2017 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY FIRST LOOK

2017 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Land Rover’s lineup is divided into 2 groups: the high-end Range Rover models currently consisting of 3 vehicles and a burgeoning family of more affordable SUVs sold under the Discovery name aimed at entry luxury buyers.

Formerly known as the LR4, the all-new 2017 Land Rover Discovery is priced from near $51,000 and radically changes its design direction with a sportier appearance. It’s 5.5” longer but lower vastly expanding its versatility.

Designers and engineers maximized every spare inch of space to provide additional storage throughout the interior and when equipped with the optional 3^rd row boasts usable seating for 7 adults. A 3.0-liter supercharged V6 is the standard engine, producing 340 horsepower and a very quick 0-to-60mph time of 6.9 seconds.

Contributing to the Discovery’s newfound athleticism is its unibody construction, built of 85% lightweight aluminum shaving about 1,000 pounds from the LR4’s steel ladder frame. For those who prefer the robust torque of a diesel, the Discovery can be ordered with a 3.0-liter turbo V6 generating a healthy 443 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are fitted with 8-speed automatic transmissions.

The Discovery has been extensively tested to ensure on-road performance and comfort are a match for its offroad capability.  According to Land Rover, its generous approach, departure and breakover angles, combine with impressive wading depth abilities and ground clearance ensuring it remains a leader when faced with the toughest off-road environments.

An available air suspension offers a wide range of settings for easier loading and more capable off-roading.  Two full-time 4-wheel drive systems are offered including one with a 2-speed transfer case for serious low-range crawling.  The optional Advanced Tow Assist takes the stress out of reversing by allowing the driver to guide a trailer into position without using the steering wheel using the rotary Terrain Response 2 controller on the central console to guide a trailer into the desired parking spot.

And how about this; 2^nd and 3^rd row seats can be adjusted remotely using Land Rover InControl® Remote smartphone app technology, allowing customers to rearrange the seating layout before they reach the vehicle, just one reason why they call the 2017 Discovery the most versatile Land Rover yet.