The 5^th generation Land Rover Discovery uses a unibody chassis with an aluminum architecture for more strength, durability, and weight savings. It is at its largest proportions and deepest abilities thus far however, despite its recently updated appearance and uprated infotainment systems, it is running on its 6^th year in its model production. Until the all-new Defender was released, the Discovery model did its best to fill the gap and continued the tradition of the extra glass surfaces behind the C-pillar.

With this new current version, it looses that feature and in this particular test unit, it lost the two rear-seats in the back too so the Discovery P300 unit seen here is a pure 5-seater which consequently sets itself up for an even tougher challenge of distinguishing itself from the direct premium competition. It is still an incredibly accomplished all-terrain premium luxury mover but our market environment has changed a lot too.

The optional 22-inch alloys look nice but also cost a heck of a lot of money which could be better applied to better interior appointments and a better audio system like the optional 400-watt 11-speaker Meridian surround system in place of the standard 8-speaker unit that is alright but not great. It is a solid compromise if you really wanted a Range Rover but it does also look a touch quirky at the rear. The Discovery’s driving priorities are evident with its Terrain Response system of drive modes, which features a lone setting for road use and five for different types of off-road terrain. Without the panoramic moonroof, the dark interior looks a bit dour despite the quality trim and materials. I do like the combination of analog instrumentation combined with the crisp central TFT display. The stepped roof looks cool but in this configuration the bonus it yields is a more capacious rear trunk with a powered gate.

The Discovery’s dashboard design is certainly elegant and consistently tasteful. The sharp 11.4-inch Pivi Pro control touchscreen looks great but it controls way too many functions that could be separated for simple physical controls. There are quite a few novel extra storage spaces and a wireless smartphone charger too. And of course, it has abundant charging points as well as Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto connectivity too.

As a luxury SUV it has formidable direct competition that bests it dynamically on the road but if you do want to have more off-road capability then it would shine even brighter with more modest sized wheels to improve its on-road comfort as well as extend its off-road ability even further. It is definitely very stylish and it does attract a lot of attention. It can handle better than expected on the road but with a lot of pitch and roll despite the adaptive electric suspension. It is fairly quick for its size but it lacks the charisma of its larger inline-6 powered brethren.

Specification – 2023 Land Rover Discovery P300

Engine: Inline-4

Location: Front, Longitudinal

Displacement: 1997 cc

Cylinder block: Cast Aluminum

Cylinder head: Cast Aluminum, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VVT, electrohydraulic valvetrain

Fuel Injection: Direct Injection Intercooled Twin-scroll Turbo with Auto Start-Stop Technology

Max power: 296 bhp @ 5500 rpm

Max torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1500-4500 rpm

Transmission: 8-Speed ZF Automatic with steering wheel paddleshifts, AWD.

Front suspension: Independent SLA suspension, adaptive electric air shock absorbers.

Rear suspension: Independent multi-link adaptive electric air shock absorbers.

Fuel Capacity: 90 liters (24 gallons)

Load Capacity: 2,061 liters (behind 1st row) / 986 liters (behind 2nd row)

Ground Clearance: 207 mm

Wading Depth: 900 mm

Approach Angle: 26 degrees (Off-Road: 34 degrees)

Departure Angle: 24.8 degrees (Off-Road: 30 degrees)

Ramp-over angle: 21.2 degrees (Off-Road: 27.5 degrees)

L x W x H: 4956 mm x 2220 mm x 1888 mm

Wheelbase: 2923 mm

Brakes: Front 13.8-inch (350 mm) ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers / Rear 13.8-inch (350 mm) vented discs with single piston calipers Integrated Electric Parking Brake, ABS, DSC, ETC, RSC, CBC, HLA, LKA, HDC, Wade sensing & Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Wheels: 22”x 9.5J Multi-spoke Style 5011, Glossy Black Aluminum Alloys.

Tires: P265/40R22 106Y Pirelli P-Zero XL

Weight: (kerb) 2223 kg. (4890 lbs.)

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7.1 seconds

Top Speed (mph): 200 km/h (125 mph) Governed

Fuel Mileage: 19 mpg City / 22 mpg Highway

 

Accessory Pack – PhP 300,000.00

• Black Wheel Nuts
• Dynamic Front Grille
• Dynamic Front Bumper Inserts

 

Additional Optional Equipment: PhP 448,000.00 (Tires not included)

• 22” 5 Split-Spoke Style 5011 Gloss Black Alloys

 

Custom Wrap- PhP 72,000.00

• Gloss Black Roof Wrap
• Gloss Black Door Mirrors

 

Price as tested: PhP 7,010,000.00 (Includes Accessory Pack, Custom Wrap, and Additional equipment, model range starts at PhP 6,190,000.00)

 

C! RATING 9/10

+If you can afford it, you simply cannot go wrong with any Land Rover, the Discovery P300 has pep and more ability that you will ever use in our country, elegant, has the presence to awe, a genuine modern interpretation of Land Rover’s legacy.

–PRICE. Choppy and wallowy ride. Not a 7-seater, does not have the optional 400-watt 11-speaker Meridian Sound System. No panoramic moonroof.