JLR Korea announced that the Land Rover Discovery, recognized as the perfect standard for a 7-passenger family SUV, celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, effectively combining innovation, space, and practicality.
Since it was unveiled as the world’s first at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989, the Discovery has set the standard for versatility and all-terrain driving capability, making it a unique family SUV.
Mark Cameron, managing director of Discovery, stated, “The Discovery has established the benchmark for family SUVs and we take pride in celebrating this monumental moment. The spacious interior of the 7-passenger Discovery, along with its unparalleled originality, makes it the perfect partner for family adventures that can turn ordinary days into extraordinary experiences.”
Safety and driving performance are at the core of the Discovery. It introduced the industry’s first Active Cornering Enhancement technology in 1998, which reduces body rolling with electronically controlled anti-roll bars. The following year, it became the first SUV to offer twin airbags for front seat occupants. JLR’s automatic Terrain Response® system was also first introduced in the 2004 Discovery.
The Discovery has built a reputation as a versatile and robust SUV. In 2018, it provided specially modified emergency response vehicles to support the Austrian Red Cross’s search and rescue operations, demonstrating remarkable capabilities with its superior towing capacity. The relentless pursuit of exceptional performance was exemplified in 2017 when the production model of the Discovery towed a 110-ton train for 16 kilometers in the Australian outback.
The new 2024 Discovery retains the rich history and heritage of the Discovery over 35 years while enhancing its exterior and interior design to further emphasize luxury and practicality. Maintaining the unique DNA of the Discovery, such as the clamshell hood, stepped roofline, and C-pillar design, it refines the details to highlight ruggedness and elegance.
True to its modern luxury full-size family SUV ethos, it offers comfortable and flexible space utilization. The stadium seats that have become synonymous with the Discovery are also applied in the new 2024 model, ensuring excellent forward visibility for all seven passengers. The second-row seats come with a 160mm sliding adjustment and electronic reclining feature, while the third-row seats can be manipulated either manually or electronically, providing ample and comfortable space for all occupants. Additionally, the second and third-row seats can fold in a 60:40 ratio, making it easy to load long and large luggage, and they can be completely flattened if needed, efficiently utilizing a generous cargo space of up to 2,391 liters.
The new Discovery enhances user experience through intuitive design and technology. It features an 11.4-inch touchscreen at the center console equipped with the next-gen PIVI Pro infotainment system, allowing for easier and more convenient operation by the driver. The PIVI Pro infotainment system, preloaded with T-map navigation, can access about 80% of its full functionality with just two touches.
Continuing the legacy of exceptional all-terrain driving performance, the new 2024 Discovery is equipped with Ingenium 3.0-liter I6 gasoline and diesel powertrains that apply 48V mild hybrid technology. The new Discovery P360 Dynamic HSE, featuring the I6 gasoline engine, produces a maximum output of 360 horsepower and a torque of 51 kg·m, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds. The new Discovery D300 Dynamic HSE is fitted with an I6 diesel engine, delivering a superior performance with a maximum output of 300 horsepower and 66.3 kg·m of torque, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds.
The new 2024 Discovery is also equipped with numerous driving technologies that support confident driving anytime and anywhere. Standard features include electronic air suspension and adaptive dynamics that ensure exceptional body control and ride comfort. Additionally, standard offerings include ▲electronic terrain response system ▲wading sensing with a maximum depth detection capability of 900mm ▲3D surround camera with ClearSight Ground View functionality for an unobstructed view through the hood, and optional features include ▲advanced tow assist technology that reduces the burden of difficult reversing maneuvers and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg, continuing the illustrious history of the Discovery over the past 35 years with safety and comfort.
Land Rover’s diverse accessories, finely considered for customer preferences such as the ‘For Dogs’ pack designed for pet comfort and the ‘Biking Adventures’ pack optimized for cycling trips, are key elements illustrating why the Discovery has gained its reputation as the ‘ultimate family SUV’ that can traverse anywhere over the past 35 years.
The new 2024 Discovery is available in four trims, with a selling price inclusive of a five-year service plan package as follows: P300 S at 94.2 million KRW, D250 S at 99.5 million KRW, D300 Dynamic HSE at 119.9 million KRW, and P360 Dynamic HSE at 127.6 million KRW. It is currently available for purchase on the Land Rover online store, and more detailed information can be found on the Discovery homepage.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr