Car of the Year 2017: Land Rover Discovery

An Auto Express Car of the Year must raise the bar, innovate and offer something new in its class. The Land Rover Discovery does exactly that. It pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the premium SUV sector, providing additional technology, a cosseting cabin with more than enough space for seven, sophistication and a level of comfort that’s unmatched at this price.

Land Rover has also pushed the boundaries when it comes to styling. The Discovery’s looks won’t be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying its imposing stance. It’s a similar story inside, where the smart rising centre console and first-rate construction mix solidity and quality.

With V6 turbodiesel and supercharged petrol motors sitting alongside the twin-turbo Sd4, there are plenty of options in the engine bay. The V6 diesel boasts an extra 100Nm of torque over the four-cylinder if pulling power and off-road performance rank high on your list of requirements. However, with all Discovery models being fitted with air-suspension as standard, ride comfort and refinement are a given.

Rivals struggle to match the Discovery’s space, adaptability and versatility, while Land Rover’s traditional approach to off-road use means the model is unbeatable away from the tarmac. Plus the neat fold-out boot ledge that can hold up to 300kg helps to negate the move to a single-piece tailgate from the car’s traditional split boot door.

Meanwhile, three different ways to fold the rear seats (depending on spec), along with connected services and brilliant smartphone integration, mean the Discovery seamlessly integrates into family life.

The Land Rover’s strongest trait is the way it marries every aspect of its personality to deliver something that covers all the bases – offering exactly what you’d expect from a large premium SUV. It mixes an innovative approach for a seven-seater, serving up something no top-notch 4x4 before it has offered. It raises the bar of what’s expected from a premium SUV, which is why it’s the Auto Express Car of the Year 2017.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2017

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