Land Rover’s new Discovery gets extreme makeover
The Land Rover Discovery has been dramatically retooled for 2017. Due in showrooms in a few months, here’s a glance at what’s new.
The crisp, sophisticated new styling of the fifth-generation Discovery brings the SUV formerly known here as the LR4 into line with its Range Rover stable mates. It’s lighter, quieter and can be equipped with an arsenal of driver assistance and safety systems.
But the big news for many is the availability of a diesel V6. Shared with the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, the turbocharged 3-liter diesel engine produces 254 horsepower and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. The supercharged 3-liter gas engine, carried over from the LR4, is rated at 340 horses and 332 lb.-ft. Each gets an eight-speed automatic transmission.
According to Land Rover, the gas Discovery has a 130-mph top speed and hits 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The SE diesel, with an MSRP $9,000 higher than the gas truck, has the same top speed but needs 7.7 seconds to reach 60.
The new Discovery is about 1,000 pounds lighter than the LR4 it replaced, thanks to extensive use of aluminum and going with unibody construction instead of the previous ladder frame. Although the 2017 Discovery retains the stepped roofline and stadium seating that are hallmarks on previous Discoveries and LR4s, Land Rover killed the distinctive two-piece tailgate, going with a powered single hatch that’s larger, affords better vision and provides more protection when it’s used to shelter people or objects from the elements.
While we’re talking about the elements, the 2017 Discovery can ford up to 35.4 inches of water, an increase of almost 8 inches compared to its predecessor.
For those who miss how that lower tailgate prevented items from moving about or falling out, Land Rover has come up with a solution: an optional powered inner tailgate. The 11-inch section can serve as a bench that’s protected by the one-piece tailgate overhead.
The Discovery is offered in three grades: SE, HSE and HSE Luxury. The MSRPs range from $49,990 for the gasoline SE on up to $65,950 for the diesel HSE Luxury. To mark the arrival of the newest Discovery, Land Rover will produce a limited run of loaded “First Edition” Discoveries. All will have gas engines have distinct and special color combinations, trim and wheels. The MSRP starts at $73,950.
In a case of form benefitting function, the new body’s tapering toward the rear and a more steeply raked windshield did wonders for the Discovery’s aerodynamics, a prime goal of Land Rover’s engineers. The coefficient of drag went from 0.40 to 0.33. Every advantage helps when the vehicle’s curb weight ranges from 4,751 pounds (gas engine) to 4,916 (diesel.)
The diesel Discovery’s estimated fuel consumption rate comes in at 21 mpg city and 26 highway, while the gasoline version scored 16 mpg and 21 mpg.
At just a tad over 16 feet from bumper-to-bumper, the new Discovery is 5.5 inches longer (but 1.6-inch lower) than the outgoing LR4. The wheelbase was stretched 1.5 inches to 115.1 inches, freeing up space for passengers.
There are plenty of options to let Discovery owners indulge themselves.
Intelligent seat fold: Owners can rearrange the second- and thirdrow seats at the touch of a button just inside the tailgate on the C-pillar, the infotainment touchscreen or even using a smartphone app if their Discovery has the optional Land Rover InControl Touch Pro services. The system uses small motors and sensors to ensure there are no obstructions and prevents crushing or tipping of items on the seats.
Dynamic design package: For HSE or HSE Luxury models, the package upgrades the grille, fender vents and mesh and exterior badging is deleted for a cleaner appearance. The owner also selects a contrasting roof, special front and rear bumper designs, leather upholstery and a sports-inspired steering wheel and distinctive pedals.
Active key wristband: The wristband lets owners keep their keys safely in the car so they can run, swim or hike without worrying about vehicle security or damaging or losing their keys. The wearer holds the waterproof activity key up to the “D” in the Discovery badge on the tailgate, which locks the Discovery and simulaneously disables the regular key.
Advanced tow assist: Helps driver position trailers accurately while reversing. The driver guides the trailer into the desired space using the rotary controller for the Terrain Response 2 system. Responsive guidance lines are overlaid on the rear-facing camera feed, which should be displayed.