Land Rover introduced the Discovery 3 on 2nd April 2004 - marketed as the LR3 in North America. This gorgeous car is available in both petrol and diesel engines. There is a choice of two engines for the UK market - 4.4L V8 300 hp petrol, which is a derivative of Jaguar's AJ V8 4.2L, and 2.7L TDV6 195 hp diesel engine. A 4.0L SOHC V6 216 hp petrol engine was available for North America and Australia.

The Discovery 3 is one of the most decorated 4x4 SUVs and features the Land Rover trade mark Terrain Response system which sets all the car's systems (including engine, suspension and traction control settings) according to the nature of the terrain. This system has endeared itself to many drivers who now manage off-road driving skills previously regarded as daunting.

The Discovery 3 comes with a varied array of safety features including Dynamic Stability Control which prevents skidding when steering and braking at speed, an active roll mitigation system and Hill Descent Control, an amazing feature that allows smooth and controlled hill descent. It also has more than enough airbags with front side and curtain airbags.

A face-lift model was made available in August 2008, a year before the arrival of the Discovery 4, with an upgraded stereo system from Harman Kardon as standard with integrated steering wheel controls, colour-coded bumpers and clear indicator side lights.