Land Rover updates Discovery Sport with new interior and improved connectivity
The Discovery now opts for touchscreen in favour of physical controls, and Apple CarPlay arrives as standard
Land Rover has unveiled the 2023 version of the Discovery Sport, which now boasts an updated interior and improved connectivity.
The most prominent change in the updated SUV is a completely reimagined dashboard, which now embraces a larger touchscreen, reminiscent of the latest Range Rover models, effectively replacing physical controls.
In the previous iteration, the Discovery Sport incorporated a haptic climate control panel beneath the dashboard, equipped with rotary dials for adjusting temperature and fan speed. However, this design element has been removed to create a spacious central storage compartment, complete with a new wireless phone charger.
To ensure convenient access to frequently used functions while driving, the updated model introduces a set of "permanently accessible" sidebars, offering quick access to media, navigation, volume settings, and other essential features. This can be found on the new 11.4-inch curved touchscreen, featuring the latest iteration of JLR's Pivi Pro interface.
According to JLR, users can accomplish "up to 90 percent of tasks within two taps from the home screen." The instrument cluster has also been transformed into a digital display across all trim levels.
To deliver improved connectivity options, the Discovery Sport now comes standard with Amazon Alexa voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and there's new USB-C ports front and rear for charging.
Regarding the powertrain, the P300e plug-in hybrid version benefits from revised battery chemistry, enabling a claimed extended electric driving range of 29 miles in real-world conditions. According to JLR, this range is sufficient to cover 90 percent of daily driving without using the engine.
Nevertheless, the WLTP-certified electric range is slightly reduced compared to the previous version, from 43 miles to 38 miles. To offset this, the 14.9kWh battery now comes equipped with DC fast charging as standard, allowing for a 0-80 percent recharge in just 30 minutes.
While the four-cylinder P250 petrol and D200 diesel engines carry over, both featuring 48V mild-hybrid technology as standard, the entry-level P200 and D200 have been discontinued.
Interested buyers can now place orders for the upgraded Land Rover Discovery Sport, with prices starting at £44,790. However, the delivery timeline has not been disclosed.