The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e Dynamic HSE delivers luxury in a compact package, combined with impressive performance and hybrid efficiency. But does it offer good value for money?
The Discovery Sport P300e redefines Land Rover’s heritage, feeling more like a Range Rover with its luxurious interior crafted from premium materials throughout. This is evident in every touchpoint inside the cabin, with only the driver’s door elbow rest padding falling short of the overall experience.
It is such a pleasant interior that it begs the question: what is a Range Rover even for, except empty bragging rights?
Space, comfort, and infotainment
Despite being the smallest Land Rover model, the Discovery Sport offers remarkable interior space. Rear passenger accommodation is particularly impressive, with immense legroom and headroom. A seven-seat configuration is available for those requiring additional capacity.
Driver comfort is enhanced by the exceptional range of the reach-adjustable steering wheel, allowing for precise positioning whether preferred close or far from the driver. This flexibility helps achieve both comfortable and safe driving positions.
PIVI Pro
The PIVI Pro infotainment system is elegant and user-friendly, featuring beautiful graphics, though some might prefer more physical buttons rather than the digital controls on the touchscreen.
The sound system delivers excellent audio quality. Unlike some competitors (particularly Mercedes-Benz), the steering wheel maintains a clean design without an overwhelming number of buttons.
Hybrid performance and efficiency
As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Discovery Sport P300e combines a 1,5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with electric propulsion. The hybrid system offers approximately 65 km of pure electric range before transitioning to hybrid operation, where it functions similar to a traditional hybrid like the Toyota Prius.
During testing, the vehicle achieved an impressive 4,4 liters per 100km average fuel consumption over a 120 km journey. The potential for zero fuel consumption exists for drivers who can recharge between shorter trips, making it ideal for owners who primarily undertake daily driving within the electric range, saving money and reducing emissions.
Charging options
The P300e offers versatile charging capabilities. It can use DC fast chargers (uncommon among PHEVs), standard AC charging stations, or the included portable charger. The portable option is slow and intended only as a backup, with the recommendation that owners install a wall-mounted AC charger at home.
Driving experience
The Discovery Sport P300e delivers an exceptionally refined driving experience. When the petrol engine activates to supplement the electric motor, the transition is nearly imperceptible under normal driving conditions. Only under heavy acceleration does the engine produce that pleasant growl. The transmission provides extremely smooth gear shifts.
Ride quality is a bit harsh due to the test car’s low-profile tires, with the recommendation to opt for smaller wheels with more rubber for improved comfort. Some suspension noise penetrates the cabin, but overall, the interior maintains a sense of quiet luxury.
Practical spare
The Discovery Sport includes a space-saver spare wheel, offering a practical compromise between a full-size spare (which would consume too much cargo space) and a tyre repair kit. Fitting run-flat tyres is an alternative option worth considering.
Value proposition and competition
Priced at approximately R1 801 500, the Discovery Sport P300e occupies an interesting position in the market. While it likely offers superior off-road capability compared to rivals, its price point puts it in competition with significantly larger vehicles.
Size-wise, it compares to the BMW X3, Lexus NX, and Volvo XC60, but its price aligns more closely with the larger Volvo XC90 and BMW X5. Key competitors include:
- BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport: R1,310,000
- Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport: R1,336,200
- Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge AWD Ultimate Bright: R1,390,000
- Lexus RX 450h+: R1,650,400
- Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge AWD Plus Bright: R1,807,300
- BMW X5 xDrive50e: R1 880 000
Conclusion
The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e Dynamic HSE delivers a compelling blend of luxury, spaciousness, and efficiency in a compact premium SUV package. Its refined interior, impressive hybrid system, and versatile charging options make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious luxury buyers.
However, its premium pricing positions it against larger, more powerful alternatives, potentially limiting its appeal to those specifically seeking Land Rover’s unique combination of luxury and off-road capability in a smaller package.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e Dynamic HSE scores 4 out of 5.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
