Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery: generations compared: what actually changed in the numbers

The generation list is: 1 generation (1989-10-01–1998-08-31), 2 generation (1998-09-01–2004-09-30), 3 generation (2004-10-01–2009-09-30), 4 generation (2009-10-01–2014-01-31), 4 generation, restyling (2013-10-01–2017-02-28), 5 generation (2016-09-01–2021-01-31), 5 generation, restyling (from 2020-11-01, stop not measured).

The generation list is: 1 generation (1989-10-01–1998-08-31), 2 generation (1998-09-01–2004-09-30), 3 generation (2004-10-01–2009-09-30), 4 generation (2009-10-01–2014-01-31), 4 generation, restyling (2013-10-01–2017-02-28), 5 generation (2016-09-01–2021-01-31), 5 generation, restyling (from 2020-11-01, stop not measured).

Ground clearance is the first generation-level split that is not a matter of taste:

• 240 mm on every 3 generation version and on every 4 generation, restyling version; also 240 mm on 4 generation `2.7 MT`, `5.0 AT`, `3.0 AT` 245 hp, `2.7 AT`.
• 185 mm on three 4 generation `3.0 AT` entries: 249 hp, 210 hp, 256 hp — 55 mm lower than the 240 mm siblings in the same generation.
• 230 mm on 1 generation, 210 mm on 2 generation (20 mm down from 1 generation).
• 220 mm on 5 generation (20 mm below the 240 mm fourth-generation cars).
• 207 mm on 5 generation, restyling (13 mm below 5 generation, 33 mm below 4 generation, restyling).

Kerb weight moved the other way, then reversed:

• Lightest measured kerb: 1 generation `3.5 MT` 155 hp and `3.5 MT` 166 hp at 1925 kg.
• 2 generation kerb 2060–2150 kg.
• 3 generation kerb 2411–2465 kg — about 350–500 kg heavier than 1 generation petrol eights.
• 4 generation kerb 2476–2583 kg.
• 5 generation drops kerb to 2093–2230 kg — the `2.0 AT` 300 hp Gasoline at 2093 kg is 472 kg lighter than the 4 generation, restyling `3.0 AT` 210 hp Diesel at 2583 kg.
• 5 generation, restyling kerb 2284–2437 kg, so the restyling put 191 kg back on the `P300` versus 5 generation `2.0 AT` 300 hp (2284 − 2093).

Tank volume: 89 l (1 generation and `D350 MHEV`), 93 l (2 generation), 86 l (3 generation), 82 l (4 generation and 4 generation, restyling), 77 l (5 generation). Tank not measured on 5 generation, restyling except `D350 MHEV` 89 l.

Eco class: not measured through 3 generation; Euro 5 on measured 4 generation / 4 generation, restyling cars; Euro 6 on all 5 generation and 5 generation, restyling versions.

Engines and specs

Power per litre (hp ÷ displacement in litres), using the given cc:

• 5 generation `2.0 AT` 300 hp Gasoline: 150.2 hp/l (300 / 1.997) — highest among measured petrols.
• 5 generation `2.0 AT` 240 hp Diesel: 120.1 hp/l.
• 5 generation, restyling `P300`: 150.2 hp/l; `P360 MHEV`: 120.2 hp/l; `D350 MHEV`: 116.8 hp/l.
• 4 generation `5.0 AT`: 75.0 hp/l (375 / 5.000) — the peak horsepower of the fourth generation is the lowest specific output among the big petrols.
• 4 generation, restyling `3.0 AT` 340 hp: 113.5 hp/l.
• 1 generation `2.0 MT` 111 hp: 55.7 hp/l.

The restyling of 5 generation also changed cylinder layout on the 3.0-litre diesels: 5 generation `3.0 AT` 249/258/306 hp is V-shaped 6; 5 generation, restyling `D250` / `D300` / `D350 MHEV` is Inline 6. Same catalogue family, different layout in the data.

Performance and economy

Fastest 0–100 km/h: 5 generation, restyling `D350 MHEV` 6.3 s. Then `P360 MHEV` 6.5 s, `D300` and `D300 MHEV` 6.8 s, 5 generation `3.0 AT` 340 hp Gasoline 7.1 s, `P300` 7.3 s, 5 generation `3.0 AT` 306 hp 7.5 s, 5 generation `2.0 AT` 300 hp 7.7 s. Slowest measured: 1 generation `2.5 AT` 20.6 s. 0–100 not measured: 1 generation `2.0 AT` 111 hp and `2.0 AT` 134 hp.

Top speed peak: 5 generation `3.0 AT` 340 hp Gasoline 215 km/h. 5 generation `3.0 AT` 249/258/306 hp Diesel 209 km/h; same 209 km/h on `P360 MHEV`, `D300`, `D300 MHEV`, `D350 MHEV`. Lowest measured top speed: 1 generation `2.5 AT` 145 km/h. Top speed not measured: 2 generation `4.6 AT`; 1 generation both `2.0 AT` versions.

Mixed consumption, lowest measured: 5 generation `2.0 AT` 180 hp Diesel 6.0 l/100 km. Next: 5 generation `3.0 AT` 249 hp and 258 hp 7.2; `D250` / `D250 MHEV` 7.2; `D300 MHEV` 7.2; `D300` 7.3; 5 generation `3.0 AT` 306 hp 7.7; 4 generation, restyling `3.0 AT` 256 hp 8.0. Highest mixed: 2 generation `4.6 AT` 18.1; 3 generation `4.4 AT` 15.0; 4 generation `5.0 AT` 14.1. Mixed not measured: 3 generation `4.0 AT`; 2 generation `2.5 MT`, `2.5 AT`, `4.0 MT`, `4.0 AT`; several 1 generation petrols; 5 generation `2.0 AT` 300 hp (city/highway/mix all not measured). 5 generation, restyling `P300` mixed 11.0, city and highway not measured; `P360 MHEV` mixed 10.5; `D350 MHEV` mixed 8.5, city and highway not measured.

CO2, lowest measured: 5 generation `2.0 AT` 180 hp 159 g/km. Highest measured: 4 generation `5.0 AT` 328 g/km. CO2 not measured on 3 generation, 2 generation, 1 generation, and on 4 generation `3.0 AT` 249 hp and `3.0 AT` 210 hp.

Dimensions and weight

Kerb / kg per hp (kerb ÷ hp), where kerb is measured:

• Lightest kg/hp in later cars: 5 generation `3.0 AT` 340 hp Gasoline 6.32 kg/hp (2148 / 340); 5 generation `3.0 AT` 306 hp 6.91; `2.0 AT` 300 hp 6.98; 4 generation `5.0 AT` 6.79 (2548 / 375).
• Heaviest kg/hp among measured later diesels: 4 generation, restyling `3.0 AT` 210 hp 12.30 kg/hp (2583 / 210).
• 1 generation `2.5 AT`: 18.27 kg/hp (2065 / 113).
• Kerb not measured: 1 generation `2.0 AT` 111 hp and `2.0 AT` 134 hp.

Gross weight: 1 generation diesel `2.5 AT` 3500 kg is the catalogue maximum; 1 generation petrols 2720 kg. 4 generation diesel 8-speed cars often 3240 kg versus 3180 kg on the 2.7-litre pair. 5 generation `2.0 AT` 180 hp gross not measured; `3.0 AT` 258 hp gross not measured. 4 generation, restyling `3.0 AT` 340 hp Gasoline gross not measured.

Wheels not measured on 3 generation, 2 generation, 1 generation, and on 4 generation `3.0 AT` 249 hp and `3.0 AT` 256 hp. Where listed, 4 generation / restyling share 235/65 R18, 255/60 R18, 255/55 R19 (4 generation `3.0 AT` 210 hp omits the 235/65 R18). 5 generation lists 235/65 R19 through 285/40 R22; 5 generation, restyling swaps 275/45 R21 for 275/45 R22 except `D350 MHEV` which starts at 255/55 R20.

Rear suspension split that matters when choosing a 4 generation, restyling car: only the `3.0 AT` 340 hp Gasoline is Independent, pneumatic at the rear; the three diesels are Independent, spring. 5 generation, restyling is Independent, pneumatic front and rear on every version.

Which version to choose

If the job is daily distance and mixed litres. 5 generation `2.0 AT` 180 hp Diesel: 180 hp, 430 Nm, 10.5 s, 189 km/h, mixed 6.0, CO2 159, kerb 2099 kg, tank 77 l, clearance 220 mm. Against 5 generation `2.0 AT` 240 hp you pay 1.8 s slower 0–100 (10.5 vs 8.7) and 18 km/h less top speed to save 1.5 l/100 km mixed (6.0 vs 7.5) and 73 g/km CO2 (159 vs 232). Against 4 generation, restyling `3.0 AT` 256 hp you save 2.0 l/100 km mixed (6.0 vs 8.0) and 471 kg kerb (2099 vs 2570), at the cost of 20 mm clearance (220 vs 240) and 76 hp (180 vs 256).

If the job is the 3.0-litre diesel that does the most work per litre of mixed fuel in the fourth body. 4 generation, restyling `3.0 AT` 256 hp: 9.3 s, mixed 8.0, CO2 213, compression 16.1, bore 84 × 90. Versus the restyling `3.0 AT` 249 hp (same 9.3 s, 600 Nm): you gain 7 hp, save 0.8 l/100 km mixed and 17 g/km CO2, and sit 13 kg lighter (2570 vs 2583). Versus restyling `3.0 AT` 210 hp: +46 hp, +80 Nm, −1.4 s, −0.5 mixed. The 210 hp car is the restyling’s economy diesel only on paper if you stop at city 9.7; mixed 8.5 is 0.5 worse than 256 hp. Do not confuse restyling 256 hp with 4 generation `3.0 AT` 256 hp: the earlier one is 9.3 s as well but mixed 8.8, CO2 230, clearance 185 mm, kerb 2583, wheels not measured, eco class not measured.

If you stay in 4 generation and want torque without the 185 mm cars. Take `3.0 AT` 245 hp: 600 Nm, Automatic 6, 9.6 s, mixed 9.3, clearance 240 mm, CO2 244, Euro 5. The 4 generation `3.0 AT` 249 hp matches 600 Nm and 9.6 s but drops to 185 mm, mixed still 9.3, CO2 not measured, eco class not measured, wheels not measured — you do not gain a measured second or a measured litre for losing 55 mm.

If you want the last Manual 6 diesel. 4 generation `2.7 MT`: 190 hp, 440 Nm, 11.7 s, mixed 9.2, CO2 270, kerb 2476 kg (lightest 4 generation), clearance 240 mm. Versus 4 generation `2.7 AT` (same 190/440): Manual saves 1.0 s (11.7 vs 12.7) and 1.0 l/100 km mixed (9.2 vs 10.2) and 10 kg. 3 generation `2.7 MT` is 11.5 s, mixed 9.4, tank 86 l, Independent, pneumatic both ends, brakes Disc — 0.2 s quicker than 4 generation `2.7 MT`, 0.2 more mixed litres, 51 kg lighter (2425 vs 2476).

If you want petrol thrust in the fourth generation. 4 generation `5.0 AT` 375 hp, 510 Nm, No boost, Automatic 6, 7.9 s, 195 km/h, mixed 14.1, CO2 328, 2548 kg. Versus restyling `3.0 AT` 340 hp Turbo Gasoline: the 5.0 is 0.2 s quicker (7.9 vs 8.1), +35 hp, +60 Nm, but +2.1 mixed (14.1 vs 12) and +43 g/km (328 vs 285). Power per litre is 75.0 vs 113.5. The restyling 340 hp is the only 4 generation, restyling car with Independent, pneumatic rear; gross weight not measured.

If you want the fifth generation’s fastest diesel that is still a `3.0 AT`. `3.0 AT` 306 hp: 700 Nm, 7.5 s, 209 km/h, mixed 7.7, CO2 248, kerb 2115 kg. Versus `3.0 AT` 258 hp: +48 hp, +100 Nm, −0.6 s, mixed +0.5 (7.7 vs 7.2), CO2 +59 (248 vs 189), kerb −108 kg (2115 vs 2223). Versus `3.0 AT` 249 hp: same 8.1 s on 249/258, so 306 hp is the one that actually shortens the sprint. Versus 5 generation `3.0 AT` 340 hp Gasoline: the diesel is 0.4 s slower (7.5 vs 7.1) but −3.2 mixed (7.7 vs 10.9) and +250 Nm (700 vs 450).

If you want the restyling fifth generation. `D350 MHEV` is the line’s 6.3 s / 700 Nm / 350 hp Diesel; mixed 8.5 (city/highway not measured), tank 89 l, kerb 2316 kg, clearance 207 mm. `D300` matches `D300 MHEV` at 6.8 s / 650 Nm / 300 hp; mixed 7.3 vs 7.2; kerb 2367 vs 2437 (70 kg extra on MHEV); gross 3220 vs 3260. `D250` and `D250 MHEV` share 8.1 s / 600 Nm / 249 hp / mixed 7.2 / CO2 189; MHEV adds 70 kg kerb (2437 vs 2367) with no measured gain in seconds or mixed litres. `P360 MHEV` is the petrol pick: 360 hp, 500 Nm, 6.5 s, 209 km/h, mixed 10.5, 2417 kg. `P300` is 0.4 s quicker than 5 generation `2.0 AT` 300 hp (7.3 vs 7.7) but 191 kg heavier and mixed 11.0 versus mix not measured on the older 300 hp.

If you are in 3 generation. `4.4 AT` 295 hp is the only sub-9 s car (8.6 s, 195 km/h) but mixed 15.0. `4.0 AT` 218 hp is 11.2 s; city, highway, mixed, CO2, eco class, wheels all not measured. Diesels `2.7 MT` / `2.7 AT` are the 190 hp / 440 Nm pair; Automatic costs 0.2 s and 1.0 mixed litre (11.7 / 10.4 vs 11.5 / 9.4).

If you are in 2 generation. `4.6 AT` 220 hp is the only version with mixed measured among the petrols (18.1) and the only one with top speed not measured. `4.0 MT` beats `4.0 AT` by 1.1 s (11.7 vs 12.8) at the same 185 hp / 340 Nm. `2.5 MT` beats `2.5 AT` by 1.8 s (15.3 vs 17.1); consumption not measured on either diesel.

If you are in 1 generation. The 134 hp `2.0 MT` matches the 111 hp `2.0 MT` at 15.3 s / 157 km/h with +23 hp and +47 Nm; both Automatic 2.0 versions have 0–100, top speed and kerb not measured. `3.5 MT` 155 hp and `3.5 MT` 166 hp share 12.8 s and 1925 kg; 166 hp is 8 km/h slower (163 vs 171) and 0.8 mixed litres higher (15.7 vs 14.9). `4.0 MT` and `4.0 AT` both 11.5 s / 170 km/h — gearbox does not change the measured sprint. `2.5 MT` diesel is the economy number of the generation (mixed 8.9) and 18.5 s; `2.5 AT` is 20.6 s / 145 km/h / 3500 kg gross.

Reliability / problems. The data do not measure failure rates. What they do measure is how far versions of the same name diverge: three 4 generation `3.0 AT` cars sit at 185 mm while others in the same generation sit at 240 mm; two 1 generation `3.5 MT` cars share a name and a 12.8 s sprint but not top speed or mixed use; 5 generation, restyling MHEV badges on `D250` and `D300` add kerb without a measured 0–100 or mixed gain. Choose by those columns, not by the shared label.