New Land Rover Discovery combines a radical new exterior design with a highly versatile seven-seat interior. The result is a revolutionary family SUV that brings new levels of sophistication, desirability and capability to the Discovery family.
Previewed by the 2014 Discovery Vision Concept, New Discovery incorporates key elements of the established Discovery DNA in a revelatory design, while intelligent packaging ensures its can accommodate seven adults in greater comfort than ever before.
Revolutionary design
New Land Rover Discovery looks very different but is still unmistakably a Discovery. Sophisticated surfaces and optimised proportions combine with beautiful detailing and enhanced precision to create a highly capable and versatile SUV with a more dynamic design than ever before.
Authentic Discovery design features include the distinctive stepped roofline, which has identified each of the four previous generations of Discovery and provides an elegant solution to a practical need. At the front, New Discovery’s sculpted surfaces, jewel-like headlamps and a faster windscreen angle break with Discovery tradition and the state-of-the-art daytime running lamps deliver a modern appearance with a distinctive new light signature.
In profile, the bodysides highlight the optimised volumes and proportions of New Discovery, while the wheelarch graphic echoes Discovery Sport with its distinctive castellations visually ‘locking’ the wheelarches to the vehicle body. The new form language features pronounced, yet smoothly contoured wheelarches, giving New Discovery a planted, more dynamic appearance. The streamlined design ensures New Discovery is the most aerodynamic Discovery yet, with a drag coefficient from 0.33 contributing to improved efficiency and refinement.
At the back, the LED rear lamps have a horizontal emphasis, giving New Discovery a more sporty appearance, while the new one-piece tailgate delivers a more dynamic rear design that would not have been possible with the previous split arrangement. Its rounded profile integrates seamlessly with the body sides and provides numerous practical benefits.
A larger opening makes loading and unloading luggage easier than before and the larger tailgate provides improved shelter from the elements when raised. A carefully shaped rear spoiler has also been honed in the wind tunnel and plays a significant role in minimising dirt accumulating on the tailgate, optimising rear visibility without compromising aerodynamic performance.
Premium detailing
New Discovery is available with optional adaptive LED headlamp technology. The jewel-like LED units provide a characterful lamp signature that closely follows the bold design previewed by the Discovery Vision Concept. On SE trim levels upwards, this includes distinctive daytime running lights with ‘lightpipe’ elements, which turn from white to amber when the directional-indicators are used.
The headlamps feature five modes to suit different driving situations; Country, Town, Motorway, Alternative Country (for low visibility) and High Beam, as seven clusters of LEDs illuminate in different combinations to optimise lighting depending on the conditions. An extensive choice of 17 different colourways is available for New Discovery: Namib Orange, Silicon Silver, Fuji White, Santorini Black, Corris Grey, Indus Silver, Loire Blue, Aintree Green, Firenze Red, Scotia Grey, Kaikoura Stone, Montalcino Red, Yulong White, Farallon Black, Waitomo Grey, Carpathian Grey and Aruba. The option of a Santorini Black or Corris Grey contrast roof provides added scope for personalisation.
Customers also have a choice of 12 alloy wheel designs including 21- and 22-inch rims for the first time. All models feature a full-sized spare wheel mounted under the body at the rear. A 19-inch wheel is also available. A comprehensive range of accessories integrates seamlessly with New Discovery, including optional roof bars and roof rack attachments.
Key design features
New Land Rover Discovery’s dramatic design represents a radical departure from previous models but retains established Discovery DNA. The trademark stepped roof and highly visible C-pillar are inspired by Discovery models of the past and distinguish the premium execution of New Discovery. The C-pillar design in particular gives the profile more drama and creates a design cue for the whole Discovery family. The customary stepped roof is synonymous with Discovery and provides class-leading headroom in the third row of seats while a choice of panoramic roof options creates a feeling of space and light inside by bringing the outside in. The fixed design provides two separate sections and the largest ever glass area for a Land Rover roof, while the opening system provides a tilt-and-slide front section. Twin electric sunblinds provide shade and privacy when required.
Elegant side fender vents incorporate a horizontal, blade-like treatment that flows into the ‘V’-grooved feature line, another strong cue of the Discovery family. While the tailgate design has changed, an asymmetric licence plate recess provides a visual link to Discoverys of the past while Land Rover’s innovative new Powered Inner Tailgate delivers enhanced functionality. The clever solution includes an additional fold-down panel inside the boot that fits snugly against the tailgate when shut. It can be used to retain luggage when the tailgate is opened, or folded down to provide event seating and easy access to the generous load area.
Designed from the inside out
New Land Rover Discovery is a tour de force of modern design and quality materials, as well as a laser-like focus on the application of advanced technologies. Land Rover’s design and engineering teams have produced a seven-seat interior that provides improved space and versatility by careful analysis and optimisation of every aspect of its design. Strong vertical elements clearly define the uncluttered central console design as they intersect the crossbeam of the facia, with minimal switchgear providing intuitive controls and reduced distractions for the driver. Configurable ambient lighting and the availability of contrast stitching give a luxurious, crafted feel to the entire cabin.
A wide choice of authentic material finishes are available throughout, from premium Windsor leather to Natural Shadow Oak veneer and the interior is available in a choice of five colourways, from Ebony and Acorn to Nimbus, Vintage Tan and Glacier. These high quality materials combine with the clever use of technology to deliver New Discovery’s unique blend of design excellence and engineering integrity. This is best expressed by Land Rover’s unique Intelligent Seat Fold function. The clever system allows owners to reconfigure the second and third row seats using switches just inside the tailgate, the C-pillar, the infotainment touchscreen or even remotely using a smartphone.
Versatility as standard
Land Rover’s designers and engineers have used every spare millimetre of space to provide additional stowage throughout the interior. This addiction to storage is demonstrated by the 65 per cent increase in stowage space available for front passengers, including:
- Upper (1.4 litres) and lower (1.1 litres) instrument panel stowage
- Upper (4.8 litres) and lower (6.9 litres) glove boxes
- Front (6.2 litres), mid (5.6 litres) and rear (1.2 litres) centre console stowage
- Row 3 cubby boxes – 2.6 litres in total
- Door stowage areas (front and rear, upper and lower) – 14.6 litres in total
- Under luggage floor stowage – 127.4 litres (five seat)
- The thoughtful touches extend to the climate control panel on the central console, which hides secret small-item stowage. The gloss black fold-down panel reveals 1.4-litres of hidden stowage space for smaller items such as a smartphone or wallet, while another hidden storage area in the centre console (below the cup holders) can accommodate four iPads or a pair of two-litre drinks bottles. The central armrest can hold up to five iPad minis or accommodate an optional freezer / chiller compartment.
Even the humble ‘curry hook’ – introduced on the original Discovery – has been reinvented for New Discovery. The new push-operated design on the side of the transmission tunnel in the front passenger footwell sits flush with the surrounding surface. Pushing against its spring-loaded surround exposes the hook and, when released, tightly secures carrier bag handles to ensure the contents remain upright. Elsewhere, both front and rear passengers benefit from a large lower storage space that can accommodate a 2-litre bottle.
Further stowage solutions include double map pockets on the rear of the driver and front passenger seats while occupants travelling in the third row seats haven’t been forgotten. Individual storage areas on top of the rear side panels are available with a USB charging point. Cupholders are located to the side of the seat cushions in row three. A total of up to four 12V sockets and as many as nine USB charging points (on HSE Luxury or when Rear Seat Entertainment is fitted) across all three rows of seats ensure New Discovery can comfortably cope with the demands of the most connected families, allowing passengers to power their smartphone or tablet simultaneously with its extensive combination of power supply options.
Class-leading space for seven adults
New Land Rover Discovery measures 4,970mm long, 2,220mm wide (mirrors out) and 1,846mm tall, making it 141mm longer but both narrower and lower than before. Its 2,923mm wheelbase has increased by 38mm, creating generous cabin space, while the compact design of the advanced integral-link rear suspension system minimises body intrusion.
As a result, the second-row seats slide forwards and backwards by 160mm, allowing customers to optimise luggage space and rear legroom as required, as well as improving access to the third row. Discovery’s trademark stadium seating is accommodated by its distinctive stepped roof and ensures all passengers enjoy excellent forward visibility and comfort. The rearmost seats have been designed to accommodate 95th percentile adults (males 1.90m tall), so comfort is assured in every seat. Heated seats are available in the front, middle and, for the first time in the SUV sector, the third row, while a total of five ISOFIX mounting points (on SE models and above) make it possible to fit child seats in the rearmost row. Up front, heated and cooled climate seats with a massage function and 16-way adjustment are available.
First Edition launch model
To celebrate the launch of New Discovery, an exclusive First Edition model limited to only 600 examples in the UK will showcase some of the key design and technology features.First Edition models are available in three striking exterior colour combinations and with two interior colourways, giving the very first customers a genuinely distinctive proposition. Bespoke details include aluminium interior trim on the facia and doors featuring an etched map motif in celebration of New Discovery’s British design and engineering credentials.
First Edition vehicles are available in Namib Orange with a black grille and detailing, Narvik Black contrast roof and 22-inch black wheels or Silicon Silver with the same black grille and detailing and 22-inch silver wheels. It is also available in Farallon Black with 22-inch silver wheels and black grille and detailing.
The rest of the range comprises S (available with SD4 engine only), SE, HSE and HSE Luxury derivatives, with an optional Black Design Pack available on all but S variants.
Comprehensively equipped S models feature air suspension, twin speed transfer box, four-mode Terrain Response, 19-inch alloy wheels and two-zone manual climate control. All SE models feature in addition: leather upholstery, satellite navigation, automatic climate control and upgraded audio while HSE trim provides Windsor leather upholstery, upgraded Meridian branded audio, connected navigation, fixed panoramic roof 20 inch alloy wheels and LED headlamps with front and rear signature lights. Top of the range HSE Luxury derivatives add extended application of Windsor leather, 21-inch alloy wheels, electric opening sunroof with fixed rear panoramic sunroof and rear seat entertainment as standard among a host of advanced convenience and safety features.
Dynamic Design Pack
The new Dynamic Design Pack provides scope for greater personalisation on HSE and HSE Luxury models and includes a host of design enhancements.
Exterior features include a choice of optional 21- or 22-inch dark grey satin finish cast alloy wheels, a Black or Corris Grey contrast roof and distinctive new front and rear bumpers. The grille, fender vents and mesh, vehicle script and mirror caps are all finished in Narvik Black, while exterior badging is also deleted, providing a more stealth-like appearance. The interior features a selection of upholstery finishes including New Reims Blue contrast pipe and stitching available with Nimbus and Ebony Windsor leather colourway, Windsor leather on the upper facia and door tops and dedicated carpet mats with Nubuck binding. The sports steering wheel, featuring contrast stitching, pedals and paddle gearshifts provide further dynamic enhancements.
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
Achieving the perfect balance of design and engineering integrity is core to the success of each and every new Land Rover. This engineering excellence is evident throughout New Discovery in features ranging from its innovative Intelligent Seat Fold technology to the range of modern Ingenium engines available from launch. New Land Rover Discovery has been engineered to deliver customary best-in-class Land Rover all-terrain capability with enhanced on-road dynamics and heightened levels of refinement and comfort. A comprehensive suite of driver assistance features and towing and safety technologies provides outstanding customer convenience and peace of mind.
A full programme of virtual testing procedures was completed before a physical prototype was even created. These virtual tests included extreme events such as sand dune impacts as well as conventional load bearing and stability analysis for towing or roof rack systems. Once complete, Land Rover’s engineers set about completing more than 35,000 individual tests across all components and systems using physical prototypes. This comprehensive programme involved taking New Discovery to the most unforgiving locations on earth, from the extreme heat and dust of the Middle East to the plummeting temperatures of the Arctic Circle. This punishing test and development schedule ensures New Discovery has the durability and capability to meet the requirements of the most demanding customers.
New technology and convenience features
New Discovery is packed with innovative technology that provides more convenience, practicality and greater versatility than ever before. This includes a host of world and sector firsts including Intelligent Seat Fold and the new Activity Key.
Intelligent Seat Fold
In an industry first, New Discovery features Intelligent Seat Fold technology. This allows the seats in rows two and three to be configured in four ways;
- Switches within the luggage area allow the seats to be folded and unfolded at the touch of a button, while standing behind the vehicle.
- A switchpack located on the C-pillar allows adjustment of third-row seats from the rear doors
- The row two and three seats can be reconfigured using the main touchscreen display from inside the vehicle.
- Seats can be adjusted remotely using Land Rover’s InControl Remote smartphone app technology, allowing customers to rearrange the seating layout before they reach the vehicle; for example from the checkout of a shop when purchasing large or bulky items.
- This unique technology uses a series of small and efficient motors, which allow the third row seats to be folded in as little as 12 seconds. The seats in row two can be raised or lowered in 15 seconds. They also feature their own button (outside shoulder of the seat) allowing customers to individually raise or lower the seat back to get into and out of the third row.
To protect against crushing or tipping of items, the seats feature anti-pinch and stall detection technologies. Advanced weight sensors in the seats and the seat belt buckles are able to detect when a seat is occupied, only allowing movement if it is safe to do so. If the seat is folding and it detects an item, the fold will stop and the seat will unfold to protect against crushing. Alternatively, if the seat is folded flat with an item stored on top, the seat back will not raise. The intelligent system is also able to detect potential clashes between seats and will automatically re-adjust to prevent any collisions.
Unrivalled versatility
The flexible loadspace of New Discovery can be configured to carry items of all shapes and sizes with absolute ease and convenience. New Discovery provides more space than any of its direct rivals, with a total load volume of 1,137 litres behind the second-row seats. In this configuration there is enough space to fit a standard size washing machine in the boot thanks to the class-leading boot opening, which measures 854mm high and 1150mm wide. If more space is needed for even larger, bulkier items, folding the row two seats provides up to 2,406-litres of carrying capacity. With all seven seats in place, the loadspace available is still a useful 258 litres – enough to carry a golf bag or as many as three cabin bags.
Powered Inner Tailgate
The Discovery family has always been synonymous with versatility and its design has changed through the generations to meet the developing needs of customers.
This is demonstrated by the new single-piece tailgate design, which replaces the previous horizontally split configuration introduced with the arrival of the third generation Discovery in 2004. The original 1989 Discovery featured a side-hinged rear door, so this aspect has constantly evolved to meet customers’ changing demands.
New Land Rover Discovery’s single-piece tailgate is the ultimate 21st Century solution for modern families. When open it provides a wider aperture than before and improved shelter, affording greater protection against the elements for owners when using the load area at outdoor events or loading the shopping. To ensure customers are still able to enjoy all the benefits provided by the previous split tailgate, Land Rover’s has developed the new Powered Inner Tailgate. This neat innovation incorporates an additional fold-down section that deploys when the tailgate is opened. The deployed 285mm long tailgate serves as impromptu event seating and is able to support a maximum load of 300kg, making it the perfect place to enjoy a tailgate picnic or to change out of muddy boots – all under the shelter of the tailgate. Opening the boot using the key fob or gesture controls raises the boot and lowers the inner tailgate panel, which fits vertically against the closed tailgate, automatically. Using the button on the tailgate leaves the panel in its raised position, so it functions as a load retainer to prevent loose or unsecured items from falling out of the boot. A button inside the load area can then be used to lower the Powered Inner Tailgate section.
Activity Key
The Activity Key is another first in the large SUV segment and allows owners to lock and unlock the vehicle without the need to carry a conventional key fob. Designed as a durable wristband to be worn during outdoor activities, the Activity Key is activated by holding the wristband up to the ‘D’ in the rear Discovery badge. This locks the vehicle and disables the conventional keys, which can be left safely inside the vehicle. The battery-less Activity Key has been put through a series of rigorous physical tests to prove its capabilities in extreme environments. This demanding testing also ensures that it can withstand water to a depth of 30m and temperatures ranging from -50 to + 125 degrees celsius.
InControl Touch Pro
New Discovery is available with InControl Touch Pro, which provides greater connectivity than ever before including access to a range of apps through the updated 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen display. The intuitive infotainment system delivers enhanced ease-of-use and faster processing and also features ‘Dual View’ technology and digital television capability, along with all other entertainment functions and provides access to the satellite navigation, heating and vehicle controls.
For enhanced connectivity InControl Touch Pro Services includes 3G WiFi connectivity for up to eight devices. InControl Apps also allows owners to use selected apps from their smartphone on New Discovery’s 10-inch touchscreen, while Bluetooth is standard throughout the range.In addition, the enhanced set-up provides updated satellite navigation functions, including door-to-door routing. The complete navigation solution will direct customers on the final part of their journey on foot via their smartphone. Another new function is Commute Mode. This intelligent feature ‘learns’ common routes, for example the daily commute, and advises the optimum route dependent on live traffic data without a destination being entered manually by the driver. A live ETA function can inform friends and colleagues of the driver’s whereabouts and automatically send updates with accurate arrival times.
InControl Remote Premium allows the owner to lock and unlock their vehicle using the specific app on a smartphone or smartwatch and can also be used to operate the climate control remotely. This allows the driver to set New Discovery to a warm or cold setting before setting off on their journey.
InControl Secure technology allows the owner to track a stolen vehicle using the Land Rover app on their smartphone. If the vehicle is broken into or moved illegally, the dedicated smartphone app will alert the driver and the monitoring centre to help pinpoint and recover it as soon as possible. Even if the vehicle is stolen using the keys, the owner can alert the tracking call centre using the smartphone app.
InControl Protect gives drivers peace of mind thanks to SOS Emergency call technology with Automatic Collision Detection and Optimised Assistance. In the event of an emergency, an SOS call notifies the emergency services of the location of the vehicle. If the vehicle breaks down, Optimised Assistance transmits its location and vehicle diagnostics data to a recovery company. The instrument cluster is fitted with twin analogue dials and a central five-inch display that shows journey information as well as phone contacts and entertainment settings. This information is enhanced by an optional colour head-up display, available on Discovery for the first time. The system uses laser technology to present satellite navigation instructions and speed limit information without the driver needing to divert their attention away from the road.
Auto Access Height
Auto Access Height makes entering and exiting New Discovery a hassle-free experience, serving as another convenience feature to enhance the day-to-day ownership experience on vehicles fitted with air-suspension. To aid entry and exit, the vehicle body height drops by an initial 15mm when the ignition is turned off or a passenger unclips their seat belt, in anticipation of getting in or out of the vehicle. When an occupant opens a door, New Discovery lowers by an additional 25mm to reduce the step-out height by its maximum of 40mm. The vehicle returns to its automatic ride height or the height manually selected by the driver when pulling away. This thoughtful feature preserves New Discovery’s trademark Command Driving Position, without compromising ease of use.
Advanced all-aluminium platform
Land Rover’s innovative aluminium full-sized SUV platform provides the perfect basis for New Discovery, delivering a lightweight but durable architecture that contributes to lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy, as well as enhancing its dynamic abilities. This lightweight monocoque body construction is made up of 85% aluminium – 43% recycled – and is a significant 480kg lighter than before.
Further engineering innovations have seen more extensive use of high-strength aluminium within the crash structure, while the entire bodyside of the vehicle is pressed as a single aluminium panel, meaning fewer joints, reduced complexity and improved structural integrity. As well as improving strength and efficiency, the aluminium structure has been key to providing enhanced sustainability, with up to 50 percent of the sheet aluminium used in New Discovery’s body manufactured from recycled aluminium.
In combination with lighter chassis components, simplified exhaust and driveline systems, more efficient seat designs and revised wheel and tyre sizes all contribute to enhanced efficiency. Additional advanced lightweight chassis components include a magnesium cross vehicle beam that supports the instrument panel inside the vehicle as well as a high-precision lightweight casting supporting the grille and front-end components.
The seat structures are made of lightweight high-strength steel while the underside of the vehicle is pressed from a single piece of aluminium for greater structural integrity. As result of these weight saving measures, New Discovery weighs from 2115kg (EU unladen SD4).
The innovative suspension architecture is mounted on optimised steel front and rear subframes. These provide high levels of stiffness for enhanced steering response, chassis performance and greater refinement. The subframes are also designed to withstand off-road impacts while providing additional protection to the chassis and powertrain systems. The fully independent suspension uses a wide-spaced double-wishbone layout at the front and an advanced multi-link layout with an integral link at the rear. The integral link allows engineers to achieve stiffer damping when necessary for superior body control without compromising comfort and impact absorption.
Advanced, efficient engines
New Land Rover Discovery is powered by a selection of Jaguar Land Rover’s efficient four- and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. Leading the way is the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel powerplant, which delivers enhanced fuel economy and CO2 emissions without sacrificing the strong torque output customers expect from vehicles wearing the Discovery badge. The aluminium Ingenium engine features lightweight construction with stiff cylinder blocks and decoupled injectors, which ensure low levels of vibration and noise intrusion, enhancing the relaxed character that is such a core part of the Discovery family.
All engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which can be controlled manually by using the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles to provide the ultimate flexibility. A series of advanced technologies enhance fuel efficiency across the entire range. All engines feature stop/start with smart regenerative charging used across petrol and diesel powertrains. These features are supported by ECO Data, which allows drivers to see real-time fuel economy data on the central touchscreen display. The intelligent system can even provide driving tips on how to further improve efficiency.
Efficient and powerful Sd4 diesel
The introduction of Land Rover’s award-winning Ingenium diesel engines ensures New Discovery offers highly competitive emissions. The high output 240PS 2.0-litre diesel is for customers who demand performance while still enjoying the competitive running costs associated with the Ingenium engine family.
With 240PS and 500Nm of torque the new Sd4 powerplant delivers strong performance, powering New Discovery from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds (0-60mph in 8.0 seconds) – with comparable performance compared to the outgoing Discovery 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Despite this hike, the new four-cylinder unit provides competitive CO2 emissions of 171g/km and is capable of 43.5mpg. The engine uses the latest-generation high-pressure common rail direct fuel injection operating at pressures of up to 2200 bar using solenoid injectors. It features a single turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine (VNT) technology and a high-efficiency water-cooled intercooler for superior engine responses. This UK-built Ingenium powerplant brings new levels of diesel comfort to the Discovery family thanks to a range of advanced features. Dual-isolated engine mounts and further optimised transmission mounts combine with variable cam timing on the exhaust side and twin balancer shafts for the upmost refinement. The advanced engine is the first Jaguar Land Rover powerplant to feature series sequential turbo technology to deliver its additional thrust.
Six-cylinder Td6 diesel
New Land Rover Discovery is also available with a powerful 258PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, badged Td6. The single-turbo engine features low-pressure exhaust recirculation, a two-stage oil pump and revised fuel-injector nozzle for improved responses, refinement and efficiency. This latest generation powertrain achieves a seven per cent reduction in CO2 emissions over the previous 256PS Discovery TDV6; down from 203g/km to 189g/km, and is capable of up to 39.2mpg (7.2l/100 km). The 258PS engine delivers stronger performance than before and the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint takes only 8.1 seconds (0-60mph in 7.7 seconds) – a reduction of 1.3 seconds. With a significant 600Nm of torque on offer, the new Td6 diesel delivers relaxed cruising refinement and towering all-terrain capability.
Six-cylinder Si6 petrol
Land Rover’s advanced supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine is an impressive performer. The 340PS Si6 engine develops 450Nm of torque and powers New Discovery from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds (0-60mph in 6.9 seconds). The lightweight construction of New Discovery plays a decisive role in delivering lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency across the model range. As a result CO2 emissions are down six per cent, to 254g/km, with fuel economy increasing to 26mpg (10.9l/100km) compared to its predecessor.
Smooth and efficient eight-speed automatic
All engines are fitted with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, which has been engineered by Land Rover’s powertrain experts to combine smooth shifts with sharp responses and optimised fuel efficiency. The gearbox is controlled using the rotary gearshift controller that rises from the centre console, while manual changes can be prompted with the use of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for dynamic driving and precise control when completing off-road manoeuvres. The eight closely spaced ratios ensure that gearchanges are almost imperceptible, with each completed in a fraction of a second. For greater control, and if added performance is required, the gearbox will accept multiple downshifts and maintain a smooth transition between the ratios.
Enhanced on-road and class-leading all-terrain ability
New Discovery has been extensively tested to ensure on-road performance and comfort are a match for its class-leading all-terrain capability. Providing a more composed driving experience was a key focus for the engineering team and this has been achieved by using a combination of technological innovations, including advanced suspension architecture and the latest generation speed-dependent electric power-assisted steering. As a result, New Discovery delivers a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing any of its class-leading family comfort.
Away from congested city streets and motorways, New Discovery’s peerless all-terrain ability makes it one of the most capable vehicles ever to wear a Land Rover badge. Its class-leading combination of approach, departure and break-over angles, wading depth and ground clearance – augmented by a suite of innovative technologies – ensures it remains the class-leader when faced with the toughest all-terrain environments.
Unrivalled comfort for the whole family
New Land Rover Discovery is the ultimate family companion, delivering unrivalled long-haul comfort for seven people and a confidence-inspiring environment for the driver thanks to its raised Command Driving Position, simple controls and enhanced chassis technology. Key to achieving the perfect balance between composure and comfort is Land Rover’s choice of advanced suspension layout. This vital ingredient in the quest for optimised ride quality comprises wide-spaced double-wishbone front suspension and an integral link rear set-up.
The integral link provides softness when required, to enhance the comfort and impact resistance, yet delivers greater stiffness for improved composure and steering responses when cornering. The result is a cushioned and relaxing ride over uneven surfaces with greater poise in dynamic situations, making New Discovery a soothing companion regardless of the road or weather conditions.
Air suspension delivers even greater comfort and offers a wide range of adjustment for the ultimate in convenience and capability. The adjustable set-up can be lowered by up to 60mm for easier loading access and to assist when hitching trailers or raised by 75mm to increase ground clearance.
A series of additional technologies support New Discovery’s dynamics at the same time as enhancing safety. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) has been enhanced to ensure New Discovery corners with greater confidence and security by monitoring all four wheels to detect and counteract understeer and oversteer. If detected, the intelligent system applies a braking force to the inside wheels to help tighten the cornering trajectory of the vehicle and reduces engine torque to help the driver maintain their desired path. This latest-generation system has enhanced understeer control, which applies braking to all four wheels to reduce vehicle speed and regain control more effectively.
New Discovery also features the latest version of Land Rover’s Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) technology. The carefully calibrated variable ratio system provides a more natural and responsive steering feel, remaining easy to manoeuvre at low speeds and offering a more surefooted feel at higher cruising speeds. The latest EPAS system also supports New Discovery’s Terrain Response 2 function by varying the steering feedback depending on the friction level of the road surface. The adoption of EPAS has also allowed Land Rover’s engineers to provide Park Assist technology, which takes the stress out of tricky parking manoeuvres for the first time on Discovery.
Class-leading off-road geometry
New Discovery retains its status as the most capable premium SUV in off-road situations, combining advanced technologies with outstanding off-road geometry. Exceptional ground clearance of 283mm, combined with an approach angle of up to 34 degrees, a break-over angle of 27.5 degrees and departure angle of 30 degrees ensure New Discovery is able to climb up, over and down the most extreme obstacles. New Land Rover Discovery’s suspension is designed to optimise on-road dynamics, yet its outstanding geometry and wheel articulation of 500mm, aided by advanced air suspension, gives customers even greater confidence and capability when negotiating arduous and undulating surfaces. A wading depth of 900mm ranks New Discovery at the top of the class against the competition, ensuring the newest addition to Discovery family is able to conquer even tougher terrain than its predecessor.
Full-time four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer box
For the ultimate all-terrain capability New Discovery features a two-speed transfer box as standard, providing selectable high and low range gears for optimum on-road and off-road performance. The intelligent system provides a standard 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, but uses a range of sensors to distribute torque between the wheels depending on the conditions. The two-speed fully synchronised ‘shift on the move’ system allows the driver to swap between high and low ratios without having to stop the vehicle, at speeds of up to 60km/h (37mph).
All-Terrain Progress Control
Following its introduction on Range Rover Evoque, New Discovery is fitted with Land Rover’s innovative All-Terrain Progress Control technology (ATPC). The unique system allows the driver to set a crawl speed ranging from 2km/h up to 30km/h (19mph) allowing them to concentrate on steering the vehicle and negotiating difficult terrain while the technology controls engine and braking functions. With the system in operation the driver can use the cruise control functions to adjust the speed while an icon in the instrument cluster shows the existing setting and mode. ATPC is fitted with a unique Low Traction Launch feature, designed to help to pull away smoothly and easily when accelerating on low-friction surfaces such as wet grass or ice.
Terrain Response 2 Auto
New Discovery is fitted with Land Rover’s next-generation Terrain Response 2 technology, which automatically monitors the driving conditions to ensure the vehicle is primed to cope with a range of surfaces; General driving; Grass, Gravel and Snow; Mud and Ruts; Sand; and Rock Crawl. The intuitive system optimises a range of vehicle settings to suit the conditions, from the throttle mapping and steering responses to the suspension set-up and traction control settings. Alternatively, the centre-mounted dial allows the driver to manually select the appropriate setting simply and efficiently.
Four-corner air suspension
Land Rover’s four-corner air suspension system not only improves ride quality when driving on-road but also provides greater capability when off-roading. With its two-stage off-road mode the automatic system is able to vary between two ride heights of +40mm and +75mm. At speeds below 50km/h (31mph) the +75mm setting is available and for faster speeds on rutted dirt roads, between 50-80km/h (31-50mph), the vehicle will operate at +40mm. In addition, the new Speed Lowering function cuts drag and enhances fuel economy by automatically reducing the ride height by 13mm at cruising speeds above 105km/h (65mph). Other functions include enhanced tuning to prevent the suspension from lowering in deep wading conditions, as well as preventing belly-out situations where the centre of the vehicle rests on the ground.
Additional all-terrain technologies
Complimenting New Discovery’s optimised geometry and packaging is a suite of advanced all-terrain technologies. So whether drivers are faced with a snow-covered public road or towing a horsebox across a muddy field, New Discovery will maintain its composure.
The comprehensive range of on- and off-road technologies also includes:
- Hill Descent Control (HDC) maintains a set speed while tackling steep descents off-road.
- Gradient Release Control (GRC) slowly releases the brake when moving from a standing start on an incline for greater control.
- Electronic Traction Control (ETC) applies a braking force or reduces torque to individual wheels to stop wheelspin.
- Roll Stability Control (RSC) detects the beginning of a rollover and applies the brakes to the outer wheels to bring the vehicle under control.
- Wade Sensing provides real-time wading depth information in relation to the maximum wading depth using the 4x4i infotainment screen.
Advanced Tow Assist
New Land Rover Discovery has been fitted with advanced semi-autonomous technology to make the task of towing a trailer or horsebox as safe and simple as possible. Paired with the vehicle’s class-leading towing capacity of up to 3,500kg, this technology makes New Discovery the most capable tow vehicle in its class.
Advanced Tow Assist takes the stress out of reversing by allowing the driver to guide a trailer, horsebox or caravan into position without even using the steering wheel. The semi-autonomous technology helps to carry out difficult reversing manoeuvres using the rotary Terrain Response 2 controller on the central console to guide a trailer into the desired parking spot.
Once the driver has configured the system on the central touchscreen by entering key trailer details, responsive trajectory lines appear on the feed from cameras in the door mirrors showing the anticipated direction of the trailer. By steering the trailer using the rotary Terrain Response 2 controller and operating the pedals, the driver is able to reverse park trailers with absolute confidence as the vehicle automatically calculates the necessary steering inputs. The intuitive system will alert the driver if the steering input requested is too severe and would cause a jackknife situation.
The industry-first Trailer Light Test feature is another example of technology enhancing convenience. It allows customers to test their trailer lights without outside assistance, pulsing them while standing outside the vehicle. The system can be activated with a button in the load area or by using the vehicle’s main touchscreen.
New Land Rover Discovery is the first of the family to be offered with an Electrically Deployable Towbar, which is activated using a button in the load area or, once again, from the driver’s seat using the central touchscreen. Meanwhile, Rear Height Adjust allows the driver to lower and raise the height of the rear of the vehicle using the key fob or switches in the luggage compartment to make hitching a trailer simpler than ever and make it easier for dogs to jump into the back.
Once the towbar is ready, Hitch Assist makes it easier to hook up your caravan, trailer or horsebox. Using the surround cameras, the central touchscreen displays the rear towbar and recognises the trailer mounting point. The display then zooms in, showing a trajectory line, which responds to steering wheel inputs to help the driver guide New Discovery accurately into place.
New Discovery models fitted with the Electrically Deployable Towbar also have an industry-first Nose Load Measurement system. The safety feature allows customers to quickly check the weight being applied to the vehicle towbar (up to 120kg) by the trailer to prevent dangerous overloading and can be operated by the central touchscreen or using the InControl Remote app on a smartphone. With a trailer safely attached, Trailer Stability Assist enhances safety on the move by detecting trailer sway and gradually reducing the speed of the vehicle by cutting the engine and gently applying the brakes in order to restore control to the driver.
Cutting-edge safety technology
Driver convenience and confidence is heightened in New Discovery with the combination of active safety systems alongside an array of advanced driver assistance features. New Discovery features the company’s Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, as debuted on Discovery Sport, but includes a new pedestrian detection system that detect adult or child pedestrians, as well as other vehicles in the road and apply the brakes to stop the vehicle quickly and safely.
The feature uses a forward-facing camera mounted next to the rear view mirror to calculate the distance of objects in front of the car. This data is then analysed by a sophisticated on-board computer. In the event of a possible collision, the system alerts the driver with a visual and audible warning. If it detects that the collision cannot be avoided then it will apply emergency braking. It can work at speeds as low as 5km/h and up to 80km/h. Vehicles fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control also come with Advanced Emergency Brake Assist and Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB). Using the vehicle’s forward facing radar, AEB detects and monitors any vehicles that are moving in the same direction.
If the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, the driver is alerted to a possible collision. When the system detects that the driver hasn’t slowed it will gently and automatically apply the brakes. If a collision is imminent, the system will apply the same pressure as in an emergency braking situation.
Additional safety technologies fitted to New Discovery include:
- Hill Start Assist holds the brakes for a small amount of time to make it easier for the driver to pull away when parked on steep inclines.
- Engine Drag torque Control (EDC) ensures the wheels don’t lock up during engine braking in slippery conditions by sending increased torque to affected wheels.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
A host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) provide enhanced safety and convenience in everyday situations.
Park Assist
Using a selection of sensors and cameras situated in and around the car, the Park Assist function has three main programmes. The Parallel Park system uses two ultrasonic sensors on either side of the vehicle to scan spaces beside the vehicle to check their suitability. Once a suitable space has been identified, and following the prompts on the instrument display, the driver is left to control the accelerator, brake and gear selection, using the standard parking sensors to park.
The steering is automatically controlled by the Park Assist system leaving the driver free to concentrate on potential hazards such as pedestrians and other vehicles. Parking Exit employs the same systems to help the driver exit a space safely as it steers the vehicle while they control the speed.
In addition to these features, Perpendicular Parking now provides assistance when parking in perpendicular parking bays. As with the Parallel Park system, sensors determine whether a space is big enough, with room to open the doors on both sides of the vehicle. Once engaged, the system will steer New Discovery into the space, leaving the driver to control the accelerator, brakes and gear selection.
Blind Spot Monitor functions
Blind Spot Monitor uses rear-facing side-mounted radar sensors to check for vehicles within the vehicle’s blind spots. The advanced set-up alerts the driver with a warning light in the corresponding wing mirror.
For New Land Rover Discovery Blind Spot Monitor also includes Closing Vehicle Sensing, which provides added peace of mind on multi-lane roads. The system scans for fast approaching vehicles further behind and alerts the driver they risk a collision if they were to move into the path of an approaching vehicle in an adjacent lane.
Blind Spot Assist completes the suite of Blind Spot Monitor functions and combines the Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Keep Assist systems. When another vehicle is detected in the blind spot but the driver still attempts to change lane, the technology applies corrective steering torque to prevent a collision, while simultaneously alerting the driver.
Advanced assistance programmes include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a preset speed and automatically adjusts to maintain a pre-determined distance from vehicles in front. It is also able to come to a complete stop when in traffic.
- Traffic Sign Recognition uses a forward-facing camera and satellite navigation information to inform the driver of speed limits.
- Intelligent Speed Limiter uses the Traffic Sign Recognition and GPS systems to identify speed limits and reduce the vehicle’s speed. The driver is not able to exceed this limit, unless they cancel the function, and the system will use engine braking to slow the vehicle appropriately.
- Automatic High Beam automatically dips the headlights between high and dipped beam when it identifies a vehicle in front (either from its rear or headlamps).
- Driver Condition Monitor is able to monitor driver behaviour through inputs of steering, brake and accelerator to detect that they are becoming tired and suggest they take a short break.
- HD Surround Camera System with 360-degree Surround View, Front Junction View, Rear Junction View, Tow Assist and Hitch Assist, including reversing camera system
- Lane Departure Warning warns the driver through a vibration in the steering wheel if the digital camera detects them drifting out of lane.
- Lane Keep Assist applies gentle torque to the steering to keep the driver within their lane.
