I had the opportunity to drive a new Disco HSE with the diesel. Overall, very sad (but not surprised) to say that is was pretty bland. No other word for it really. Diesel has a lot of clatter on start up and idle, much more than say an X5 or Cayenne diesel. Throttle lag off the line then some scoot, but less than you would expect from a diesel. Pretty quiet when up and running and around town or at highway speed. Handling was fine, ride was far more harsh than the LR4 - the aluminum chassis transmits far more road imperfections and low frequency vibrations. This car was shod with 20s, same as our LR4 but no contest on ride. Steering felt light and artificial, consistent with the average EPAS equipped cars these days. Brakes were also notably weaker feeling. This could be down to just less initial bite, but certainly not confidence inspiring especially considering the weight loss. Interior while nicely finished was another disappointment. Much less airy and felt cramped to me. Stadium seating is history, regardless of the token roof "****". Middle row seemed to have less leg room to me and the seat bottoms looked narrower. Less comfortable than an LR4 for sure, thin or harder padding as well.
All I have to say is that they better offer something else soon. We currently own both an LR3 and 4 and love them, I'd never trade for a Discovery. For context, I am not a Luddite / no progress guy. We have a SCV6 in the 4 and still love it. This drive was such a let down. And at $75k for a loaded HSE, you don't even get value IMO. Dealer was good and acknowledged JLR is moving away from its core audience to tap a broader market, and like others said, they don't expect fans of the LR to like it right away. Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but that tells me they are moving the enthusiast owner group to the Defender platform. Just hurry up and build them! Till then no Disco for us...