The Land Rover Discovery is one of the most exciting vehicles and the 2017 model year is completely new. The differences between the new version and its predecessor are obvious and visible to the naked eye. The previous-generation is the Discovery 4, and it was rather similar to the Discovery 3, except the interior that was more luxurious.
The high sales of the Discovery 4 encouraged the company to up the ‘premium’ count. As a result, we have received some other vehicles within the lineup, including the Discovery Sport, which came instead of the Freelander. Also, the 2017 Land Rover Discovery brings new improved look, so let’s see what else there is to it.
Design
Although the 2017 model has a different appearance, it has taken many design cues from the previous generation such as the metalwork around the C-pillar, a clamshell hood and a roofline which rises slightly as you go towards the rear end. These parts remained the same as they are essential to creating enough space in the cabin, as seven full-sized seats, crucial to the car’s success, have to be put in. The 2017 Land Rover Discovery looks so exciting, and it is obvious that the designers and engineers have experimented with the new model and it appears that they have made one truly tremendous vehicle.
This new model will have an aluminum monocoque instead of a separate chassis and body which has been used for predecessors. The monocoque will be offered with double wishbones suspension at the front and at the rear with an integral link setup, and in this aspect, it will be same as the Range Rover. However, the Land Rover Discovery will use steel subframes compared to the aluminum ones on the Range Rover. Because of this difference, the Discovery allows a full-size set of seats in the third row, more cargo capacity and the room for the full-size spare wheel.
Overhauled Discovery is 480 kg lighter, which is an incredible improvement. However, the body shed 250 kg and the chassis 130 kg, but what really matters is that a 2.0-liter I4 replaced a V6 turbodiesel engine. Despite the fact that Discovery managed to get rid of some unnecessary weight, it is still a 2,184 kg vehicle.
2017 Discovery Price
The starting price of the base trim is £43,495 while the range-topping model costs £62,695. The 2.0-liter unit will be the base engine, and it produces 178 bhp, but the car that was put to the test delivered 237 bhp and 368 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with a more powerful version the 2017 Land Rover Discovery can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds.
The new model comes with an AWD configuration, while the powerplant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There is also a low ratio transfer case and the company’s newest “terrain response” system which controls power delivery, throttle response and differentials and because of this system, the Land Rover Discovery is one of the best off-roaders. The maximum ground clearance is 283 mm, and the vehicle has half a meter of axle articulation, so you shouldn’t worry if you are going to drive this SUV on some rough roads.
2017 Land Rover Discovery Interior
The interior kept the iconic Discovery parts and what really makes this car beautiful is the way you feel when you drive it. Because of the new appearance and interior design, one is in a more car-like driving position, and the driver has a great view, even though the window line is lower than on some of the competitors. The side mirrors and the rear window are large, but what most people don’t like about this car is the number plate holder. Instead of a two-piece tailgate that owners loved, the 2017 Land Rover Discovery is now equipped with a one-piece plastic one. Even though the majority of people don’t like this move, there is a powered flap inside the trunk which can hold 300 kg when it is lowered, and it behaves exactly like the split tailgate.
In the cabin, you can find the best options from the previous Discovery including large and clear buttons and dials. There is so much space in the interior and entering the middle and the third row of seats has been simplified, so even taller people will not have any problems getting comfortable at the back.
Even though some people might think that adding 2.0-liter engine is not a good idea, this unit is so quiet, making your time in the cabin even more pleasurable. Besides being silent, the engine is powerful and produces a lot of torque. With the 2017 Land Rover Discovery you can tow up to 3,500 kg, but for that endeavor, you would need a 3.0-liter diesel engine that is good for 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. With the 2.0-liter powerplant, the Discovery steers and attacks the corners with ease while the weight distribution is close to 50:50. The test model was equipped with 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255/55 profile tires.
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is a fascinating SUV, and besides the great exterior design, we are getting so much under its skin. This vehicle has already been ordered by 20,000 people, and the car has yet to be delivered to the showrooms.
