What is the maximum wading depth of the Land Rover Discovery 4?
2 Answers
According to official information, the maximum wading depth of the Land Rover Discovery 4 is 70 cm. Common tire specifications include 285/40R22, 255/55R20, and 275/45R21. The vehicle has a body length of 4956 mm, is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and features a 5-door, 7-seat SUV body structure. Maximum wading depth refers to the deepest water level a vehicle can safely pass through. Generally, the maximum wading depth for sedans does not exceed 30 cm, while SUVs have a higher wading depth, though it is still advisable not to exceed 50 cm. Among common models, the GAC Trumpchi GS8 has a maximum wading depth of 30 cm, the Audi A4 has 32 cm, the Volkswagen Sagitar has 30 cm, the Land Rover Range Rover has 90 cm, the Jeep Compass has 48 cm, and the Highlander has 45 cm. The maximum wading depth of SUVs is significantly higher than that of sedans. Generally, when driving through water, vehicle owners should take different measures depending on the water depth and the vehicle's specifications, as follows: If the wading depth reaches the height of the exhaust pipe, it is relatively safe. Even if water enters the exhaust pipe, the pressure inside is sufficient to expel it. As long as the engine is not turned off in the water, water will not flow back into the vehicle. If the wading depth reaches the height of the door frame, it becomes more dangerous. The vehicle's circuits, electronic components, and sensors are mostly concentrated at the bottom of the car, which could lead to circuit failures, damage to critical electrical components, and prevent the car from starting normally. If the wading depth reaches the height of the intake pipe, it is extremely hazardous. Driving directly into such conditions can cause the vehicle to stall immediately, leading to permanent engine damage or rendering the engine unusable.
As an off-road vehicle enthusiast, I've tested the Discovery 4 in muddy riverbeds. Its official maximum wading depth is 700mm, roughly up to the calf, which sounds average but proves highly reliable in practice. I believe this capability stems from the high placement of the engine air intake and excellent sealing, allowing it to handle small river crossings and puddles with ease. However, I must caution that for safety, it's better not to exceed 500mm when wading, as splashes can raise the water level unexpectedly, risking water ingress. Land Rover also features a wading mode that, when activated, displays water depth on the dashboard and automatically raises the suspension to protect mechanical components. Compared to other SUVs like the Prado, which also has a similar 700mm wading depth, the Discovery 4's air suspension offers more stability off-road. Remember to cross slowly to avoid water flow damaging the electrical systems. In summary, it's a worry-free feature, but don't recklessly tackle deep water—repairs can be costly.