Land Rover Discovery (2009-2016) review - does it still make for a great 4x4? - Engine and Gearbox
The definitive 4x4 from Land Rover - if you can’t quite stretch to a Range Rover
Engine and gearbox
UK buyers are offered just the one engine, a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 diesel that produces 252bhp at 4000rpm. Other markets get a TDV6 with 214bhp and a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol unit that sees use in Jaguar’s model line-up too, offering a more evo-appropriate 335bhp. That supercharged petrol engine's output might be more, but the UK’s SDV6 outguns it for torque, with 110lb ft more - and it's delivered some 1500rpm earlier. You’ll be happier (just) with the UK’s only engine choice’s economy, too.
That SDV6 comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission across the entire range. It’s put to good use throughout the Jaguar Land Rover line-up and that’s no different in the Discovery. It’s a slick shifter, swapping among its plentiful ratios with adept speed and smoothness. The entire driveline impresses with its polished refinement, which is befitting of a car costing so much and competing in the prestige marketplace.
Impressively, the Discovery can tow as much as 3500kg of braked trailer, making it perfect for towing the likes of racing cars and accompanying tools. Since this weight is the legal limit for UK trailers, not even the larger Range Rover can pull heavier cargo.
