The latest Land Rover Discovery is clearly positioned as an upmarket family SUV, but that hasn’t stopped the British brand from coming up with a commercial version for the UK market. Say hello to the aptly named Land Rover Discovery Commercial…
The newcomer is clearly based on the premium SUV but has been transformed into something of a workman’s van, with the second- and third-row rear seats stripped out, and durable flooring (with additional storage compartments beneath) along with partitioning behind the front seats added.
To create more of a panelvan feel, the Discovery Commercial also gains privacy glass for the rear windows, which means it “can be undistinguishable as a commercial vehicle if desired”, according to Land Rover. The end result of the interior alterations is a claimed utility space of some 1 856 dm3.
In the UK, the two-seater commercial SUV can be ordered with either 2,0-litre four-cylinder or 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel engines, both with all-wheel drive. Air suspension comes standard, too.
Interestingly, three trim levels are available, including an HSE derivative that comes fitted with ambient lighting, a 380W Meridian sound system and 20-inch alloy wheels. Odd inclusions for a commercial vehicle, if you ask us.
Still, the idea is not a new one, with every generation of the Land Rover Discovery having been available as a commercial variant in the UK. Pricing starts at £48 695 (about R850 000) and runs through to £59 995 (R1,03-million) for the top-of-the-range 3,0 TDV6 HSE. Don’t expect to see any of these in South Africa, though…
