A few weeks ago, you may remember that we pondered what the next Land Rover Discovery would be like. Well, now we know , after the fifth-generation SUV was unveiled during its global unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, and not wanting to brag, it seems our predictions were bang on the money.
It should be no surprise that the Discovery 5 looks like the Discovery Sport’s big brother with a similar, more rounded exterior design.
We expected it to be bigger and it will be, in some ways. The car’s overall length has been extended by a whole 14cm, stretching for 30mm off five metres.
However, it will be marginally narrower and lower than the previous Disco. The car’s grander overall length is matched by a 38mm extension to its wheelbase which should improve its ride but will also make its roomier for passengers.
It will be almost half a tonne lighter than before, thanks to increased use of aluminium in its new monocoque body construction. What that means is that the entire bodyside is pressed from a single sheet of aluminium, which makes it stronger, safer, and obviously, lighter. A win-win-win situation if you like.
What about engines though? As expected, it will use borrow the 237bhp two-litre Ingenium diesel engine from the 3 Series-sized Jaguar XE , but it will also be available with a choice of two three-litre V6 engines – a diesel with 254bhp and a 335bhp petrol.
The quickest of the bunch is the latter, completing the 0-62mph benchmark sprint in 7.1 seconds. All three engines come linked to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Those looking to go off-road in their Discovery 5 won’t be let-down or disappointed. The air suspension system means the car’s ride height can be reduced by 6cm to help load up those heavy shopping bags or raised by 7.5cm for greater ground clearance should you face any menacing puddles. It can also wade through waters up to 90cm deep – 20cm more than before.
All seven seats can be heated, although only the front five have cooling functions and the massage function is reserved for the driver and front passenger.
Staying with interiors the chic theme is carried throughout, with the dashboard including a incontrol touch pro.
There’s 65 per cent more cabin storage with the inclusion of a hidden centre console which has enough space to hide four iPads.
It will go on sale in spring 2017, with prices ranging between £43,395 for entry-level S model and £68,295 for the 600-units only First Edition.
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[…] One of the biggest cars at the show – in more way than one – was the fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery. […]