Land Rover updates the Disco (2021)

The Land Rover Disco is the Land Rover for those who seek versatility. The previous engines offered are no more. You can only choose from a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 296hp and a 3-liter turbocharged six-cylinder with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Picking between the two of them depends upon what you desire the most. We reckon the six-cylinder is the way to go if you are willing to pay the premium for it. Everyone else will be satisfied with the four-cylinder which is our pick of the range. It’s smooth enough for daily tasks and doesn’t feel shortchanged when you’re on the highway. However, the Disco is by no means a sports saloon. You’ll forgive it though as the ride comfort is superb. Which is exactly what you’d want if you are planning to ferry seven-people around. Air-suspension is now standard-kit across the board here. It helps make the Disco feel planted when driving on narrow switchbacks, but most importantly is provides an elevation of comfort that we’ve come to expect from Land Rover. It really does feel like a luxury saloon. The only real difference is in the dynamics. It does show body-roll when you want to drive in a sporty fashion. However, you’ll have to settle for a BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. Both are great choices, but none are as roomy or versatile as the Disco. The driving position is spot on good with excellent comfort and refinement. The infotainment is now a 11.4-inch and is much easier to navigate through than before. We love the simplicity of the interior although some may say that it is a bit plain. The second-row seats offer good headroom and legroom, although those in the third row won’t really want to stay back there for too long. It isn’t as versatile as the XC90 which does the three rows of passenger comfort well. Boot space with the seats in place is about class average, but when you fold that third-row seat down space opens up considerably. Fold the second-row seat down also and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. The electrically folding seats do take a while to fold and unfold. The driving position is spot on good with excellent comfort and refinement. The infotainment is now a 11.4-inch and is much easier to navigate through than before. We love the simplicity of the interior although some may say that it is a bit plain. The second-row seats offer good headroom and legroom, although those in the third row won’t really want to stay back there for too long. It isn’t as versatile as the XC90 which does the three rows of passenger comfort well. Boot space with the seats in place is about class average, but when you fold that third-row seat down space opens up considerably. Fold the second-row seat down also and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. The electrically folding seats do take a while to fold and unfold. Discover S comes with 20-inch alloy wheels standard. Along with rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and rearview parking camera. You’ll have to step up to R-Dynamic trim to get the optional six-cylinder engine. With R-Dynamic HSE coming standard with 22-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beam assist and 3D Surround view camera. The Disco is the Land Rover that’s a real jack of all trade. Likes: The new engines are much more refined. The infotainment system has been drastically improved. Dislikes: No more diesel six-cylinder. The new turbo six-cylinder is limited to R-Dynamic. Our pick: The Disco S is the best compromise without having to pay Land Rover price tag.

Pathological is swayed by the new Disco

We loved the Land Rover LR4 because not only was it a workhorse but it was also a seven-seat crossover that could ferry the family around in comfort and style. Those days are long gone and the new Disco is here to reclaim the crown that the LR4 held dearly in our hearts.

You can choose between two engines. The entry 3-liter supercharged six-cylinder pumps out 340hp and offers decent flexibility while the 3-liter turbo-diesel seems like the better choice for those who do tons of highway driving and also will be using the seven seats and carry luggage aboard. We personally didn’t get the chance to test the turbo-diesel engine as it wasn’t available, but the 3-liter supercharged unit felt up for the job. Our tester car didn’t come with any fancy bells and whistles. It was the HSE trim which we found to be all you need with the Disco in terms of standard kit.

Driving the Disco around town doesn’t feel like much of a chore as the size suggests. It really is easy to squeeze around tight parking spaces thanks to communicative steering which is enough for this vehicle. Parking aids also help take the sting out of it as well. The engine doesn’t lack in flexibility or refinement as it is silky smooth. We took it on the highway and found ourselves doing 80mph and not even feeling like it. Wind and road noise are so well suppressed that (dare we say) is better than a Mercedes S-class.

The driving position is spot on good with excellent comfort and refinement. The infotainment system is a little fussy to use at first but once you’ve gotten used to it, everything just falls into place. We love the simplicity of the interior although some may say that it is a bit plain. The second row seats offer good headroom and legroom, although those in the third row won’t really want to stay back there for too long. It isn’t as versatile as the XC90 which does the three rows of passenger comfort well. Boot space with the seats in place is about class average, but when you fold that third row seat down space opens up considerably. Fold the second row seat down also and you’ve got yourself a cargo van. The electrically folding seats do take a while to fold and unfold.

SE trim gets 19-inch alloys, rain sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and rear parking aid with visual display. You’ll have to step up to the HSE to get 20-inch alloys, LED headlights, powered inner tailgate and a 380watt Meridian Sound System. HSE Luxury adds a twin-speed transfer box, electronic air suspension, panoramic sunroof, heated seven seats and three-zone climate control. First Edition gets all terrain progress control, 21-inch alloys, surround view camera, intelligent seat fold and activity key.

You’ll have a hard time disliking the Disco because it really does offer more refinement than the LR4 and while we didn’t get the chance to take it off-road. We know that this will be as capable as the LR4 is. Our only concern is that Land Rover reliability record is still iffy.

Likes: Tough off-road and luxurious on-road, both engines are more than capable for the job. We love the way this thing looks.

Dislikes: Halogen headlights on entry-level SE.

Our pick: HSE Trim adds all the bits that you’d want with your Disco without pushing the price outside of the means of reason or logic. Those willing to dish out the cash should jump right for the First Edition.