People searching for a tech-savvy compact premium crossover can look at the likes of BMW‘s X3 or Audi’s latest Q5 for inspiration. Both those models feature 2018-worthy on-board tech and are more practical than their predecessors.

There’s also an updated version of the Mercedes GLC in the pipeline, with the Stuttgart-based automaker looking to infuse it with more tech as soon as next year. So what of the Land Rover Discovery Sport then? Surely it cannot afford to lag behind the competition.

Rest assured that Land Rover know this all too well, which is why we expect this facelifted Disco Sport model to feature a great deal of up-to-date gadgetry and some improved visual cues, such as Velar-inspired headlights perhaps (they definitely look sharper than before), while the entire front fascia appears more upright.

As for the rear end, expect refreshed taillights (they look smaller) and a new bumper design.

It’s a smart new world

The biggest changes should occur inside, as the current Discovery Sport could definitely use some additional refinement, not to mention new safety and connectivity systems worthy of a crossover that’s meant to represent Land Rover well into the early 2020s.

Furthermore, the updated Disco Sport will also ride on a revamped platform called the Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA), like the all-new Evoque. According to reports, PTA offers 40% better throttle response, is more versatile and allows for hybridization, which is a very important step forward for any crossover nowadays.

Power units are expected to feature mild-hybrid technology, while the range-topping version could get a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, pairing a new three-cylinder Ingenium petrol unit with an electric motor.

The refreshed Land Rover Discovery Sport is expected to be unveiled next year as a 2020 model.

2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 9 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 8 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 7 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 6 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 5 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 4 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 3 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 2 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 1 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 9 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 8 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 7 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 6 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 5 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 4 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 3 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 2 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track
2020 land rover discovery sport facelift spy 1 Land Rover Out Honing Facelifted Discovery Sport On The Track

Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops