Land Rover Discovery Landmark 2016 Review

Land  Rover Discovery Landmark SDV6
Road Test

As a stalwart of the prestige off-road segment, the Land Rover Discovery needs little introduction. Recently – and in a bid to extend the appeal of the aging model – a pair of limited edition variants was added to the Discovery line-up, including the flagship Landmark model tested here. Powered by Land Rover’s strong SDV6 engine, the model includes a few more bells and whistles, and a distinctive new look, for a retail price of $106,690 (plus on-road costs). Is the special model worth the hype – or indeed the asking price? We hit the road to find out.

A replacement for the Land Rover Discovery might still be years away, but that hasn’t stopped the British marque making the best of its current proposition. Released recently, the Discovery Graphite and Landmark limited editions add fresh appeal to the venerable off-roader, the Landmark model tested here topping the current Discovery range with a retail price of $106,690 (plus on-road costs).

Based on the already generously-equipped Discovery SDV6 HSE, the flagship Landmark variant is distinguished externally by Titan-coloured bonnet and tailgate badging, Bright Finish full-length roof rails, Narvik mirror scalps, sunroof, 20-inch five split-spoke alloys, and black grille vanes and fender vents. Zanzibar metallic paint (pictured) is offered for the first time on Discovery and is exclusive to the Landmark variant.

Inside, the model adopts Windsor leather upholstery and extended leather pack throughout, available in three colour options: Almond, Ebony (as shown) and Tan. Optional equipment extends to a sunroof ($3860), digital TV receiver ($1580), privacy glass ($1100), extended function blind-spot monitor ($700) and wade sensing technology ($340). The Discovery offers a water fording depth of 700mm.

As noted, the Landmark model is available exclusively in conjunction with JLR’s (AJD-V6T) 3.0-litre twin sequential turbo V6 diesel. Developing 183kW at 4000rpm and 600Nm from 2000rpm, the mill promises a 0-100km/h time of 9.3sec and a top whack of 180km/h. Considering the Landmark’s kerb mass of 2558kg the figures are impressive, as is its 8.8L/100km combined cycle fuel consumption figure and 230g/km CO2 emissions average. Braked towing capacity is unchanged at 3500kg.

Like all Discovery models, the Landmark runs an eight-speed ZF (8HP) transmission as standard and drives all four wheels via Land Rover’s patented multi-mode Terrain Response system. The system includes a dual-range transfer box for more serious off-road applications, and electronic locking centre and rear differentials (the model on test is equipped with an optional active locking rear differential for $1060).

As always, the Discovery’s monocoque-on-frame chassis is independently suspended by air bags at each corner, the steering is electrically-assisted and the brakes all disc.

On road, the Discovery Landmark feels familiar and secure. Its heft is noticeable, no doubt, but considering its size and suspension geometry the high-riding SUV corners quite well, with only moderate body roll presented when moving at highway speeds. Of course the suspension comes into its own on unsealed roads, the ruts and potholes of local fire trails absorbed with little fuss. It’s a vehicle that is remarkably agile for its size, too, tackling sharp switchbacks and tight tracks with ease thanks to an 11.4m turning circle.

While we didn’t tackle any significant off-road obstacles (for fear of damaging that glistening Zanzibar paint), previously experience tells us the Discovery is more than capable. Our only real criticisms of the model on this test being a delay in response in roll-on throttle applications, and a slight lag from the turbochargers when accelerating briskly from a standing start. We also found the steering rack a little quick initially.

The Discovery is surprisingly quiet with just a faint hum from the all-terrain tyres present at highway speeds. Otherwise, the seven-seat cabin feels spacious and accommodating for long stints on the road, a weekend trip to the hills demonstrating the Discovery’s excellent outward vision and thoughtful ergonomics. Both the steering wheel and seat are electronically adjustable, meaning the smallest positional tweaks to the driving position are possible. The fold-down armrest is perfect for extended touring, as is the centre console’s chilled compartment.

With the third-row seats stowed flat in the floor the Discovery offers 1260 litres of cargo space, more than enough for a weekend (or even a week!) away. The air suspension’s Access Height allows the load bed to be more accessible for loading and unloading, however I found the depth of the load area required climbing into the boot to retrieve objects placed against the second-row seats. Serious off-roaders may elect to install a drawer system for fridges and the like.

The Land Rover Discovery Landmark SDV6 is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and roadside assistance package. Service intervals are pegged annually, or at 26,000km (whichever comes first).

As was the case with the Silver Jubilee Discovery XXV tested in 2014, we’re sure the Discovery Landmark is entirely capable off-road. We’re just not sure we’d feel comfortable beating it up. We’ve proven before that the Disco is entirely capable, and with four generations over 25 years, the model certainly does have a reputation to uphold.

But as the new Discovery sets to head even further upmarket the Landmark limited edition could well be a taste of things to come. Sure, it’s probably not as hard-core as off-road loyalists might want for – Land Rover saving that title for the SVX variant expected shortly – but it does provide the prestige look and feel urban buyers demand. In a market such as ours, that can only be a good thing.

2016 Land Rover Discovery Landmark SDV6 pricing and specifications:
Price: $106,690 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel
Output: 183kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 230g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> BMW X5 xDrive30d (from $102,900 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 d (from $104,900 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota LandCruiser Prado Kakadu (from $84,490 plus ORCs)