It has yet to hit the rugged roads of Britain, but Land Rover’s new Discovery is already making waves among petrolheads.
Heralded as the most capable, yet most luxurious Discovery yet, the new model boasts a number of impressive features, including a 900mm wading depth, a 3,500kg towing capacity and 12 advanced driver assist systems.
Its seven full-size seats – a first amongst SUVs – can be easily stowed or reconfigured from a smartphone, thanks to Land Rover’s Intelligent Seat Fold, and when all five rear seats are folded down the vehicle boasts an incredible 2,500litres of storage.
With such impressive specifications, it’s little wonder that more than 10,000 orders of the model have already been placed, and that’s before any test drives have occurred.
More than 550,000 online configurations of the model have been made. Are you one of these configurators, confused by the endless options offered by Land Rover?
Fear not, here at Motors.co.uk, we’ve investigated for you, and found three different models, at three different price points.
The smart choice for those on a budget: Discovery S
The base option in the New Discovery range weighs in at £43,495. However, thanks to an extensive standard spec list, this model is more than adequate to keep you cruising in comfort for many thousands of miles.
With Land Rover’s 2.0-litre Sd4 diesel engine sat under the bonnet, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the model boasts 240bhp and 500Nm of torque. This is enough to propel the heavy car to 60mph in just eight seconds, and allows it to reach a maximum speed of 121mph. A combined mpg of 43.5 is achieved and CO₂ emissions of 171 g/km are produced.
In the cabin, the stylish model features cloth seats, an eight-inch touchscreen and Land Rover Sound System 80W with six speakers as standard.
The 19-inch five-split-spoke ‘Style 5021’ alloy wheels sit at each corner of the car, and dark grille bars and body-coloured door handles complete the look.
Amongst the extensive list of safety features are autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning.
The smart choice for value for money: Discovery SE
The second option up in the range, and costing almost £10,000 more than the base, the Discovery SE is the one to choose if you’re looking to get the most for your money.
On top of the standard features seen in the S, this model adds grained leather seats, Land Rover’s 250KW enhanced sound system with 10 speakers and the InControl Touch Navigation system.
Coupled with Land Rover’s potent 3.0-litre Si6 petrol, and an automatic transmission, this SE model costs £52,495.
With 340bhp and 450Nm of torque, the Discovery can reach a top speed of 130mph, and accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds.
It is not as economical as its lower-powered sibling, however, achieving a combined mpg of 26 and emitting 254g/km of COâ‚‚ emissions.
The smart choice for technophiles: Discovery First Edition
Finally, the Discovery for technophiles is the First Edition. As the name suggests, this special model is unique, and celebrates the launch of the fifth generation.
At the top end of the price range, costing from £68,295, the special edition features 22-inch five split-spoke ‘Style 5011’ alloy wheels, an electric sunroof and all-terrain progress control.
In the cabin, windsor leather seats, a Meridian Surround Sound System 825W with 14 speakers plus subwoofer and rear seat entertainment features.
Coupled with a 3.0-litre Td6 diesel powertrain, and the same eight-speed automatic transmission as seen in the other models, the car produces 258bhp and 600Nm, boasts a top speed of 130mph and can reach 60mph in just 7.7 seconds.
This powertrain is the middling option when it comes to economy, achieving a combined mpg of 39.2 and producing 189g/km COâ‚‚ emissions.
