When comparing the Land Rover Discovery 4 Engines options to its competitors, several key factors like performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability come into play. The Discovery 4, produced from 2009 to 2016, offered a range of engines depending on market and model year, with both petrol and diesel options. However, its competitors in the luxury SUV segment also offered a variety of engines and performance capabilities. Let’s break down the engines in the Discovery 4 compared to its primary competitors like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
Land Rover Discovery 4 Engine Options
The Discovery 4 (also known as the LR4 in some markets) was available with both diesel and petrol engines.
Diesel Engines:
3.0L V6 TDV6 (Diesel)
- Power: 211-252 hp (depending on the model year)
- Torque: 520-600 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 9-9.5 seconds
- Known for its strong towing capability, low-end torque, and good fuel economy for such a large SUV.
3.0L V6 SDV6 (Diesel)
- Power: 255 hp
- Torque: 600 Nm
- 0-60 mph: ~8.8 seconds
- More refined and slightly more powerful than the standard TDV6, offering better acceleration and towing capacity.
2.7L TDV6 (Diesel)
- Power: 190 hp
- Torque: 440 Nm
- 0-60 mph: ~10.5 seconds
- This engine was less powerful and less refined but offered better fuel efficiency.
4.4L V8 TDV8 (Diesel) – Available in some markets like the UK
- Power: 313 hp
- Torque: 700 Nm
- 0-60 mph: ~8.5 seconds
- A more powerful option that provided excellent off-road capability and towing capacity.
Petrol Engines:
5.0L V8 (Petrol)
- Power: 375 hp
- Torque: 510 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 7.5 seconds
- Known for its smooth performance and good refinement.
3.0L V6 Supercharged Petrol (2014-2016)
- Power: 340 hp
- Torque: 450 Nm
- 0-60 mph: ~7.5 seconds
- High-performance engine with quick acceleration and a powerful soundtrack, aimed at the performance-oriented buyer.
Competitors
BMW X5 (F15, 2014-2018) Engine Options
The BMW X5 is another luxury SUV with a mix of petrol and diesel options, and it competes directly with the Discovery 4.
3.0L Inline-6 Diesel (xDrive30d)
- Power: 254 hp
- Torque: 560 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
- Offers impressive performance and great fuel efficiency. The X5 is known for its balance of driving dynamics and comfort.
4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol (xDrive50i)
- Power: 445 hp
- Torque: 650 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
- Exceptionally fast and more performance-focused. It offers rapid acceleration, though it sacrifices fuel efficiency compared to the diesels.
3.0L Inline-6 Petrol (xDrive40i)
- Power: 335 hp
- Torque: 450 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 5.3 seconds
- A more refined petrol option, delivering strong performance and efficiency.
Audi Q7 (2015-2020) Engine Options
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that offers a variety of engine configurations with emphasis on comfort, technology, and refined performance.
3.0L V6 TDI Diesel
- Power: 272 hp
- Torque: 600 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
- A strong performer with a good combination of power, efficiency, and towing ability.
3.0L V6 Supercharged Petrol (3.0 TFSI)
- Power: 333 hp
- Torque: 440 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds
- This engine provides good performance with a smooth, responsive drive.
4.2L V8 TDI Diesel (older models, before 2015)
- Power: 335 hp
- Torque: 800 Nm
- 0-60 mph: ~6.2 seconds
- High-powered, refined, and excellent for towing heavy loads, though less fuel-efficient.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class (2012-2015)
The Mercedes-Benz M-Class (later renamed GLE-Class) also competed in this segment and offered a variety of engine options.
3.0L V6 Diesel (ML350 BlueTEC)
- Power: 240 hp
- Torque: 620 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 7.6 seconds
- A solid and reliable engine with good fuel economy and strong towing capacity.
3.0L V6 Petrol (ML350)
- Power: 302 hp
- Torque: 370 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
- A less fuel-efficient but smoother petrol option.
5.5L V8 Petrol (ML550)
- Power: 402 hp
- Torque: 600 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
- High performance, though with lower fuel efficiency.
3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel (ML350 BlueTEC)
- Power: 255 hp
- Torque: 620 Nm
- 0-60 mph: 7.2 seconds
- Strong torque and towing capability, with better efficiency than petrol options.
Which Engine Wins?
Performance:
- BMW X5 xDrive50i (4.4L V8) is the winner here, offering blistering performance (0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds), making it the fastest of the group, particularly if you're looking for a performance SUV.
- The Discovery 4 5.0L V8 (375 hp) is no slouch and offers impressive off-road capability and towing strength, but the BMW X5’s 0-60 time outshines it significantly.
Towing & Off-Road Ability:
- The Land Rover Discovery 4 has a clear edge in terms of off-road capability, with exceptional low-end torque from the diesel engines and off-road technology that gives it an advantage over the more on-road-focused competitors.
- Audi Q7 and BMW X5 both have good towing capacity and performance, but the Discovery 4 excels in extreme off-road conditions (e.g., rocky terrain, deep mud, and water crossings).
Fuel Economy:
- The BMW X5 and Audi Q7 both offer more fuel-efficient diesel engines compared to the Discovery 4's larger and less efficient diesel variants.
- Among the Discovery 4’s engines, the 2.7L TDV6 offers the best fuel economy but at the cost of performance.
Luxury & Comfort:
- All these vehicles excel in luxury, but the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 offer more high-tech features, including adaptive suspensions, advanced infotainment, and high-quality interiors. The Discovery 4 is more utilitarian in its design, prioritizing ruggedness alongside comfort.
Overall Winner:
- If you're looking for the best off-road performance and towing ability, the Land Rover Discovery 4 is the clear winner, particularly with the diesel SDV6 or TDV8 engines.
- For on-road performance and efficiency, the BMW X5 (with its turbocharged engines) offers a more dynamic, high-performance experience.
- If you want a combination of luxury, comfort, and tech, the Audi Q7 stands out.
Ultimately, the winner depends on your priorities: the Discovery 4 leads in rugged capability and towing, while the X5 and Q7 offer more refined on-road driving and tech features.
