. It has also significantly upgraded on the material quality and the features while maintaining off-road ability. It is one of the most versatile SUVs currently in the market.
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