This is the new Land Rover Discovery. It’s the fifth generation, and you can tell from the get-go that it is quite different from its predecessors. The Discovery saw two leaks, one of which took place several hours ago, but now we get to see it in its full guise.
In terms of design, it looks pretty much exactly the same as the Discovery Sport but slightly bigger with it being 4 970 mm long and 2 220 mm wide. The new design approach also makes it the most aerodynamic Discovery to date with its Cd of 0,33.
Other interesting additions to the exterior include adaptive LED headlamps, which have five different settings for various environments. Customers will also be able to choose from a variety of 12 different 20- or 21-inch alloy wheel designs.
Being based on the new Range Rover platform, the Discovery has a full seven-seater layout. Interior trim stays true to Land Rover fashion with the combination of a wooded and leather upholstery. Extra stowage spaces are also in abundance.
Unusually, heated seats for the rear row are now optional, whereas usually, only the front and middle rows benefit from this feature on most seven-seaters.
Another first is the Discovery’s new ‘intelligent seat fold technology’ which allows you to electronically fold and raise the rear and middle rows via switches placed on the c-pillar. It states that this process can take up to 12 seconds; manually folding them might be faster.
The infotainment system has also been updated as it makes use of a 10-inch touchscreen display with a dual-view functionality.
As hinted further above, the Discovery makes use of JLR’s all-aliminium platform, 43% of which is recycled. With a resultant unladen weight of 2 115 kg, this model is 480 kg lighter than its predecessor.
Engine options thus far are as follows:
2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel pushing 177 kW and 500 N.m (0-100 km/h takes 8,3 seconds).
3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel pushing 190 kW and 600 N.m (0-100 km/h takes 8,1 seconds).
3,0-litre V6 turbopetrol pushing 250 kW and 450 N.m (0-100 km/h takes 6,9 seconds).
All of these engines will be mated to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. Discovery models are also said to be equipped with full-time four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer box.
With air-suspension equipped, the approach angle is said to be 34 degrees with a 30 degree departure angle.
Local pricing and arrival date is yet to be released. International prices are said to start at $49 990 (R683 500) but based on local JLR product pricing, expect it to cost a lot more than that when it gets here.
