Land Rover Discovery Sport Information
Land Rover Discovery Sport Information
Explore the engines, drivetrains, seating configurations and major model-year changes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, also known by its L550 model code.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport was unveiled in 2014 as the replacement for the Freelander 2. It entered the Discovery family as a compact premium SUV designed primarily for everyday road use, family travel and occasional off-road driving.
Unlike the larger Discovery 4 and Discovery 5, the Discovery Sport uses a transverse engine layout and a compact platform related to the Range Rover Evoque. Engines, transmissions, suspension and many electrical components are therefore different from those used by the full-size Discovery models.
Depending on specification, the Discovery Sport is available with five seats or a 5+2 layout. In the 5+2 version, two occasional-use seats fold into the rear load floor, while the sliding and reclining second row allows passenger space and luggage capacity to be adjusted.
Discovery Sport Model Types
The 2019 model-year revision was much more substantial than a simple facelift, bringing a revised platform, electrical architecture, interior and powertrain range.
Early vehicles use the original L550 body, interior and electrical system. Initial UK diesels used the 2.2-litre engine before the range changed to 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel and petrol engines.
The extensively revised model uses the Premium Transverse Architecture, altered body panels, revised lighting, a completely redesigned interior and an updated electrical system with wider use of mild-hybrid powertrains.
The P300e combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric rear axle drive motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its engine, braking, cooling and electrical components are model specific.
Land Rover Discovery Sport Development
The Discovery Sport has progressed through two substantially different technical phases while retaining the L550 model identity.
The Discovery Sport is revealed
The new compact SUV was introduced to replace the Freelander 2. It brought modern Discovery-family styling, independent suspension and an available 5+2 seating configuration.
Early vehicles enter service
Initial UK models were offered with the established 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, manual or automatic transmission and a choice of front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive specifications.
Ingenium diesel engines become established
The newer 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel replaced the earlier 2.2-litre engine. Despite similar vehicle appearance, service, cooling, fuel, exhaust and internal engine parts differ significantly.
Major technical and interior update
The revised Discovery Sport moved to the Premium Transverse Architecture. It received new lighting, altered exterior panels, a redesigned cabin and widespread 48-volt mild-hybrid technology.
P300e plug-in hybrid introduced
The P300e added a 1.5-litre petrol engine, traction battery and electric rear axle drive. Updated diesel engines and newer Pivi and Pivi Pro infotainment were also introduced into the range.
Models
Continuing specification changes
Later vehicles received revised trim, engine outputs, infotainment systems, driver-assistance equipment and special editions. Vehicles registered in the same year may not have identical specifications.
Principal Discovery Sport Engines
Registration year and engine capacity are not always enough to identify the correct parts. Use the VIN, engine badge, power output and original component number where possible.
Diesel
2.2-litre TD4 and SD4 Diesel
Early Discovery Sport models used the 2.2-litre turbodiesel also found in late Freelander 2 and early Range Rover Evoque applications. These engines use different service and mechanical parts from the later Ingenium units.
Diesel
2.0-litre Ingenium Diesel
The four-cylinder Ingenium diesel was produced in several outputs and badge designations, including eD4, TD4, SD4, D150, D165, D180 and D200 depending on year and specification.
Petrol
2.0-litre Ingenium Petrol
Petrol models use turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium engines in several outputs, including designations such as Si4, P200, P250 and P290. Components can differ by power output and model year.
48-Volt Mild Hybrid
Many updated petrol and diesel models use a belt-integrated starter generator and 48-volt battery. Mild-hybrid electrical, charging and auxiliary-drive components differ from non-hybrid vehicles.
1.5-litre Plug-In Hybrid
The P300e combines a three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric rear axle motor and high-voltage battery. It uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox rather than the nine-speed unit fitted to many other automatic models.
GPF
Emissions-System Variations
Diesel and petrol exhaust systems vary by year, engine and emissions standard. Confirm DPF, petrol particulate filter, sensor and catalyst specification before ordering exhaust or emissions components.
Discovery Sport Drivetrain and Vehicle Systems
The correct component can depend on engine, gearbox, drivetrain, seating arrangement, wheel size and electronic equipment.
Front-Wheel Drive
Selected lower-powered models were available with front-wheel drive. These vehicles do not use the rear differential, propshaft and four-wheel-drive coupling fitted to all-wheel-drive versions.
Four-Wheel Drive
Most higher-powered versions use electronically controlled four-wheel drive. Transfer, coupling, rear differential and driveshaft components vary between early, later and plug-in-hybrid vehicles.
Manual or Automatic Gearbox
Depending on year and engine, vehicles may use a six-speed manual, nine-speed automatic or P300e-specific eight-speed automatic transmission. Service parts and fluids are not interchangeable.
Terrain Response
Four-wheel-drive models can use Terrain Response to adjust throttle, gearbox and traction-control behaviour for different surfaces. Controls and software vary between early and later interiors.
Five or 5+2 Seats
Five-seat and 5+2-seat vehicles use different rear trim, load-floor and seat components. The third-row seats are occasional-use seats and reduce available luggage space when raised.
Independent Coil Suspension
Discovery Sport models use independent suspension with conventional coil springs rather than the adjustable air suspension fitted to many larger Discovery models.
Electronic Parking Brake
The electrically operated parking-brake system is incorporated into the rear braking arrangement. Actuators, calipers, cables and controls vary according to year and brake specification.
Cameras, Radar and Sensors
Depending on trim, vehicles may have reversing or surround cameras, parking sensors, emergency braking, lane assistance and radar-based systems. Replacement equipment may require calibration.
Programming and Configuration
Control modules, lights, cameras, sensors and some replacement electrical parts may require programming, configuration or calibration using suitable diagnostic equipment.
How to Identify Your Discovery Sport
The complete VIN is the most reliable starting point because engines, transmissions, drivetrains and electronics changed substantially during production.
Check the complete VIN
Many Discovery Sport parts are divided by exact VIN breakpoints. The VIN also helps establish the original engine, drivetrain, model year and factory specification.
Confirm the engine
Establish whether the vehicle has the early 2.2 diesel, a 2.0 Ingenium diesel or petrol, or the 1.5 P300e hybrid. Also check the engine badge and power output.
Identify early or updated model
The 2020 model-year vehicle has revised lights, bumpers, door handles, interior controls and electronics. Do not identify it using registration date alone.
Check the transmission
Confirm whether the vehicle has a manual gearbox, nine-speed automatic or the P300e eight-speed automatic. Gearbox filters, fluids and driveline parts differ.
Confirm the drivetrain
Establish whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive, conventional four-wheel drive or P300e electric-rear-axle drive. Inspecting the vehicle may be necessary.
Compare the original component
Check labels, electrical connectors, casting numbers and visible design features. Electronic components may need coding or calibration after installation.
Shop Land Rover Discovery Sport Parts
Browse replacement parts, service items and accessories for early and updated Discovery Sport L550 models.
Discovery Sport Parts
Browse our Discovery Sport range, including engine, braking, suspension, transmission, electrical, body, servicing and accessory components.
Shop Discovery Sport PartsLooking for Freelander 2 Parts?
The Freelander 2 is the earlier square-bodied model replaced by the Discovery Sport. Although some early powertrain applications are related, the vehicles have separate parts ranges.
Shop Freelander 2 PartsUnsure which Discovery Sport part you need?
Send us your vehicle registration or complete VIN, engine designation, transmission and details of the component you are replacing. Please also tell us whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or P300e where relevant. Clear photographs, connector details and numbers from the original part can help us check the most likely fitment.