Tow Test: Land Rover Discovery 4 2015

Land Rover's Discovery 4 is a firm favourite among the Caravancampingsales crew when it comes to towing big toys.

It impressed us back in 2013 even with the then entry-level, slightly sluggish 2.7-litre engine under the bonnet. While hauling an off-road camper trailer around the Flinders Range gave whole new meaning to the term 'glamping'.

Which makes you wonder how Toyota sold 6000 more LandCruisers in 2014 (9067 units against 2701 for the Discovery), but that's another story for another time…

While the Discovery 4 is largely unchanged since 2009 (and not due to be replaced until at least 2016), there have been significant updates, particularly more recently in relation to the diesel line-up favoured most by those that tow big rigs.

Basically, it means you now get more towing bang for your bucks, with a 155kW/520Nm 3.0-litre V6 now gracing the entry-level, $69,330 (plus ORCs) Discovery TDV6.

In turn, the mid-spec, Discovery SDV6 SE (from $84,990 plus ORCs) had a significant 80Nm boost thanks to a twin-turbo version of the same 3.0-litre engine.

While 183kW at 4000rpm is nothing to sneeze about, it's the 600Nm available from just 2000rpm that really defines this engine, delivering seemingly effortless on-road performance in tandem with the latest eight-speed auto transmission.

But it's most impressive when hooked up to a Regent Monarch caravan weighing around three tonnes, or 85 per cent of the Discovery's maximum allowable (braked) towing weight.

Despite a very hilly test route, the Discovery lost little in the way of poise or momentum even up the steepest inclines, barely protesting or dropping gears to keep the 5.5-tonne rig (car and caravan) powering along.

It was certainly much better than the earlier 2.7-litre Discovery, which struggled a bit and had discernable turbo lag and hesitation between gears towing a boat of similar weight.

The combination of stronger acceleration and better overtaking ability makes the latest SDV6 a safer proposition too, when negotiating traffic with a big trailer behind.

Given the challenging, stop-start route the Discovery recorded a thirsty average of 21.0L/100km, but as we expected, this dropped to a more acceptable 16.5 when cruising on flatter terrain including highways.

Sans caravan on the daily commute, the big Disco averaged 9.5L/100km, which isn't far off the official figure quoted [Ed: see specification table below]. Solo, it also makes a mockery of its 2.5-tonne kerb weight, racing from zero to 100km/h in 9.3seconds without raising a raucous rev-fest.

Otherwise, the Discovery remains a reassuringly safe and stable towing platform, with that hefty mass up front doing a good job of keeping the 'tail from wagging the dog'. And the auto-levelling air-suspension ensures a nice smooth, balanced ride in a range of conditions.

Another attribute, much prized by caravan owners is the Discovery's comparatively tight turning circle. Despite a combined length of 14m, we had no problems doing repeated U-turns on a tight country road during the photo-shoot.

Also aiding long stints behind the wheel, is the comfortable, elevated driving position and surprisingly quiet cabin.

Most serious off-roaders, like the Discovery, have a distinctly utilitarian feel in the cabin, but the Land Rover has the upmarket ambience of a less capable ML-Class Mercedes-Benz or BMW X5, especially in mid-spec SE form.

If it wasn't luxurious enough in standard spec, our 'Scotia Grey' test vehicle was loaded up with almost $15,000 of optional goodies. These included a HDD premium sat-nav system with surround camera functionality, reverse traffic detection, a 380-watt, 11-speaker Meridian audio system, Active Rear E-differential, roof rails, xenon headlights with 'Signature' daytime running lights, and Wade Sensing kit, bringing the total price tag close to six figures.

And although the in-cabin tech all works very well, we did have a gripe with the dash-mounted touchscreen display. It's a little small compared to some found in a range of newer (and often cheaper) vehicles. That said, the reverse camera is great asset for hitching up the 'van.

With stretch-out room for seven lanky adults, the Discovery remains a standout for SUV packaging, too. We particularly liked the Black Ebony leather treatment on the test vehicle; much more practical than the usual British Beige when off-roading or dealing with grubby kids or dogs.

However, perhaps most telling was the lack of mud flaps behind the 19-inch alloy wheels and road rubber, reinforcing the notion that most Discovery owners stick to the bitumen, despite a very impressive and user-friendly off-road system.

Regardless, you could easily save $15 grand by opting for the still impressive TDV6, but stretching the budget to the more capable SDV6 will ensure a truly pleasurable towing experience.

WHAT WE LIKED:
>> Unflappable tow vehicle
>> Drives likes a smaller SUV
>> Luxurious but practical interior

NOT SO MUCH:
>> Small touchscreen display
>> Not exactly frugal when towing
>> Not exactly cheap when optioned

2015 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo diesel
Output: 183kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 230 g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: N/A
Towing: 3500kg, 350kg (ball)
Price: $84,900 (plus on road costs)