The fourth-generation Land Rover Discovery->ke511 -- known as the LR4 in the U.S. -- was launched in 2009 and since then, it's remained relatively unchanged. That's all about to change, as for the 2014 model year the SUV receives a revised exterior look and more importantly, the old gas-burning V-8 engine gets the old heave-ho in favor of the new, 3.0-liter V-6 engine that is more fuel-efficient and delivers nearly the same performance figures.

For the 2014 model year, the Discovery receives a new front fascia that includes new, headlights, "Discovery" badges and bumper. Land Rover->ke46 continues to offer the Black Design Pack, which updates the exterior look even further and adds new 20-inch alloy wheels.

The new Land Rover Discovery will be unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show->ke235 and will roll into dealerships in mid-November.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Land Rover Discovery.

2014 Land Rover Discovery

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Land Rover Discovery
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 335 @ 6000
  • Torque: 331 @ 3500
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the 2014 model year, the new Discovery received a new front fascia featuring a new grille and bumper, new headlights design and new daytime running lights with a distinctive LED signature.

What's even more important is that the model features new "Discovery" badges. The Land Rover name on the hood is now replaced with the "Discovery" name, while engine badges: 'SCV6,' 'SDV6' or 'TDV6' move from the tailgate to an ingot mounted on each of the front doors.

Interior

Land Rover announced no major updates on the interior, except the addition of the new Meridian premium audio system that features eight speakers and 380 watts of power.

Standard technologies include:

-Wade Sensing (a technology unique to Land Rover)

-Blind Spot Monitoring

-Closing Vehicle Sensing

-Reverse Traffic Detection

-T-junction Cameras.

Drivetrain

The 2014 Discovery is offered with a 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine with a total output of 335 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 331 pound-feet of torque delivered between 3,500 and 5,000 rpm. This engine replaces the 5.0-liter V-8 engine that delivered a total of 375 horsepower.

This output is enough to sprint the model from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.7 seconds and up to a top speed of 121 mph, while delivering a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg.

Diesel fans get a choice of two engines: a 3.0-liter SDV6 with an output of 252 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque or a 3.0-liter TDV6 with 208 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. These engines can hit 62 mph in 9.3 and 10.7 seconds, respectively.

For the 2014 model year, customers can also opt for the two four-wheel drive systems with the new single-speed transfer box or the carryover twin-speed transfer box which offers high and low range for the most demanding off-road conditions.

Engine type

3.0L SCV6 Gasoline

3.0L SDV6 Diesel

3.0L TDV6 Diesel

Horsepower @ RPM

335 @ 6500

252 @ 4000

208 @ 4000

Torque

331 @ 3,500 - 5,000

442 @ 2000

384 @ 2000

0-62 mph (0-100km/h) secs

7.7

9.3

10.7

Max speed mph (km/h)

121 (195)

112 (180)

112 (180)

CO2 g/km

328

213

224

Combined mpg

20.0

35.3

33.2


Prices

The 2014 Land Rover Discovery will be put on sale in mid-November. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

On the British market, the M-Class is offered in a choice of two models. The base model is the ML 250 BlueTEC, which is powered by a 2,143 cc four-cylinder engine with an output of 204 horsepower and 500 Nm (369 pound-feet) of torque between 1,600 and 1,800 rpm. The more powerful ML 350 BlueTEC gets a V-6 engine with an output of 258 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 620 Nm (457 pound-feet) of torque between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm.

The ML 250 check in with a £44,340 (about $70k at the current exchange rates) and accelerates to 62 mph in 9 seconds. The ML 350 BlueTEC bases out at £47,460 ($73,860) and hits 62 mph in 7.4 seconds.

BMW X5

The British version of the X5 is offered in five different engine configurations: xDrive30d, xDrive30d M Sport, xDrive50i SE, xDrive50i M Sport and M50d. The 30d models produce 258 horsepower, the 50i models produce 450 horsepower and the M50d model produces 381 horsepower.

The X5 ranges from £47,895 (about $75k) to £63,920 (about $99,500).

Conclusion

With all the updates received for the 2014 model year, Land Rover Discovery wants to remain fresh on the market until a final decision will be made on a new generation. With a new V-6 engine replacing the previous V-8 one, the model became even more efficient.