Land Rover Discovery SUV. 5th generation, 2020 restyling
The Land Rover Discovery is an all-wheel drive SUV manufactured since 1989 by Land Rover (UK). In 2016, the manufacturer introduced the fifth generation SUV, which was restyled at the end of 2020. The 2021 models are expected to be on sale no earlier than summer. In the meantime, we would like to share with you some details about the restyled SUV.
Distinctive features
The new 2021 Land Rover Discovery is still a versatile 5- or 7-seater SUV with a distinctive exterior, suitable for active family vacations. The vehicle is 4,970 mm long, 2,073 mm wide, 1,846 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,923 mm. The 5-seater modification has a trunk with the volume varying from 1,231 liters (min) to 2,500 liters (max). The 7-seater version offers the trunk compartment with the volume of 258 liters or 2,391 liters with the rear seats folded down. If you remove only the outer rear seats, the volume will be 1,137 liters. There is an intelligent seat folding tool and an electric tailgate that supports contactless opening.
The ground clearance with conventional springs is 220 mm, whereas it is adjustable from 160 to 284 mm in case of air suspension, which is very convenient for operation in different conditions. The developers of the restyled Discovery have slightly changed its exterior, equipped it with new electronic systems and onboard instruments, and also expanded the Ingenium engine range with the MHEV platform.
The SUV feels equally good in city and highway conditions, off-road and even in water. It is able to overcome various road obstacles, can handle fords up to 850 mm deep (or up to 900 mm with activated air suspension), as well as 45-degree slopes. It also has fantastic towing capabilities. According to manufacturers, the Discovery can carry trailers weighing up to 3,500 kg, and the presence of special features makes the towing process safe and efficient.
Exterior
You can distinguish the 2021 Land Rover Discovery from the predecessor by a more elegant radiator grille, upgraded bumpers, ventilation inserts on the front fenders, painted in body color, as well as a new optics configuration. LED headlights are now standard equipment and have adaptive settings: they can automatically shift the light flux in the direction of the steering wheel, which increases the safety of the driver and other road users in dark conditions. Matrix optics with graphical cornering can be ordered as an option. Thanks to the new design, the SUV can boast of a lower and wider fit. The C-pillar of the roof structure is slightly tilted forward, which looks very stylish and elegant. The harmonious lines of the redesigned rear end and the new wheel design make the vehicle look even more modern. An electrically operated fixed or sliding panoramic roof is available as an option.
Several individual finishing packages are optional at extra cost:
- R-Dynamic, which makes the exterior as expressive and sporty as possible, featuring black and dark gray details around the body perimeter, original stitching of the seats in a contrasting color;
- Narvik Black, with a distinctive sporty front bumper, exclusive radiator grille, different vents and 'Discovery' badge on the tailgate and hood.
Interior
The restyled SUV has a laconic and moderate interior, finished with expensive and noble materials, including premium leather, wood and aluminum inserts. The seats can be trimmed in Windsor or Grained leather, and can be decorated with Natural Charcoal Oak and High Gloss Charcoal Oak wood insert. The front seats are well-shaped, have high-quality lateral support and a wide range of electrical adjustments. The rear row of seats has reinforced lateral support and longer cushions.
The vehicle comes with a new 4-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and hidden function keys that are only revealed after the backlight is activated. The gear selector has been redesigned: the classic plate that everyone is so used to is a thing of the past. It was replaced by a neat electronic lever with a small number of keys next to it.
The dashboard and infotainment panels have been updated. There is a large 11.4-inch Pivi Pro multimedia center display that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and cloud-based updates at the front. There is a Wi-Fi access point to which you can connect up to 8 gadgets, and there is a platform for wireless charging of compatible mobile devices. The 12.3-inch digital dashboard has retained its original size, but now resembles an infotainment center. Plus, there is a projection screen and a PM2.5 particle filtering device. The second row passengers can use the tablet holders, which are integrated into the seat backs, and several USB interfaces.
Engines and chassis
The new 2021/2022 Land Rover Discovery has lost the usual diesel and petrol V6s, as they were replaced by Ingenium engines. We don’t know if this is good or bad. Only a turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with 300 hp has remained.
The 3-liter 6-cylinder diesel engine is available in two boost levels: 249 and 300 hp. A more dynamic petrol 6-cylinder engine produces 360 hp with a torque of 500 Nm. All 3-liter engines are MHEV compatible. This applies to vehicles that will enter the European market.
Like before, the new Discovery is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The basic equipment includes an air suspension, an upgraded Terrain Response 2 system, which adapts to operating conditions, Wade Mode, which is activated when wading. The system automatically detects the depth of the water obstacle using the Wade Sensing tool. Sensors are integrated in the exterior mirrors to notify the driver that the permissible depth limit of 900 mm has been reached. The interactive system launches a visual demonstration of the maximum depth, and this is really convenient when driving under low-light conditions.
The spring chassis has been replaced by an air chassis and adaptive damping elements. The permanent all-wheel drive system has also undergone global improvements. In standard mode, this complex evenly distributes power along the axes. At the same time, it is possible to adjust it by appropriate electronic commands. The platform is synchronized with a 2-speed transfer case, which reduces speeds and has an optional rear differential with Torsen locking option.
