Originally introduced to bridge the gap between the utilitarian Defender and upmarket Range Rover, the Discovery found favour with many consumers who wanted the refinement of a Range Rover (at a far lower price) but the ruggedness of the Defender in one car.
Since then, the Discovery has grown into a distinctive model, with the third and fourth generation enjoying great popularity in South Africa. The fifth generation, known simply as Discovery 5, has been the recipient of a mid-cycle update.
While subtle, the nip/tuck has given the car a fresher, more modern appearance. This is courtesy of the redesigned LED headlamps up front and a revised bumper design. At the rear, LED taillamps give the Discovery a fresher look, while a reworked gloss black strip bearing the nameplate finishes everything off nicely.
An R-Dynamic model lends further aggression, with Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents distinguishing it from other models.
Climb up into the cabin and you'll note that Land Rover has revised a number of bits and pieces in the interior. A new four-spoke steering wheel (similar to the tiller seen in the new Defender) is a welcome addition. It looks great and features the brand's "hidden-until-lit" switches and metal shift paddles. The Discovery 5 also receives a redesigned centre console, which houses an 11.4-inch touchscreen. According to the manufacturer, it's 48% larger than the screen which it replaces. Naturally, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Bluetooth are all part of the package.
A big part of the Discovery's appeal are the second row of seats, with space for up to seven passengers. Land Rover has redesigned the rear-most row, with the pews now providing better comfort and superior lateral support, courtesy of plumper, longer cushions which aids under-thigh support and improves posture for occupants.
Air suspension is standard on all models, providing the Discovery 5 with pothole crushing capabilities. If the pre-facelift - and indeed, Discovery 3 and 4 - are anything to go by, the 5 will have a superb ride, matched by only a few rivals. Of course, the air suspension comes in handy when heading off the beaten track. With the latest Terrain Response 2 tech, Land Rover says the latest Discovery is always ready to adapt to the driving conditions. A new Wade Mode also sets the car up for fording rivers and streams.
What's under the bonnet? Well, you have a choice of two new three-litre, straight-six Ingenium powertrains - one petrol and one diesel. The petrol model, now called the P360, produces 265 kW and 500 Nm of torque. Petrol derivatives utilise 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology, which aids performance and efficiency. The diesel D300 produces 221kW and 650Nm.
Pricing starts at R1 452 700 for the Discovery D300 S, while the range-topping Discovery P360 HSE R-Dynamic comes in at R1 710 900.
Discovery D300 S R1 452 700
Discovery D300 SE R-Dynamic R1 561 200
Discovery D300 HSE R-Dynamic R1 675 900
Discovery P360 S R1 487 600
Discovery P360 SE R-Dynamic R1 596 100
Discovery P360 HSE R-Dynamic R1 710 900
* Prices include VAT but exclude CO2 tax
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FAQ
Q: What does the Land Rover Discovery 5 cost in South Africa?
The revised Land Rover Discovery 5 starts from around R1,350,000 for the base model, with the R-Dynamic variants pushing closer to R1,600,000 depending on specification and options.
Q: Is the Land Rover Discovery 5 worth buying in 2024?
The Discovery 5 is worth considering if you need genuine seven-seater capability with proper off-road prowess, but be prepared for hefty running costs and depreciation that'll make your accountant weep.
Q: What are the main problems with the Land Rover Discovery 5?
Common issues include air suspension failures, electrical gremlins with the infotainment system, and engine problems on earlier models, plus service costs that can easily hit R15,000 to R25,000 per visit.
Q: How reliable is the Land Rover Discovery 5 compared to competitors?
The Discovery 5 sits below rivals like the Toyota Prado and BMW X7 for reliability, but the revised model has addressed some earlier teething problems with improved build quality.
Q: What engines are available in the South African Discovery 5?
South African buyers get a choice of turbocharged petrol engines, including a 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 221kW and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder delivering 294kW, both paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Should You Buy It?
The best seven-seater luxury SUV under R1,700,000 in South Africa remains the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, but if you want something more sophisticated and don't mind the ownership costs, the revised Discovery 5 is a solid choice. At R1,350,000 upwards, it offers genuine off-road ability, a beautifully crafted interior, and that quintessentially British charm that makes every school run feel like an expedition. Just budget an extra R30,000 annually for maintenance and you'll be fine. Yes, buy it if you value capability over reliability, but maybe consider an extended warranty.
