This year, Land Rover’s Discovery celebrates 35 years of ingenious versatility. Introducing a new special edition version of its luxurious full-size seven-seat SUV.
35 years of Discovery
Discovery remains an exceptional family SUV that has been setting the standard for versatility and all-round breadth of capability. The Discovery offering excellence since its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1989.
A new 35th Anniversary Edition celebrates the milestone. While a powerful and efficient new D350 mild-hybrid diesel engine is available in Discovery for the first time. Delivering even greater performance and acceleration. It joins the existing P360 3.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine. Both of which benefit from state-of-the-art 48V Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology.
Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Discovery, said: “For 35 years Discovery has been setting the standard for family SUVs. We’re proud to celebrate reaching such an occasion. The Discovery family’s seven-seat flexibility, spacious cabin and unrivalled ingenuity make it the perfect partner for family adventures as it turns everyday activities into exceptional experiences.”
Since its launch on 16th September 1989 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Discovery has set the standard for seven-seat family SUVs. Combining innovation with space and practicality. Its family-friendly stepped roofline has become a Discovery hallmark, creating a distinctive silhouette.
Safety and capability have been at the heart of Discovery
In 1998, it introduced industry-first Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) technology. Using electronically controlled anti-roll bars to reduce body roll. A year later, it became the first SUV to introduce twin airbags for front seat passengers, and JLR’s Terrain Response technology made its pioneering debut on Discovery in 2004.
Its reputation as an SUV that is both a highly versatile and capable well established. Discovery has proven itself in operations with the Austrian Red Cross. Which took delivery of a specially adapted Discovery Emergency Response Vehicle in 2018 to support search and rescue activities and excels as a towing vehicle. Its effortless capability here was showcased when a production specification model pulled a 110-tonne road train for 16km in the Australian Outback in 2017.
Discovery Celebratory edition
The exclusive new 35th Anniversary edition celebrates Discovery’s exceptional 35 years of adventure and ingenuity. It is identified by bespoke ‘XXXV’ Anniversary Edition badging that highlights the incredible journey Discovery has enjoyed since its launch in 1989.
The 35th Anniversary Edition is based on the highly popular Dynamic SE model. It is being offered exclusively in Varesine Blue, Fuji White and Charente Grey paint finishes.
Exterior enhancements include XXXV Anniversary Edition badging, Black Roof Rails and Privacy Glass.
Interior and Exterior Specifications
The cabin is enhanced with Ebony grained leather 18-Way Heated electric seats with Captains armrests. The driver seat has memory grained leather seats, 60:40 Heated electric folding second row seats.
Convenience and comfort features inside include a Head-up Display. Wi-Fi enabled with data plan₂, Click and Go Integrated seat-back system, wireless device charging with wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto. A front cooler compartment, four-zone climate control and Secure Tracker Pro₃.
When it comes to towing, the seven‑seat family SUV has led the way ever since the original model pulled a train at its launch in 1989. The Discovery 35th Anniversary Edition has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg. Which comes standard with the towing pack. Including both the Tow hitch receiver and Advanced Tow Assist which takes the stress out of difficult reversing manoeuvres.
Discovery 35th Anniversary Edition clients are also able to specify the optional Advanced Off-Road Pack. Which includes Twin speed transfer box (high/low range), All Terrain Progress Control (ATPC), Terrain Response 2, Configurable Terrain Response, and an Active Locking Differential.
The 35th Anniversary Edition joins the S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE models in the line-up. Priced from $133,176 (plus on road costs) in Australia.
Powerful efficiency
The new Discovery D350 features the 3.0-litre Ingenium six-cylinder diesel with 257kW (350PS) – a 50PS increase over the outgoing D300. Torque is also increased to 700Nm, an uplift of 50Nm, helping the D350 accelerate from 0-100km in 6.3 seconds, five-tenths of a second faster than the previous D300.
With efficient mild-hybrid technology that harvests and stores energy generated during deceleration. Redeploying it to assist the engine when accelerating, it provides combined fuel economy of 7.8l/100km₄ on the NEDC combined test cycle. Like all Discovery models, the D350 meets the latest EU6e emissions certification.
Available across the Discovery range, the D350 joins the existing P360 petrol model. This gives clients a choice of advanced and efficient propulsion systems.
Specification enhancements
Discovery’s generous specification is enhanced across the line-up by upgrades that increase comfort and convenience. All S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE and the 35th Anniversary Edition models feature powered adjustable seats with driver memory function and captains’ armrests. Plus an electrically adjustable steering column as standard. Also standard for all Discovery models is the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and the Dynamic HSE models now features the Meridian Surround Sound System.
As ever, Discovery remains the most capable and versatile full-sized SUV. With all models featuring All-Terrain Progress Control, which enables drivers to set and maintain a steady speed in challenging conditions. While a maximum wading depth of 900mm provides added confidence.
Coupled with Land Rover’s comprehensive range of accessories – which includes a range of pet products, such as pet access ramp, quilted loadspace liners, foldable pet carrier and spill resistant water bowl designed to improve comfort for canine companions, whilst a wheel mounted cycle carrier is perfectly suited for two-wheeled excursions. It is easy to see why over the past 35 years Discovery has earned its reputation as the ultimate go-anywhere family SUV.
Read more at Land Rover: 35 Years of Discovery
