Review: Land Rover L319.I Discovery 4 (2009-12)

Overview

Released in October 2009, the Land Rover L319 Series I (L319.I) Discovery 4 was a four-wheel drive wagon, available with five or seven seats. Manufactured in Solihull, UK, the Discovery 4 was available with 2.7- and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines.

TDV6 and V8 engines

Of the engines,

The 2.7-litre TdV6 diesel engine had a compacted graphite iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, common-rail injection (maximum pressure of 1650 bars), piezo injectors, a single turbocharger, an air-to-air intercooler, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.3:1;
The 3.0-litre TdV6 diesel engine differed in that it had parallel sequential turbochargers, an updated common-rail injection system and a compression ratio of 16.4:1. The larger turbocharger operated at low rpm and, once the engine reached 2800 rpm, the smaller turbocharger would provide compressed air to the larger turbocharger’s intake port; and,
The 5.0-litre AJ133 V8 engine had a die-cast aluminium block with cast-in iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps, spray-guided direct injection, graphite cast-iron crankshafts, forged steel connecting rods, double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT), camshaft profile switching (CPS) on the inlet camshaft, four valves per cylinder, a variable inlet manifold and a compression ratio of 11.5:1.

Six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmissions were fitted as standard across the range.

Dimensions

Compared to its Discovery 3 predecessor, the Discovery 4 was 3 mm longer (at 4838 mm), 107 mm wider (2022 mm) and 5 mm taller (1887 mm); wheelbase length, however, was unchanged at 2885 mm.

Suspension

Like its predecessor, the Discovery 4 had independent, double wishbone front and rear, though electronically-controlled, cross-linked air springs were fitted as standard. Changes, however, included new suspension knuckles, upgraded anti-roll bars for reduced bodyroll and revised bushes and dampers for improved ride quality. The variable-ratio steering rack was also revised for reduced on-centre sensitivity and greater feel at higher steering locks.

Land Rover L319.I Discovery 4 specifications
Variant	Edition	Seats	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.7 TdV6	N/A	5, (7 opt.)	2.7-litre turbo diesel V6	6sp auto	140 kW at 4000 rpm	440 Nm at 1900 rpm
3.0 SDV6	SE, HSE	7	3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V6	6sp auto	180 kW at 4000 rpm	600 Nm at 2000 rpm
5.0 V8	N/A	7	5.0-litre petrol V8	6sp auto	276 kW at 6500 rpm	510 Nm at 3500 rpm

4WD system

Like its predecessor, the Discovery 4 had a permanent four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer box, lockable centre differential and an electrically-controlled rear differential. Furthermore, Land Rover’s ‘Terrain Response’ system enabled the driver to select one of five terrain settings: 1) general; 2) grass/gravel/snow; 3) mud and ruts; 4) sand; and 5) rock crawl. For each setting, the system adjusted the differential locking ratio, traction control system, hill descent control, anti-lock system and suspension height. For the Discovery 4, the ‘Terrain Response’ was also upgraded with a sand ‘launch control’ function to reduce wheelspin and an enhanced ‘rock crawl’ mode which automatically applied the brakes – at speeds below 5km/h – to reduce lurching.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Discovery 4 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for each row of seats, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control (including trailer stability control), traction control, rollover stability control and hill descent control.

Features

Standard features for the 2.7 TdV6 included 18-inch alloy wheels, nine speaker Harman Kardon sound system with CD player and MP3 compatibility, dual zone climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, power adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights with washers, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, door and footwell lamps, tilt adjustable leather steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet and cargo cover. If optioned for seven seats, the 2.7 TdV6 was also fitted with 35/30/35-split second row seats, map lights and an additional power outlet; leather seats were also available.

The 3.0 SDV6 SE was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, bi-xenon headlights and power folding mirrors. Beyond this, the 3.0 SDV6 HSE added a touch-screen interface for the sound system (with USB and iPod inputs), in-built hard drive, four-zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, voice recognition, front parking sensors, rear camera, eight-way power adjustable front seats, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, power adjustable passenger seat, cargo net and ambient lighting.

The range-topping 5.0 V8 was distinguished by its 20-inch alloy wheels, fourteen speaker sound system, front camera, proximity key, 6-disc DVD player with rear seat displays, TV tuner (analogue and digital), adjustable front seat bolsters, heated front and second row seats, heated steering wheel, directional headlights, rear electronic differential, roof rails and electric sunroof.ric sunroof.

November 2011: Discovery 4 update

In November 2011, the Discovery 4 was updated for the 2012 model year. Inside, there were revised wiper and indicator stalks and chrome instrument bezels with clearer symbols; the entry-level Discovery 4 was also fitted with a colour-screen which could control the upgraded sound system. Furthermore, standard features were extended to include an eight speaker sound system with a colour-screen touch screen, Bluetooth audio streaming and USB/iPod connectivity.

Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Luxury

In September 2012, a limited-run 3.0 SDV6 HSE Luxury variant was released. Inside, the HSE Luxury featured Windsor leather upholstery (including the dashboard and armrests) with contrasting stitching and edging and Dark Zebrano wood veneers. Visually, the HSE Luxury could be distinguished by its 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, silver highlights and body-coloured door handles and grille mesh.

Review: Land Rover L319.II Discovery 4 (2013)