The Land Rover Discovery may have lost some of its shine compared to the more popular Defender, but the SUV is still celebrating its 35th anniversary. To mark this milestone, Land Rover has introduced the Discovery 35th Edition as the new flagship of the range. Additionally, the Discovery now offers a D350 mild-hybrid diesel powertrain option in Europe. Beginning with the D350 powertrain, it features a turbocharged 3.0-liter Ingenium six-cylinder dieselengine, integrated with 48V mild hybrid technology. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that distributes power to all four wheels.
While this engine variant is already
utilized in the Range Rover and recently updated Defender lineups, it marks its
first appearance under the hood of a Discovery. With an output of 345 hp and 700 Nm of torque, the D350 offers a notable
increase of 49 hp and 50 Nm compared to the
discontinued D300. This enhancement enables the 0-97 km/h sprint to
be completed in 5.9 seconds, which is 0.7 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Land Rover is celebrating 35 years since
the debut of the original Discovery with a new special edition. This will be
available in “strictly limited numbers”, positioned above the Discovery
Metropolitan Edition. Curiously, the company omitted photos in the press
release but detailed all its unique features. The 35th Edition features bespoke
“XXXV” badging and “Discovery” treadplates, complemented by a Bright Atlas
finish on the grille and front emblem. It rolls on 22-inch Gloss Black wheels
with black brake calipers and is exclusively offered in Santorini Black and
Carpathian Grey shades with Hakuba Silver lower bumper inserts.
The cabin features Ebony upholstery with
Windsor leather inserts and Titanium Mesh details. Equipment is generous,
including 20-way heated and cooled seats with massage functions, a sliding
panoramic roof, head-up display, wireless charging, four-zone climate control,
front cooler, and privacy glass.
The Land Rover Discovery 35th Edition is
priced at £ 79,990 (US$ 102,965) in the UK market, positioning it as the most
expensive model in the lineup. In addition to the special edition, celebrations
for the nameplate’s 35th anniversary will feature a unique Discovery ice cream
servery and hydration station for dogs, set to appear at summer events across
the UK. The current generation of the Land Rover Discovery debuted back in
2016, with a facelift following in late 2020. Four years later, the Discovery
has evolved into a sub-brand, trying to find its place within the Land Rover
lineup after years of slow sales.
