Land Rover Discovery 4 XXV 2014 Review

It's as old as The Simpsons and the Mazda MX-5, and to the off-road oriented arguably as endearing. It's the Land Rover Discovery, the family-friendly SUV with genuine off-road ability and, as Land Rover puts it, an icon in its own right.

Now, to celebrate its silver jubilee, Land Rover has announced a commemorative special edition dubbed XXV (Roman numerals for 25). It's the new flagship model of the boxy Discovery 4 portfolio, and adds aesthetic adornments inside and out over those already found on the high-grade HSE (from $95,730 plus on-road costs).

But unlike the HSE, the XXV is not offered with the SCV6 supercharged V6 petrol, just the SDV6 twin-turbo-diesel. Not that we take exception to that, for as engines go the 3.0-litre oiler is particularly capable, good on fuel (we managed 9.2L/100km) and suitably attenuated.

With 183kW at 4000rpm and 600Nm from practically just off idle (2000rpm), the Discovery 4 XXV is expectedly gutsy. It's great in the hills, where the cooperative eight-speed auto shines, and quite enthusiastic when overtaking. It will tow up to 3500kg (braked) willingly, and even go off-road... But for me there lies the sticking point.

With its fancy, lovingly polished 20-inch chrome wheels, low-profile tyres and majestic Indus Silver metallic paint, would prospective buyers really want to tackle the Birdsville Track? I'd wager no.

That's not to say it wouldn’t be in its element. As proven earlier this year the Disco is more than capable traversing the harsh terrain of the Flinders and Gammon Ranges – and with a camper trailer in tow. I just can't see this $110k glamour puss being placed willingly in the same scenario...

So, like most prospective buyers, we spent most time with the Disco XXV on road. These included trips to the supermarket, the office commute and the weekend run to the winery. All were effortless, nearly mundane affairs, the large four-wheel drive as simple to drive and park (surprisingly) as a smaller SUV... though with a slight sensation of being more 'rugged'.

There's almost a sense of boredom when tackling sealed roads, with the constant longing to flick the Terrain Response settings to low and head for the dirt. It's not until you gaze out across the lustrous clamshell bonnet and acres of vintage white cowhide inside that the idea seems harebrained, a form of automotive vandalism almost, such is the level of luxury presented.

Instead, the optional ($2060) Meridian sound system is put to good use. With 825 watts channelled through 17 speakers the interior becomes an amphitheatre, an opulent concert hall floating on electronically-controlled air suspension with comfortable arm rests and kilometre-accurate cruise control.

You don't feel the body leaning through corners and, in spite of its mammoth alloys, all but the largest of potholes go unnoticed. The steering is mostly cooperative – if a little lifeless about centre – and when given a boot-full the exhaust is appreciably charismatic.

Yes, it's a road-tripping family hauler with all the fruit, and perhaps that's just how it should be viewed.

With seven seats – including a third row grown-ups can actually fit in – this is a prestige family hauler designed to do the job. It's efficient, suitably powerful, properly spacious and impressively quiet (if you care to forego the tunes) and, let's face it, a more conspicuous choice than the ubiquitous German trio.

‘Our’ XXV also came with the optional sunroof ($3860), Vision Assist Pack ($2770), Active Locking Rear Differential ($1060), Digital Radio ($850) [which didn't work in our test vehicle], Reverse Traffic Detection with Blind Spot Monitor and Close-Vehicle Sensing ($700) and Wade Sensing ($340).

Tallying just north of $121k before on-road costs the XXV seems dear for a Disco, but it is a competitive rival to similarly sized and specified rivals. With that off-road ability just a push of a button – and a few scratches away – the Discovery 4 XXV Special Edition does have an advantage over its road-biased rivals. I'm just not too sure anyone will ever care to realise.

2014 Land Rover Discovery 4 XXV Special Edition pricing and specifications:
Price: $109,430 (MRLP) / $121,540 (as tested)
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo-diesel
Output: 183kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 230g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A