First Drive: The New Land Rover Discovery | Land Rover

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July 7, 2017

First Drive: The New Land Rover Discovery | Land Rover

Land Rover Discovery | The Land Rover Discovery

First Drive: The New Land Rover Discovery

The new Land Rover Discovery, which has undergone a full model change to evolve into its fifth generation, was launched in Japan on May 8th. Fumio Ogawa test-drove the model, which has shed its signature boxy styling from the first generation and adopted a sporty design that evokes a kinship with the Range Rover Sport.

Photographs by ARAKAWA MasayukiText by OGAWA Fumio

Engine Options: 3.0L V6 Gasoline and Diesel

The Land Rover Discovery has been fully redesigned into its fifth generation. Orders began in Japan on May 8, 2017. This new model boasts exceptional versatility, incorporating advanced technology. We had the opportunity to test drive it.

The first-generation Discovery was launched in 1989. Initially, it was characterized by offering the off-road capabilities of the Defender, a cross-country 4WD, with a casual style that appealed to a younger generation.

Over subsequent model changes, its performance improved and the technology adopted became more sophisticated, evolving into a truly capable vehicle. The new Discovery represents the culmination of this evolution to date.

The new model fully leverages the latest electronic control air suspension system with a cross-linked setup. Its vehicle height adjustment function significantly enhances off-road capability compared to the previous model, while also improving wading depth.

Land Rover Discovery | The Land Rover Discovery

Electronic control technology has also advanced further, with features like "All-Terrain Progress Control," which automatically adjusts speed and braking for ascending and descending steep slopes.

It features a full-time 4WD system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The engine options include a 2,994cc V6 gasoline engine and a 2,992cc V6 diesel engine.

The active use of smart devices is another highlight of the new model. With the optional Wi-Fi hotspot, it offers the ability to communicate with an operator in emergencies and connect multiple smart devices.

Furthermore, another selling point of the new model is the "Intelligent Seat Fold" function. This allows for remote arrangement of the electric seats using a dedicated app.

A spokesperson for Jaguar Land Rover Japan, the Japanese subsidiary, emphasized, "We want you to pay attention to the enhanced on-road performance." The new Discovery truly delivers on this promise.

A Diesel Engine Unlike Any Other

The new Land Rover Discovery features improved off-road capabilities while significantly enhancing on-road comfort.

A prime example of this is the engine. The V6 gasoline engine produces a maximum output of 250 kW (340 ps) at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 450 Nm between 3,500-5,000 rpm.

It's an engine that revs satisfyingly, with a power that makes you forget the vehicle's over two-ton weight. The torque delivery is linear in response to accelerator input, and the natural feel conveys a sense of luxury.

V6 Gasoline Engine

The engine noise is kept very low, with all intrusive noises from intake, mechanical, and exhaust systems effectively shut out. The smooth acceleration from any rev range is also a pleasure. It's a refined powertrain.

The V6 diesel is another outstanding achievement for Land Rover. We were previously impressed by the four-cylinder diesel engine introduced in Jaguars sold in Japan, admiring its refinement in terms of sound, torque, and running characteristics. This engine possesses all those excellent qualities.

As a Jaguar Land Rover Japan engineer told me, 'You wouldn't believe it's a diesel.' If you didn't know, you'd probably think it was gasoline.

Its rapid revving and lack of knocking noise make it ultra-smooth. Combined with a substantial maximum torque of 600 Nm, the acceleration is truly impressive.

The steering feel and body roll control are on par with passenger cars. The body, up to 360 kg lighter than the previous model, clearly prioritizes handling characteristics like roll.

The combination with the diesel engine is superb. In short, it's a joy to drive. The refined ride, a result of meticulous tuning, is a world away from the original Discovery.

V6 Diesel Engine

In an era where electrification and hybridization are advancing, the importance of the engine might be generally overlooked. However, driving the Discovery, whether gasoline or diesel, makes you realize that quality is defined by the engine.

Of course, the supple ride quality and low noise levels are crucial elements of the Discovery, which can be considered a large limousine. The air suspension is set to lower the vehicle height above 105 km/h for improved aerodynamics, but this does not seem to negatively impact ride comfort at any speed.

The benefits of the air suspension system extend to everyday usability. The kneel-down function allows the vehicle height to be lowered for easier entry and exit. It also allows for lowering the vehicle height via a button when loading or unloading cargo.

The high level of comfort on paved roads is exactly as the Japanese subsidiary claims. For rear-seat passengers with ample legroom, it offers an experience comparable to a luxury sedan.

As mentioned earlier, the vehicle's response to steering inputs is quick, giving a sense of precise control. Despite its length of 4,970 mm and width of 2,000 mm, its responsiveness suggests it won't feel cumbersome even in urban driving.

A High-Quality Interior Akin to the Range Rover

One of the charms of the new Discovery is its high-quality interior, reminiscent of the Range Rover family. The seats are comfortable, and the quality of materials used throughout the dashboard and other areas is exceptional.

What elevates it to a luxury model is the extensive range of options. The wide variety of materials, including wood, and the selection of leather types and colors, along with numerous body and wheel variations, offer the pleasure of customization.

While calling it 'your own unique car' might be a slight exaggeration, the ability to tailor it to your taste, from sporty specifications with black wheels to classic versions, is undoubtedly a strong point of the Discovery.

Customization is also possible in terms of functionality. Notably, a "5+2" seating configuration is available. The legroom in the second row is a generous 954 mm, and the third row offers 851 mm.

Thanks to the packaging, which leverages a wheelbase of 2,925 mm, it is said that seven adults around 190 cm tall can be seated comfortably.

As mentioned earlier, the keyword 'connected' is also important when discussing the new Discovery. With the Wi-Fi hotspot, up to eight devices can be connected.

The "Intelligent Seat Fold" function is particularly unique. It allows for easy operation of folding and unfolding the electric seats via the dashboard touchscreen or switches in the luggage area.

Additionally, it can be remotely operated via a smartphone app. This function allows for arranging the second (and third) row seats. For example, from home, you can fold down the seats in preparation for your planned activities, or unfold them if they were previously folded.

It also seems convenient to be able to fold down the third-row seats in advance if you plan to make a large purchase at a shopping center.

There are two model variations for each of the two engines. The 3-liter gasoline engine comes in "HSE" (7.79 million yen) and the more luxuriously equipped "HSE LUXURY" (8.81 million yen). The 3-liter diesel is available as "HSE" for 7.99 million yen and "HSE LUXURY" for 9.01 million yen.

A limited-edition special model, the "Discovery First Edition," has been available on the website since April 5, 2017.

It comes loaded with options, including off-road systems like "All-Terrain Progress Control." Prices start from 10,317,000 yen for the gasoline model and 10,447,000 yen for the diesel model.