Land Rover Discovery 4

Why it won...

Among all the cars in our rundown, the Discovery 4 is one of the brightest talents. You only have to take a look at its trophy cabinet – the versatile Land Rover 4x4 has figured on the winners list at our annual awards for seven consecutive years.

Admittedly the run started with the Discovery 3, but you get our point: not many models have enjoyed such a level of dominance over their rivals. And it’s easy to see why the car has proven so dominant. It marries high-class fixtures and fittings with huge dimensions, while a pair of adult-sized extra seats in the boot boost practicality. They fold in seconds to provide a gargantuan 543-litre load area.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Land Rover Discovery 4

Performance from the 3.0-litre diesel engine is more than up to the task, and the no-nonsense styling and desirable Land Rover badge combine to give the Discovery 4 limitless appeal. And that’s before you even consider what it’s like to drive. Off-road ability is typically brilliant, but it’s not what it can do that will amaze owners; instead it’s the fuss-free manner in which the car goes about its business. 

The confidence-inspiring serenity it provides on rutted and bumpy tracks has to be experienced to be believed. Plus, it’s equally capable on smooth tarmac. On top of all that is generous equipment and the kind of tempting prices that will give rivals something to think about.

What’s more, competitors harbouring ambitions of preventing the Discovery 4 from making it eight titles in a row in 2012 should be warned. A revised model with more power and lower emissions (down from 244g/km to 230g/km) is due to hit showrooms here in October.

Our pick: XS trim provides the best blend of price and equipment, but we’d hold on before placing an order. Land Rover is about to revise the only engine in the range – the 3.0-litre diesel – to give it more power. Plus, it will feature a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Highly commended

BMW X5
While the Discovery 4 prioritises off-road prowess over on-road handling, the BMW does the reverse. It’s brilliant to drive on tarmac, yet still capable in the rough. Ultimately, the seven-seat X5 isn’t as spacious as the Land Rover, but it will still appeal to many buyers on account of its more car-like driving dynamics.

Range Rover
Prestigious Brit is too expensive to take the top prize, and it seats only five people, but it transcends traditional class boundaries. Here is an SUV that can go mud-plugging with the best of them, yet its interior provides the kind of quality and comfort found in top luxury saloons. The ultimate money-no-object all-rounder.