The 2017 Land Rover Discovery was presented at the 2016 Paris International Auto Show. The new car comes with major revision inside and outside. The only thing that remained almost the same is the engine department. Due to the new aluminum-intensive underbody design this car sees 1,000-pound weight reduction and certainly it affect and improve overall performance as well as fuel economy.
Exterior Details
The changes on the car exterior are obvious, and the 2017 Land Rover Discovery is far more attractive than the previous version. The aerodynamics have been improved due to the new design. However, the stepped roof reminds us of the original Discovery from 1989.
The front end looks aggressive with the new grille. Moreover, it will feature sporty air intakes, whereas the fog lights are on the bottom next to the skid plate. The new 2017 Land Rover Discovery comes with the LED headlights and LED daytime running lights as well. Above the grille, “Discovery” name is written with large letters.
Looking from the side, we can see the huge doors. However, there is a line that brakes this area, and it stretches from the fender vent to the taillights. What is specific is the design of the C-Pillar which is leaned forward. The C-Pillar meets the roof at the place where the roof is lifted up.
Moving to the rear end where we can see the narrow taillights. There are red internal lenses which represent brake lights. Just like at the front, we also have “Discovery” written on the back. The rear also has the offset plate design, which doesn’t quite fit in the new car. Be that as it may, the tailgate can be opened in split-level form. This will help you load cargo easily into the vehicle. For the rear, we are also getting a faux skid plate like the one we have at the front.
Interior of 2017 Land Rover Discovery
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery has borrowed many elements from the Range Rover lineup, and the interior looks luxurious, indeed. For example, we have a large center console which hides storage compartment where you can safely leave your phone, wallets and similar. Furthermore, we are getting six 12-volt outlets and nine USB ports all over the cabin while the steering wheel and instrument cluster came from Range Rover.
Seating arrangement remained the same, though. There are three rows, and seven adults can feel comfortable inside. There is large headroom due to the stepped roof, so every passenger will have enough space. If you need to pack equipment in your Discovery, you can fold the rear two rows flat, and you will get 82.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. You can remotely lower or raise your seats via Seat Fold system, and we saw Bear Grylls demonstrated this by raising the seats from the Apple device while parachuting. Amazing, right?
Speaking of the technologies, a 10-inch touchscreen and InControl infotainment system can be found in the new model. These two have seen some improvements recently, and they are much better than the old offerings. Moreover, 3G Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity is available. However, 4G is not something you will come across in the 2017 Land Rover Discovery, which is a bit odd nowadays.
You can open and control your car via JLR’s Activity Key wristband. It is waterproof, and you will no longer need keys. Isn’t this great? In addition, the HVAC system has a hidden compartment behind it. In it, you can keep cell phones or some valuable stuff.
Read more about: 2019 New Land Rover Defender
Powertrain Details
The new 2017 Land Rover Discovery is available with two engine options and only one transmission. Although the engines remain the same, don’t forget that 1,000-pound weight drop which will certainly influence performance and efficiency.
A 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine is standard. The unit produces 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. If you don’t like this option, you can always choose a carryover 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gas powerplant good for 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox is the only offer in this department.
What is important to mention here is Land Rover Terrain Response 2 system. This is great for those who love off-road driving because the system offers computerized control over the 4WD. You can choose from five different modes – Normal, Rock, Sand, Snow, and Mud. However, you can also pick an Auto mode which appoints the computer to select what is the best mode for the terrain. The air suspension raises or lowers, and this depends on the Terrain Response 2 setting. If you ever find yourself in the new 2017, Land Rover Discovery on a wet surface don’t worry because it can go in up to 35.4-inch deep water.
2017 Land Rover Discovery Price and Release Date
You will be able to purchase the 2017 Land Rover Discovery in North America somewhere around the middle of the next year. The base trim will cost $49,990, but if you want upper trims or additional equipment, you will have to cough up much more, because prices rise quickly as you go up the range. Once the Discovery is out on the market, it will go against the 2016 Audi Q7 and 2016 Volvo XC90.
There is no doubt that the 2017 Land Rover Discovery brought new technologies. The interior is stylish and far more luxurious, whereas off-road driving capabilities are amazing. On the other hand, carryover powertrain is not the best you can find and hopefully Land Rover will bring upgrades to the next model. Also, the rear end is far from beautiful with the offset license plate, but the overall impression is that this is a terrific vehicle.
