Skip advert
Advertisement

Large Premium SUV of the Year 2017: Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery is the 2017 Auto Express Large Premium SUV of the Year, with the Tesla Model X and Volvo XC90 commended

Land Rover evolved the Discovery for this all-new fifth-generation model, taking the iconic seven-seat SUV even further upmarket by adding more tech, refinement, practicality and efficiency.

This British success story arguably marks one of the biggest steps in the Disco’s 28-year history. Not only has the styling moved on dramatically to give the car a much more modern look, while retaining some typical Discovery characteristics such as the stepped roof and clamshell bonnet, but you can now get the model with a 237bhp twin-turbo version of Land Rover’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine. This makes the Land Rover more efficient than ever, thanks in part to a new monocoque chassis that uses plenty of aluminium to shave up to 480kg off the old car’s kerbweight.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Slashing bulk has reduced emissions, too, so the four-cylinder diesel has a respectable 171g/km CO2 figure. Yet the Discovery still pulls well and offers plenty of refinement, with a diesel growl only evident on full throttle at higher revs. With an identical 3,500kg towing limit to the V6 diesel, you don’t lose much in the way of versatility, either.

Taking mass out has allowed Land Rover to put plenty of tech in, so the Discovery comes loaded with advanced features. The rear seats fold remotely using the brand’s Intelligent Seat Fold tech as part of its smartphone app, or by using the 10-inch touchscreen, and kit such as Trailer Assist helps you reverse when hitched up. A WiFi hotspot, USB charging points for all occupants and the ability to sync your Apple Watch with the car highlight the tech on offer.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The firm’s Terrain Response 2 system means the Discovery is also imperious off-road, as any Land Rover should be. However, it’s the refinement, relaxing, floating ride and luxury on offer that really grab you.

Land Rover Discovery - front cornering

The car now offers Range Rover quality with even more tech at a more affordable price. Factor in the superior practicality compared with its rivals, and the Discovery offers the best blend of high-end feel and usability in the most convincing package in its class.

Our choice

Land Rover Discovery Sd4 HSE (£57,495)

HSE spec is the best balance of kit and cost. With the luxurious feel you’d expect from a high-end SUV and the robust quality Land Rover has become famous for, the Discovery’s breadth of ability is incredible. It’s a great family car that offers refinement, technology and space. It moves the game on another step.

Commended

Tesla Model X

Tesla Model X - front

With its gullwing rear doors, brilliant infotainment and stunning performance given its size, the all-electric Tesla Model X offers a different take on the luxury large SUV formula. Genuinely usable range and the improving charging infrastructure make this car a viable alternative to a conventional luxury SUV.

Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 - front

As a former Auto Express Car of the Year, the XC90 earns a worthy mention thanks to its individual approach. It’s a great seven-seat SUV that offers premium appeal, practicality and a relatively involving drive. This is the car that announced a new era for Volvo.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2017

• Car of the Year 2017• Coupe of the Year 2017
• City Car of the Year 2017• Convertible of the Year 2017
• Supermini of the Year 2017• Roadster of the Year 2017
• Compact Family Car of the Year 2017• Performance Car of the Year 2017
• Family Car of the Year 2017• Compact Executive of the Year 2017
• Estate Car of the Year 2017• Executive Car of the Year 2017
• MPV of the Year 2017• Luxury Car of the Year 2017
• Small SUV of the Year 2017• Van of the Year 2017
• Mid-size SUV of the Year 2017• Electric Car of the Year 2017
• Large SUV of the Year 2017• Technology Award 2017
• Premium SUV of the Year 2017• Advertising Campaign of the Year 2017
• Large Premium SUV of the Year 2017• Social Media Campaign of the Year 2017
• Pick-up of the Year 2017• Car Design Award 2017
• Hot hatch of the Year 2017• Driver Power Award 2017

For complete, in-depth coverage of the 2017 New Car Awards, buy your collector's edition copy of the Auto Express magazine now or click here to subscribe...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Fastest-accelerating cars 2025: world's quickest 0-60mph production cars
Fastest-accelerating cars 06/25

Fastest-accelerating cars 2025: world's quickest 0-60mph production cars

The definitive list of the fastest-accelerating production cars in the world, ranked by their official 0-60mph times.
Best cars & vans
27 Aug 2025
Best large SUVs to buy 2025
Best large SUVs - header image

Best large SUVs to buy 2025

Large SUVs are big on comfort, practicality and versatility. Here’s our pick of the best on sale now
Best cars & vans
28 Jul 2025
Three car garage: Jaguar I-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Octavia award winners, all for £45k
Three-car garage - 45,000

Three car garage: Jaguar I-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Octavia award winners, all for £45k

A Jaguar I-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and Skoda Octavia are a fantastic group of former Car of the Year winners
Features
7 Jul 2025
Land Rover Discovery refresh brings new Gemini and Tempest special editions
Land Rover Discovery Tempest - front

Land Rover Discovery refresh brings new Gemini and Tempest special editions

The Defender might be hogging all the limelight, but Land Rover’s not given up on the Discovery yet
News
15 May 2025

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025