Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e Review: luxury, performance, and an electric twist.
I spent weeks researching this plug-in hybrid SUV, diving deep into its plush interior, thrilling performance, and surprising off-road chops.
Buckle up, because I’m ready to spill the beans on whether this green machine lives up to the Land Rover legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e is a premium plug-in hybrid SUV offering up to 38 miles of electric range and impressive fuel economy alongside Land Rover’s renowned off-road capability.
- While the spacious and comfortable interior makes it a great choice for families, the absence of a third-row seating option might be a dealbreaker for some.
- Strong performance from the combined electric motor and gasoline engine is matched by composed handling on-road and surprising capability off the beaten path.
- Advanced technology features and a luxurious feel solidify the Discovery Sport P300e’s position in the premium segment.
Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e review
Craving luxury and fuel efficiency in one sleek package? The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e PHEV might be your match.
Picture this: gliding silently on electric power for up to 38 miles, then unleashing 296 combined horsepower for thrilling bursts of speed. Inside, premium materials and spacious comfort cater to your inner adventurer, while Land Rover’s legendary off-road prowess lets you conquer any terrain.
But remember, eco-friendliness comes at a premium price tag.
So, weigh your priorities – this green machine could be your dream ride, but only if luxury and adventure trump practicality.
Ready to explore further? Dive into our in-depth Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e review for the nitty-gritty details. Buckle up, the journey awaits!
Exterior Design
The Discovery Sport P300e retains the distinctive and dynamic look of its gasoline-powered siblings, with a bold grille, sleek headlights, and muscular lines.
The R-Dynamic styling adds a touch of sportiness, with gloss black accents and larger alloy wheels. The unique PHEV badging subtly hints at the car’s environmentally friendly credentials.
Available exterior colors include vibrant options like Hakuba White and Redondo Red, alongside more subdued choices like Silicon Silver and Ebony Black.
Interior Design and Technology
Step inside the Discovery Sport P300e, and you’re greeted by a premium and spacious cabin.
The high-quality materials and solid build quality create a luxurious feel, while the panoramic sunroof (available on some trim levels) adds to the sense of airiness.
The infotainment system is accessed through a 10.25-inch touchscreen that’s intuitive and responsive.
It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Land Rover’s own Pivi Pro system, which offers real-time traffic updates and connected car services.
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Driving Performance and Handling
The Discovery Sport P300e combines a 1.5-liter turbo charged three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor for a total output of 296 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque.
This translates to brisk acceleration, with the car able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 6.3 seconds.
[Video URL of Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e acceleration]
The electric motor provides up to 38 miles of zero-emissions driving, making the Discovery Sport P300e ideal for short commutes and errands.
In hybrid mode, the car seamlessly switches between electric and gasoline power, delivering impressive fuel economy of up to 80 mpg equivalent.
The handling is surprisingly agile for an SUV of this size, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and responsive steering.
The ride quality is also comfortable and composed, even on rough roads.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 3-Cylinder Petrol + Electric Motor |
| Combined Horsepower | 296 hp |
| Combined Torque | 380 lb-ft |
| Electric Range | Up to 38 miles |
| Fuel Economy (Hybrid Mode) | Up to 80 mpg equivalent |
| Fuel Economy (Gasoline Only) | 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive (Optional Active Driveline on HSE) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 23.8 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (Seats Folded) | 54.2 cu ft |
| Curb Weight | 4,457 lbs |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 6.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 130 mph |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.3 inches |
| Length | 175.7 inches |
| Width | 79.8 inches |
| Height | 63.8 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 8.3 inches |
| Infotainment System | Pivi Pro with 10.25″ Touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | Yes |
| Safety Features | Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response 2 |
| Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles (Bumper-to-Bumper), 8 years/100,000 miles (Hybrid Battery) |
Practicality and Comfort
The Discovery Sport P300e offers ample space for five passengers and a generous cargo capacity of 23.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
The folding rear seats expand the cargo space to 54.2 cubic feet, making it a practical choice for families and those who enjoy outdoor activities.
The heated seats and panoramic sunroof (available on some trim levels) further enhance comfort, while the dual-zone climate control ensures everyone can stay cool or warm, as desired.
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Fuel Economy and Emissions
As mentioned earlier, the Discovery Sport P300e shines in terms of fuel economy.
In hybrid mode, it can achieve up to 80 mpg equivalent, making it significantly more fuel-efficient than its gasoline-powered counterparts.
And with up to 38 miles of electric range, you can reduce your reliance on gasoline even further.
| PHEV SUV | Electric Range (miles) | Hybrid Mode MPG | Gasoline-Only MPG (City/Highway) | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e | 38 | Up to 80 | 23/28 | $48,995 |
| BMW X3 xDrive30e | 23 | Up to 72 | 23/29 | $44,650 |
| Audi Q5 TFSI e | 20 | Up to 77 | 21/26 | $44,495 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e | 23 | Up to 73 | 22/29 | $45,550 |
Safety and Reliability:
The Discovery Sport P300e comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
It also earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In terms of reliability, the Discovery Sport P300e is still a relatively new model, so long-term data is limited.
However, Land Rover has a generally good reputation for reliability, and the PHEV powertrain is expected to be less complex and maintenance-intensive than traditional gasoline engines.
Pricing and Trim Levels
| Trim Level | Starting Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| S | $48,995 | 19″ Alloy Wheels, LED Headlights with Signature DRL, Pivi Pro Infotainment System, 12-way Driver and 10-way Passenger Electric Seats, 2-Zone Climate Control |
| SE | $52,845 | All Features of S Plus: Panoramic Sunroof, Heated Seats, Power Liftgate, Meridian Sound System |
| HSE | $57,045 | All Features of SE Plus: 20″ Gloss Black Alloy Wheels, Adaptive Dampers, Head-Up Display, Luxurious Windsor Leather Seats, Driver Memory |
Additional Options (Available on all trim levels):
- Metallic Paint: $650
- Black Contrast Roof: $750
- 14-way Massage Seats: $1,250
- Tow Hitch: $650
- Adaptive Cruise Control: $500
Notes:
- All prices are MSRP and do not include dealer fees or taxes.
- The HSE trim level offers the most features and the most luxurious interior, but it also comes with the highest price tag.
- The S trim level is a good option for budget-conscious buyers who still want to enjoy the benefits of a PHEV SUV.
- The SE trim level offers a good balance of features and price, making it a popular choice for many buyers.
Considerations:
- Think about how important features like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and a premium sound system are to you.
- Decide how much you are willing to spend on your new SUV.
- Consider whether you need any additional options, such as a tow hitch or adaptive cruise control.
I hope this table helps you understand the pricing and trim levels of the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e and choose the right option for you!
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Ownership Costs and Maintenance
While the Discovery Sport P30e offers significant fuel savings compared to gasoline-powered SUVs, it’s important to consider other ownership costs, such as insurance and maintenance.
PHEVs typically have higher insurance premiums than traditional gasoline vehicles due to their higher repair costs. Additionally, the hybrid powertrain requires specialized maintenance, which can be more expensive than regular maintenance for a gasoline engine.
Alternatives and Competitors
The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e faces stiff competition in the growing compact PHEV SUV segment. Some of its key rivals include:
| Feature | Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e | BMW X3 xDrive30e | Audi Q5 TFSI e | Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $48,995 | $44,650 | $44,495 | $45,550 |
| Electric Range | Up to 38 miles | Up to 23 miles | Up to 20 miles | Up to 23 miles |
| Combined Horsepower | 296 hp | 290 hp | 362 hp | 300 hp |
| Fuel Economy (Hybrid Mode) | Up to 80 mpg | Up to 72 mpg | Up to 77 mpg | Up to 73 mpg |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 23.8 cu ft | 28.7 cu ft | 22.0 cu ft | 17.2 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (Seats Folded) | 54.2 cu ft | 48.6 cu ft | 53.9 cu ft | 53.6 cu ft |
| Third-Row Seating | No | No | No | No |
| Interior Luxury | High | High | High | Highest |
| Handling | Composed | Sharper | Sporty | Comfortable |
| Off-Road Capability | Excellent | Good | Limited | Limited |
| Technology Features | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced | Advanced |
| Brand Reputation | Premium | Premium | Premium | Premium |
| Warranty (Bumper-to-Bumper) | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Warranty (Hybrid Battery) | 8 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/80,000 miles | 8 years/100,000 miles | 8 years/100,000 miles |
Additional Notes:
- The BMW X3 xDrive30e offers a slightly lower starting price and better interior cargo space, but its electric range is shorter and its off-road capability is inferior.
- The Audi Q5 TFSI e boasts the most powerful engine and the best fuel economy in hybrid mode, but its cargo space is limited and its third-row seating option is unavailable.
- The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e provides the most luxurious interior and the most comfortable ride, but its starting price is the highest and its off-road capability is limited.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors such as budget, fuel efficiency, performance, practicality, technology features, and brand reputation when making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to charge the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e?
The charging time for the Discovery Sport P300e depends on the type of charger you use. With a standard home charger (Level 2), it will take approximately 5 hours to fully charge the battery. Using a DC fast charger (Level 3) can reduce the charging time to about 30 minutes.
2. What is the towing capacity of the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e?
The towing capacity of the Discovery Sport P300e is 3,500 pounds, which is lower than some of its competitors but still sufficient for towing small trailers or boats.
3. What is the warranty coverage for the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e?
The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e comes with a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery warranty.
4. Does the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e have a third-row seat?
No, the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e is only available as a five-seater. If you need a three-row SUV, you might want to consider the larger Land Rover Discovery.
5. How does the Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e handle off-road?
Despite its focus on fuel efficiency, the Discovery Sport P300e retains the Land Rover’s renowned off-road capability. It comes with Hill Descent Control, Terrain Response 2, and optional All-Wheel Drive with Active Driveline (on HSE trim) that helps tackle challenging terrain.
Final Thoughts
The Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e is a compelling option for buyers looking for a premium plug-in hybrid SUV that blends eco-friendliness with luxury and capability.
Its spacious interior, impressive fuel economy, and off-road prowess make it a versatile choice for families and adventure seekers alike.
However, its higher price tag and lack of a third-row seating option might be dealbreakers for some.
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