2009 Land Rover Discovery 4 revealed
April 8, 2009 by Matt Brogan
The new, fourth generation of Land Rover’s supremely versatile seven-seat vehicle gains a new name, Discovery 4, to go with its powerful and highly efficient new TDV6 diesel engine, fresh exterior identity and more premium cabin.
The model’s class-leading breadth of capability is extended even further with dynamic improvements, for both on-road and off-road driving, and the addition of user-friendly new technologies and features.
Available with two new engines, a 3.0-litre, twin turbo, diesel and 5.0-litre V8 petrol, both claim to provide greater performance with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions while at the same time further refining the renowned on-road dynamics that have this year been further transformed by comprehensive chassis system developments and a new super-smooth six-speed adaptive transmission.
Land Rover’s award-winning Terrain Response system has also been updated as have exterior design cues with a fresher, smoother new front end including revised headlamps integrated with LEDs.
All-new interior design delivers a more premium and functional seven-seat space with user-friendly features now including surround camera system, gradient release, tow assist, high beam assist and keyless entry.
“The outgoing Discovery 3 has well over 100 international awards to its name. But we’ve found ways to improve virtually every aspect of the vehicle’s design and engineering – some subtle, some major. New design signals comprehensive engineering change under the skin, and now gives us the Discovery 4,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director.
“The new interior not only has a much more premium look and feel, it’s also gained improvement to its functionality. The new console inclines towards the driver, the switchgear and controls fall more readily to hand, and new LED Interior Mood Lighting in HSE models helps make the cabin a more pleasant and more easily used space after dark. We’ve made the interior environment more premium too, with smoother surfaces, softer materials and close attention to critical details such as stitching,” says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director.
“The changes and upgrades for Discovery 4 transform many aspects of the previous generation, at the same time as enhancing the flexibility and versatility for which Discovery is famous. It can carry huge loads in its spacious interior, climb mountains, cruise across continents, haul trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes, or transport seven family and friends in comfort. I can’t think of a more versatile vehicle anywhere,” says Mr Popham.
The new Discovery is packed with e-TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES aimed at reducing fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions.
Both the new 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel and 5.0-litre V8 direct injection petrol engine were designed from the outset to deliver class-leading fuel economy and improved low-end torque.
Print it: 
Looks great. Looking at the car and the interior, does anybody really still think that it’s going to break down and bits are going to fall off every time you go near it? It looks set to take the lead in SUV build quality and the new engines will make this one of the best cars in the world. And it really should be reliable to. Only time will tell but that’s the same with any car, even Japanese ones.
CA – Why no story about the RRS or the Vogue?
Alex, come now, “…does anybody really still think that it’s going to break down and bits are going to fall off every time you go near it?”?
Yes.
Yes we do.
And for good reason.
No Devil, you’ve no reason. Just stereotype. When they throw a new engine at you along with a new interior, you really can’t keep going on about problems that were mainly on cars two generations old with the old engines. The electrics will have been overhauled as well because the layout of the new interior is too different to keep the old ones. I know Land Rover aren’t pristine in reliability stakes but when most are coming around to the fact that maybe they aren’t the worst brand in the world, it’s time you start thinking about it too. And if you’ve nothing to comment on other than reliability problems that prospective owners probably won’t have, then don’t bother commenting.
People may have problems with their Land Rovers but the majority don’t and thats why they continue to sell in (surprisingly) high numbers.
Devil, its the year 2009. Not late 90’s mate.
love everything about it – except for the tail-lights…
Tim Says:
April 8th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
Devil, its the year 2009. Not late 90’s mate.
You said it mate.
Devil you forgot to mention the weak diffs in 1972.
I’m finding this a confusing trend.
To me the Discovery should offer something between the no compromise Defender models and the luxurious Range models. Seems to go too far towards RR for me – left asking the question what the point of the Range Rover Sport?
I’m all for comfort in the Discovery, I just hope they haven’t made it softer
C’mon guys, I’ve had a Discover 2, my friend’s still driving it, it’s got like 150,000 miles now or just about, it’s 10 years old, and it’s been a very reliable, rugged truck. It’s all about stereotypes and luck with this vehicles, but they tend to be pretty reliable, and it’s the older ones that had more problems for the most part.
i can understand that everyone has either a reliability is an issue or not is not an issue anymore… i would like to think that is not an issue either as i really really like these 4wd’s but… jd power reliability shows that they are still somewhere in the bottom… :( makes me a little jittery to want to buy one… sob sob sob…
Oh and FINALLY their interiors are gorgeous!! The only bad thing about the outgoing Landie was the crap silver interior..I hated that. But this looks pure class!
I wouldn’t worry about the jd Power thing. There is a lot of reasons why any product performs well or doesn’t perform in these types of surveys. I am on my 4th Discovery and I am still waiting for all the reliability problems. I have had a Discovery 3 for nearly 4 years and I wouldn’t swap it for anything until I saw that beautiful new interior, then there is that new V6…roll on Discovery 4.
Looks, great hope it runs as well as my 2003 Disco :-)
Over 100,000kms, and still going strong hasn’t missed a beat and still has all it bits!
I think it may be time to trade, the twin turbo TDV6 sound awesome.
Disco 4 looks great pleased they increased the engine to 3.0 its about timeinterior was the same spec as the Sport
Can now buy a great looking car hope the Chavs dont get on to it
All sounds and looks good but I think I will make sure I am sitting down when the pricing comes out
Jenko, I wouldn’t expect it to cost much more than $70,000 as a starting price, considering the Discovery 3 cost $63,990 last time I heard. And thats cheap considering the competition and the badge, not to mention the engine and (expected) quality.
I’m also tired of hearing about reliability problems. I’ve got a 2007 Discovery 3 – not a single issue. Faultless 100%.
Alex $63k for a Disco dounds like the run out price on the petrol versions. Expect no change from $80k for diesel SE model.
I’ll be lining up for the new diesel. 180kw would be a welcome upgrade
I have had 3 Landrover products over the last 20 odd years and still own a Discovery 2 diesel…..Looks like a 4th one will be on its way soon, as they certainly look the goods. And as far as problems go I have many friends with Toyota’s ,Nissans, Pajeros…you should ask them about problems.
My Landrover experience has not been very pleasant. My discovery 2 had a complete engine rebuild at christmas and has been back for 5 oil leaks since then just tell me why I would want to buy another Landrover or see anyone else waste there money and put up with sub standard service. It is my 3rd Landrover and has me putting my hand in my pocket all to often so the new model would have to be 100% improved I don’t believe it is!!!!!
Forgot to say that rebuild was required at 93 k, due to the bolt holding the sprocket that drives the chain to the oil pump coming adrift. There was no warning system alert no oil pressure light came on, NOTHING. I don’t believe that the product will be any better assembled. In my opinion Landrover’s are a waste of money, time and effort.
With this model, why would any body in right mind would want to buy a Range Rover or any other 4×4 for that matter!I can’t wait to get behind the wheel.
I am still driving my 1997 Discovery (diesel ) ,it returned on my last tip 1027klms to the 90 litre tank and nothing has ever fallen off this vehicle , it has driven 314,000 klms and my mechanic ( only L/Rover -R/Rover ) informs me that the engine is strong , transmission A1.This Disco has driven around 100,000 of very tough off road Klms , I prospect for gold . It is time now to upgrade and can’t wait to test drive the Series 4.This will be my 9th Landrover in 39 years of driving.
If you are worried about reliabilty, get real.
All Rang rover service centres are running at about 30% staffing levels that they were 5 or 6 years ago – reason:
IMPROVED QUALITY AND RELIABILTY!!!!!!!!
Any news on price
Lets hope they bring out a poverty pack! I just want a basic reliable four wheel drive! I dont want leather seats and all these fancy gismos! Its just another thing to stuff up and cost dollars to fix!
Just a manual gear box and low range and high range lever , not a switch a lever. As for the engine i hope they havent got all this electronic garbage on it !
We can only hope its good build quality and reliable ! BMW destroyed them, Ford tried to fix it but where unsucessful.Lets see if this Indian company can get it right!
Time will tell.
They say A$82,000 but with Australian Luxury Car Tax, etc, this is A$88,000 on the road for the top end diesel model. Seems LR needs to look a bit closer at the opposition and price it more realistically. For business people, they only have until Dec 31st to get the orders before the 50% Tax Rebate ends, so they will have to be quick to respond.