The great outdoors: Land Rover remind us what a 4x4 is for with the new Discovery Sport
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Does the world need another 4x4? Do we need another Land Rover? The builders of these stalwart off-roaders seem to think so and the new Discovery Sport is the first shot in the second salvo of new models from the Midlands-based company. The Discovery Sport replaces the old Freelander, a car that could loosely be described as a 'small' SUV. Although it shares a fair amount of design language with its more upmarket Range Rover siblings, the Discovery Sport is intended as a rougher, tougher, more utilitarian piece of kit.
The new car was debuted in the wild hinterlands of western Iceland. Global car launches are usually theatrical affairs, combining fine empty roads, dramatic landscapes and a scattering of sleek hotels and coffee stops. Manufacturers are keen to showcase their new babies at their very best, so every detail is micro-managed and the opportunity for the unexpected is minimised. This isn't the case here. Land Rover's stagehands don't bother lurking in the wings, for the company's global expeditions team are a core part of every launch, tagging along in a fleet of specially modified vehicles drawn from the marque's storied past to ensure that getting stuck in snowdrifts is all part of the fun.
Even these unscheduled stops were rare. The Discovery Sport performed outstandingly, traversing great snowy swathes of the island across roads closed for the season due to the weather. Land Rover still make the world's best off-road cars and the confidence this instils is nothing short of invaluable. The Discovery Sport is intended to live a more outdoorsy life than the Range Rover range, which frequently find itself as elevated luxury transport for the urban elite, despite its river-fording, mountain-scaling skills.
At this juncture you just have to decide what means more; the Land Rover badge, or the Range Rover one. Both cars have a breadth of ability and practicality that belies their size. The Range Rover Sport is larger, thirstier and plusher. But the Land Rover - by dint of that name - gives off a more casual, utilitarian and less precious air. That will matter more to many, especially the country-dwelling customer base that brought the original Range Rover to prominence back in the 70s. It's no less chunkily handsome than its relatives, although there's a slight danger of the bleed between Land Rover and Range Rover becoming ever blurrier. By means of being newer, the interior trim, tech and gadgets are all a generation ahead as well.
The 'Sport' appellation mirrors its opposite number in the Range Rover stable, where prices are twice as high. It also signals the future arrival of a larger standalone Discovery model to replace its current namesake. That said, the new car is still a full seven-seater and offers flexibility enough for most. Other manufacturers might compete - the Audi Q5 or BMW X3 for example - but the Discovery Sport has a sense of solidity and class that transcends traditional brand one-upmanship. For its fans, for whom only a Land Rover will do, the Discovery Sport won't let them down.
The Discovery Sport replaces the old Freelander and it's rougher, tougher and more utilitarian piece of kit than its Range Rover relations
The new car was showcased along the wild coastland of Iceland
The interior is just as 'chunkily handsome' as its exterior
Traversing snowy hills, it became clear the Discovery Sport is another fine piece of craftsmanship from Land Rover, further instilling faith in the brand as the number one manufacturer of off-road cars
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Extreme Cashmere brings its colourful knits to the slopes of St Moritz
Amsterdam-based brand Extreme Cashmere – known for its extensive all-cashmere wardrobe – arrives in the historic Swiss ski resort with a special pop-up and restaurant takeover
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Silver from X-rays recycled as sustainable jewellery by The Royal Mint
The 886 by The Royal Mint jewellery collection gives recycled X-ray films a new purpose
By Hannah Silver • Published
-
Ten classic fountain pens for the personal touch
Ten fountain pens, from timeless designs to sleekly machined modern writing tools, prove that perfect penmanship is just a gold nib away
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Peugeot’s sparky 308 gets hybrid power and handsome lines
The Peugeot 308 proves that mass-market design needn’t be dull, blending hybrid power with sharp lines and excellent detailing
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
BMW Motorrad brings out the big guns for its newest cruisers
BMW Motorrad R 18 Bagger and Transcontinental set the tone for high-voltage cruising with a brand collaboration with speaker specialist Marshall
By George Chapman • Last updated
-
Dacia’s new Manifesto concept is a true outdoor utility vehicle
Utilitarian auto brand Dacia sets a bold new agenda with its Manifesto, a concept car pitched at the active outdoor market
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
The sun sets on traditional supercars at California’s Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week, the world’s most prestigious car gathering, is showcasing ever-more extravagant special editions, coachbuilt cars and all-new electric concepts. Here are seven key machines from 2022
By Rory FH Smith • Last updated
-
Is McLaren’s GT a sports car, a tourer, or the best of both?
The McLaren GT is a capable all-rounder dressed up in svelte supercar clothes. It might also be the last of its type
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Rolls-Royce puts the Phantom back on its lofty pedestal
A mid-life refresh ensures the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is at the top of its game, a last hurrah for traditional engines before an electrified future
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Prodrive’s new racing simulator is shaped by Callum to be front of the grid
The racing simulator shapes up – this new design from Prodrive and Callum is honed for the high-end games room
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
The Cupra Formentor is a dark star for bright minds
For all its moody styling, the Cupra Formentor – from the SEAT spin-off brand – is a compact, swift and fun-to-drive crossover
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated