Prices up, but Land Rover’s mid-size SUV gains 11.4-inch curved touch-screen and PHEV option
The 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport has been revealed ahead of first Australian deliveries of the upgraded tech-enhanced premium mid-size SUV from December 2023.
Prices have risen by up to $9260 across the range, which now starts at $85,250 plus on-road costs for the Dynamic SE P250 and $94,800 plus ORCs for the Dynamic HSE version, while a new plug-in hybrid Dynamic SE P300e flagship also becomes available from $103,450.
This PHEV powertrain is identical to the one already found in the Range Rover Evoque, which was introduced as a replacement for diesel power.
The headline addition across the range is a huge 11.4-inch curved infotainment screen that’s a derivative of the one found in the latest Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, although it also eliminates the previous panel of buttons that was located underneath the slimmer display.
With the old rotary selectors for the temperature and fan speed banished, designers have managed to free up space for a storage space that now incorporates a new wireless charger.
All functions are now operated through the large touch-screen that runs the car-maker’s latest generation of its Pivi Pro software and introduces over-the-air updates in some markets.
To ensure users aren’t burdened with the need to scroll through endless sub-menus, Land Rover promises the new Discovery Sport’s infotainment system carries out 90 per cent of all tasks with just two taps of the screen.
Users will also benefit from the standard Amazon Alexa and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Other upgrades include a pair of USB-C chargers in the front and middle rows, while the three-row seven-seat models now come with separate climate-control functionality for the rearmost seats.
Under the bonnet, the previous P250 engine carries over but there’s now a new P300e plug-in hybrid that is said to offer an NEDC-certified EV driving range of 66km, which is claimed to translate into a real-world 47km of zero-emissions motoring.
That figure, Land Rover claims, is more than 90 per cent of daily journeys in EV mode, according to the most recent data – suggesting real cost savings on the daily commute for the typical Australian driver.
Thanks to the car-maker’s next-gen battery chemistry, the 14.9kWh battery can be topped up from 0-80 per cent in around 30 minutes using a standard DC rapid-charger.
Combining an electric motor with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, the Discovery Sport P300e produces 227kW and 540Nm of torque that provides for a brisk 0-100km/h sprint of 6.6 seconds and a 209km/h top speed.
The P250 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is unchanged, producing 183kW and 365Nm.
Other changes within the line-up include the introduction of Land Rover’s latest Cabin air purification system that can scrub the air of particles and impurities including odours, bacteria and allergens. Like before, the system can monitor outside air quality before occupants leave the vehicle.
Subtle styling changes involve all models now using a gloss black roof finish for the roof, Discovery badging, grille, lower sills and lower bumpers.
The same shiny black paint is also used on the wheel-arches and air intake blades.
New alloy wheel designs have also been introduced, including a 20-inch rim finished in gloss black and another new option of 19-inch rims that are painted gloss back but feature a diamond-turned finish.
Varesine Blue also becomes available as an external paint colour.
How much does the 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport cost?
Dynamic SE P250 – $85,250 (+$4280)
Dynamic HSE P250 – $94,800 (+$9260)
Dynamic SE P300e – $103,450 (new)
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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Keyword: 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport pricing and specs