Land Rover Discovery gets new 302bhp 3.0 litre SDV6 and new Tech

The Land Rover Discovery gets a new 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine option with 302bhp, as well as new technology including Clear Exit Monitor.

Now we know the Land Rover Discovery is off to be built only in Slovakia so JLR can save a few bob on production costs, perhaps buyers will feel disinclined to cheer improvements to the model? But that would be a bit churlish, wouldn’t it?

Perhaps potential buyers may also look at the main improvement to the Discovery – a new diesel engine – and think that’s so yesterday. But that would be wrong; a torquey diesel engine is by far the best option on a properly able off-roader like the Discovery.

That new diesel engine option for the Discovery is a 3.0 litre SDV6, complete with 302bhp and 516lb/ft of torque, which lets the Discovery sprint to 62mph in a slightly inappropriate 7.0 seconds and tow, more appropriately, 3,500kg thanks to that nice lump of torque.

The engine gets a revised air intake system for its twin turbos with twin intercoolers and eight-nozzle injectors, as well as particulate filters to clean out more nasties.

Also new to the Discovery is Clear Exit Monitor which warns you if you’re about to open a door in front of cars, bikes or pedestrians, and the Discovery’s Adaptive Cruise Control now has Stop and Go support at all times to maintain speed and distance, even down to a stop.

Nick Collins, JLR Vehicle Line Director, said:

The latest updates strengthen Discovery’s status as the most versatile and capable family SUV. Our new diesel engine provides strong performance and efficiency while the latest safety technology protects occupants and other road users.