The Discovery Sport's progressive design set the tone for the new generation of Land Rover Discovery 5. New Discovery was previewed by the Discovery Vision Concept, which showcased the future direction of the entire Discovery family when it debuted at the New York Auto Show in 2014, and represents a radical departure for Land Rover's most versatile SUV. The revolutionary design gives Discovery a dynamic appearance with sophisticated surfaces and precisely engineered details designed to resonate with customers on an emotional level.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's Chief Design Officer said: "Design creates an emotional connection between our customers and our vehicles. Our clear design strategy means our vehicles are instantly recognisable and communicate the values of Land Rover that our customers love. New Discovery's flawless volume and proportions, sophisticated surfaces and precise detailing beautifully combine with engineering integrity to create a premium SUV that will resonate with today's customers."

Design

New Discovery combines a radical new exterior design with a highly versatile seven-seat interior. The result is a revolutionary family SUV that brings new levels of sophistication, desirability and capability to the Discovery family. Previewed by the 2014 Discovery Vision Concept, New Discovery incorporates key elements of the established Discovery DNA in a revelatory design, while intelligent packaging ensures its can accommodate seven adults in greater comfort than ever before.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's Chief Design Officer said: "The Discovery Vision Concept set the tone, alluding to a radical departure in design for the new Discovery family. Now, we have turned that concept into a production reality, this beautifully proportioned vehicle is a highly versatile family SUV that makes a compelling statement to our customers."

New Discovery looks very different but is still unmistakably a Discovery. Sophisticated surfaces and optimised proportions combine with beautiful detailing and enhanced precision to create a highly capable and versatile SUV with a more dynamic design than ever before. Authentic Discovery design features include the distinctive stepped roofline, which has identified each of the four previous generations of Discovery and provides an elegant solution to a practical need. At the front, New Discovery's sculpted surfaces, jewel-like headlamps and a faster windscreen angle break with Discovery tradition and the state-of-the-art daytime running lamps deliver a modern appearance with a distinctive new light signature.

In profile, the bodysides highlight the optimised volumes and proportions of New Discovery, while the wheelarch graphic echoes Discovery Sport with its distinctive castellations visually 'locking' the wheelarches to the vehicle body. The new form language features pronounced, yet smoothly contoured wheelarches, giving New Discovery a planted, more dynamic appearance. The streamlined design ensures New Discovery is the most aerodynamic Discovery yet, with a drag coefficient from 0.33 contributing to improved efficiency and refinement. At the back, the LED rear lamps have a horizontal emphasis, giving New Discovery a more sporty appearance, while the new one-piece tailgate delivers a more dynamic rear design that would not have been possible with the previous split arrangement. Its rounded profile integrates seamlessly with the body sides and provides numerous practical benefits.

A larger opening makes loading and unloading luggage easier than before and the larger tailgate provides improved shelter from the elements when raised. A carefully shaped rear spoiler has also been honed in the wind tunnel and plays a significant role in minimising dirt accumulating on the tailgate, optimising rear visibility without compromising aerodynamic performance. Massimo Frascella, Creative Director Exterior, said: "New Discovery is a design revolution for the Discovery family. The taut bodywork highlights the optimised volume and proportions that deliver a premium SUV. We have incorporated key elements of existing Discovery DNA, such as the stepped roof line and distinctive C-pillar design, and refined them for the 21st Century ensuring it is still clearly recognisable as a Discovery."

An extensive choice of 18 different colourways is available for New Discovery: Namib Orange, Silicon Silver, Fuji White, Santorini Black, Corris Grey, Indus Silver, Loire Blue, Aintree Green, Firenze Red, Scotia Grey, Kaikoura Stone, Montalcino Red, Yulong White, Farallon Black, Waitomo Grey, Carpathian Grey, Aruba and Narvik Black (US only). The option of a Santorini Black or Corris Grey contrast roof provides added scope for personalisation. Customers also have a choice of 14 alloy wheel designs including 21- and 22-inch rims for the first time. A specially developed 20-inch Aero wheel design has been created to help reduce drag and all models feature a full-sized spare wheel mounted under the body at the rear. A 19-inch wheel is also available.

A wide choice of authentic material finishes are available throughout, from premium Windsor leather to Natural Shadow Oak veneer and the interior is available in a choice of five colourways***, from Ebony and Acorn to Nimbus, Vintage Tan and Glacier. These high quality materials combine with the clever use of technology to deliver New Discovery's unique blend of design excellence and engineering integrity. This is best expressed by Land Rover's unique Intelligent Seat Fold function. The clever system allows owners to reconfigure the second and third row seats using switches just inside the tailgate, the C-pillar, the infotainment touchscreen or even remotely using a smartphone.

New Discovery measures 4,970mm long, 2,220mm wide (mirrors out) and 1,846mm tall, making it 141mm longer but both narrower and lower than before. Its 2,923mm wheelbase has increased by 38mm, creating generous cabin space, while the compact design of the advanced integral-link rear suspension system minimises body intrusion. As a result, the second-row seats slide forwards and backwards by 160mm, allowing customers to optimise luggage space and rear legroom as required, as well as improving access to the third row.

First Edition models are available in three striking exterior colour combinations and with three interior colourways, giving the very first customers a genuinely distinctive proposition. Bespoke details include aluminium interior trim on the facia and doors featuring an etched map motif in celebration of New Discovery's British design and engineering credentials. Customers can specify First Edition vehicles in Namib Orange with a black grille and detailing, Narvik Black contrast roof and 21-inch black wheels or Silicon Silver with the same black grille and detailing and 21-inch silver wheels. It is also available in Farallon Black with 21-inch silver wheels and black grille and detailing.

The rest of the range comprises S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury derivatives, with an optional Black Design Pack available on all but S variants. Comprehensively equipped S models feature 19-inch alloy wheels, four-mode Terrain Response and two-zone manual climate control.All SE models feature air suspension, automatic climate control and upgraded audio while HSE trim provides leather upholstery, satellite navigation, 20-inch alloy wheels and LED headlamps. Top of the range HSE Luxury derivatives include Windsor Leather upholstery, 21-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof as standard among a host of advanced convenience and safety features.

Engineering

Achieving the perfect balance of design and engineering integrity is core to the success of each and every new Land Rover. This engineering excellence is evident throughout New Discovery in features ranging from its innovative Intelligent Seat Fold technology to the range of modern Ingenium engines available from launch. In an industry first, New Discovery features Intelligent Seat Fold technology. This allows the seats in rows two and three to be configured in four ways. This unique technology uses a series of small and efficient motors, which allow the third row seats to be folded in as little as 12 seconds. The seats in row two can be raised or lowered in 15 seconds. They also feature their own button (outside shoulder of the seat) allowing customers to individually raise or lower the seat back to get into and out of the third row.

The flexible loadspace of New Discovery can be configured to carry items of all shapes and sizes with absolute ease and convenience. New Discovery provides more space than any of its direct rivals, with a total load volume of 1,231 litres behind the second-row seats. In this configuration there is enough space to fit a standard size washing machine in the boot thanks to the class-leading boot opening, which measures 854mm high and 1150mm wide. If more space is needed for even larger, bulkier items, folding the row two seats provides up to 2,500-litres of carrying capacity. With all seven seats in place, the loadspace available is still a useful 258 litres - enough to carry a golf bag or as many as three cabin bags.

The Discovery family has always been synonymous with versatility and its design has changed through the generations to meet the developing needs of customers. This is demonstrated by the new single-piece tailgate design, which replaces the previous horizontally split configuration introduced with the arrival of the third generation Discovery in 2004. The original 1989 Discovery featured a side-hinged rear door, so this aspect has constantly evolved to meet customers' changing demands. New Discovery's single-piece tailgate is the ultimate 21st Century solution for modern families. When open it provides a wider aperture than before and improved shelter, affording greater protection against the elements for owners when using the load area at outdoor events or loading the shopping. To ensure customers are still able to enjoy all the benefits provided by the previous split tailgate, Land Rover's has developed the new Powered Inner Tailgate. This neat innovation incorporates an additional fold-down section that deploys when the tailgate is opened. The deployed 285mm long tailgate serves as impromptu event seating and is able to support a maximum load of 300kg, making it the perfect place to enjoy a tailgate picnic or to change out of muddy boots - all under the shelter of the tailgate.

The Activity Key is another first in the large SUV segment and allows owners to lock and unlock the vehicle without the need to carry a conventional key fob. Designed as a durable wristband to be worn during outdoor activities, the Activity Key is activated by holding the wristband up to the 'D' in the rear Discovery badge. InControl Remote Premium allows the owner to lock and unlock their vehicle using the specific app on a smartphone or smartwatch and can also be used to operate the climate control remotely. This allows the driver to set New Discovery to a warm or cold setting before setting off on their journey. InControl Secure technology allows the owner to track a stolen vehicle using the Land Rover app on their smartphone. InControl Protect gives drivers peace of mind thanks to SOS Emergency call technology with Automatic Collision Detection and Optimised Assistance. In the event of an emergency, an SOS call notifies the emergency services of the location of the vehicle. If the vehicle breaks down, Optimised Assistance transmits its location and vehicle diagnostics data to a recovery company. Auto Access Height makes entering and exiting New Discovery a hassle-free experience, serving as another convenience feature to enhance the day-to-day ownership experience on vehicles fitted with air-suspension.

Land Rover's innovative aluminium full-sized SUV platform provides the perfect basis for New Discovery, delivering a lightweight but durable architecture that contributes to lower CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy, as well as enhancing its dynamic abilities. This lightweight monocoque body construction is made up of 85% aluminium - 43% recycled - and is a significant 480kg lighter than before. Further engineering innovations have seen more extensive use of high-strength aluminium within the crash structure, while the entire bodyside of the vehicle is pressed as a single aluminium panel, meaning fewer joints, reduced complexity and improved structural integrity. The seat structures are made of lightweight high-strength steel while the underside of the vehicle is pressed from a single piece of aluminium for greater structural integrity. As result of these weight saving measures, New Discovery weighs from 2,099kg (EU unladen). The innovative suspension architecture is mounted on optimised steel front and rear subframes. These provide high levels of stiffness for enhanced steering response, chassis performance and greater refinement. The subframes are also designed to withstand off-road impacts while providing additional protection to the chassis and powertrain systems. The fully independent suspension uses a wide-spaced double-wishbone layout at the front and an advanced multi-link layout with an integral link at the rear. The integral link allows engineers to achieve stiffer damping when necessary for superior body control without compromising comfort and impact absorption.

Powertrain, Engines and Transmission

New Discovery is powered by a selection of Jaguar Land Rover's efficient four- and six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. Leading the way are the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel powerplants, which deliver enhanced fuel economy and CO2 emissions without sacrificing the strong torque output customers expect from vehicles wearing the Discovery badge. The aluminium Ingenium engines feature lightweight construction with stiff cylinder blocks and decoupled injectors, which ensure low levels of vibration and noise intrusion, enhancing the relaxed character that is such a core part of the Discovery family. All engines are paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which can be controlled manually by using the steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles to provide the ultimate flexibility. A series of advanced technologies enhance fuel efficiency across the entire range. All engines feature stop/start with smart regenerative charging used across petrol and diesel powertrains. These features are supported by ECO Data, which allows drivers to see real-time fuel economy data on the central touchscreen display. The intelligent system can even provide driving tips on how to further improve efficiency.

The 180PS 2.0-litre Ingenium Td4 diesel is the most fuel-efficient Discovery model to date with CO2 emissions of 159g/km* and fuel economy of 47.1mpg (6.0l/100 km). The modern diesel engine delivers impressive refinement while its torque output of 430Nm provides customary Land Rover towing capability and strong performance, powering Discovery from 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds (0-60mph in 9.9 seconds). The engine uses the latest-generation high-pressure common rail direct fuel injection operating at pressures of up to 1800 bar using solenoid injectors. It features a single turbocharger with variable nozzle turbine (VNT) technology and a high-efficiency water-cooled intercooler for superior engine responses. This UK-built Ingenium powerplant brings new levels of diesel comfort to the Discovery family thanks to a range of advanced features. Dual-isolated engine mounts and further optimised transmission mounts combine with variable cam timing on the exhaust side and twin balancer shafts for the upmost refinement.

Jaguar Land Rover's family of advanced Ingenium engines also includes a high output 240PS Sd4 2.0-litre diesel for customers who demand extra performance while still enjoying the competitive running costs associated with the Ingenium engine family. With 240PS and 500Nm of torque the new Sd4 powerplant delivers strong performance, powering New Discovery from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds (0-60mph in 8.0 seconds) - with comparable performance compared to the outgoing Discovery 3.0-litre V6 diesel. Despite this hike, the new four-cylinder unit provides competitive CO2 emissions of 165g/km and is capable of 44.8mpg. The advanced engine is the first Jaguar Land Rover powerplant to feature series sequential turbo technology to deliver its additional thrust.

New Discovery is also available with a powerful 258PS Td6 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, badged Td6. The single-turbo engine features low-pressure exhaust recirculation, a two-stage oil pump and revised fuel-injector nozzle for improved responses, refinement and efficiency. This latest generation powertrain achieves a seven per cent reduction in CO2 emissions over the previous 256PS Discovery TDV6; down from 203g/km to 189g/km, and is capable of up to 39.2mpg (7.2l/100 km). The 258PS engine delivers stronger performance than before and the benchmark 0-100km/h sprint takes only 8.1 seconds (0-60mph in 7.7 seconds) - a reduction of 1.3 seconds. With a significant 600Nm of torque on offer, the new Td6 diesel delivers relaxed cruising refinement and towering all-terrain capability.

Land Rover's advanced supercharged Si6 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine is an impressive performer. The 340PS Si6 engine develops 450Nm of torque and powers New Discovery from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds (0-60mph in 6.9 seconds). The lightweight construction of New Discovery plays a decisive role in delivering lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency across the model range. As a result CO2 emissions are down six per cent, to 254g/km, with fuel economy increasing to 26mpg (10.9l/100km) compared to its predecessor.

All engines are fitted with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, which has been engineered by Land Rover's powertrain experts to combine smooth shifts with sharp responses and optimised fuel efficiency. The gearbox is controlled using the rotary gearshift controller that rises from the centre console, while manual changes can be prompted with the use of the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for dynamic driving and precise control when completing off-road manoeuvres. The eight closely spaced ratios ensure that gearchanges are almost imperceptible, with each completed in a fraction of a second. For greater control, and if added performance is required, the gearbox will accept multiple downshifts and maintain a smooth transition between the ratios.

For the ultimate all-terrain capability New Discovery is available with a two-speed transfer box, providing selectable high and low range gears for optimum on-road and off-road performance. The intelligent system provides a standard 50/50 torque split between front and rear wheels, but uses a range of sensors to distribute torque between the wheels depending on the conditions. The two-speed fully synchronised 'shift on the move' system allows the driver to swap between high and low ratios without having to stop the vehicle, at speeds of up to 60km/h (37mph). Customers who don't require low-range transmission can opt for the full-time four-wheel drive system with single-speed transfer box. This provides a torque split of 42/58 across the front and rear axles, but can redistribute torque to the axle with the most grip, up to 62/38 and 22/78 respectively. The single-speed transmission provides a 17kg weight saving over the two-speed unit and has been designed to deliver excellent on-road performance. This system remains fully integrated with New Discovery's Terrain Response 2 system and traction control set-up in order to fully exploit the ability to distribute torque effectively to the front or rear axles.

Off Road Capability

Away from congested city streets and motorways, New Discovery's peerless all-terrain ability makes it one of the most capable vehicles ever to wear a Land Rover badge. Its class-leading combination of approach, departure and breakover angles, wading depth and ground clearance - augmented by a suite of innovative technologies - ensures it remains the class-leader when faced with the toughest all-terrain environments.

Exceptional ground clearance of 283mm, combined with an approach angle of up to 34 degrees, a breakover angle of 27.5 degrees and departure angle of 30 degrees ensure New Discovery is able to climb up, over and down the most extreme obstacles†. New Discovery's suspension is designed to optimise on-road dynamics, yet its outstanding geometry and wheel articulation of 500mm, aided by advanced air suspension, gives customers even greater confidence and capability when negotiating arduous and undulating surfaces. A wading depth of 900mm ranks New Discovery at the top of the class against the competition, ensuring the newest addition to Discovery family is able to conquer even tougher terrain than its predecessor.

Following its introduction on Range Rover Evoque, New Discovery is fitted with Land Rover's innovative All-Terrain Progress Control technology (ATPC). The unique system allows the driver to set a crawl speed ranging from 2km/h up to 30km/h (19mph) allowing them to concentrate on steering the vehicle and negotiating difficult terrain while the technology controls engine and braking functions. With the system in operation the driver can use the cruise control functions to adjust the speed while an icon in the instrument cluster shows the existing setting and mode. ATPC is fitted with a unique Low Traction Launch feature, designed to help to pull away smoothly and easily when accelerating on low-friction surfaces such as wet grass or ice. New Discovery is fitted with Land Rover's next-generation Terrain Response 2 technology, which automatically monitors the driving conditions to ensure the vehicle is primed to cope with a range of surfaces; General driving; Grass, Gravel and Snow; Mud and Ruts; Sand; and Rock Crawl.

Land Rover's four-corner air suspension system not only improves ride quality when driving on-road but also provides greater capability when off-roading. With its two-stage off-road mode the automatic system is able to vary between two ride heights of +40mm and +75mm. At speeds below 50km/h (31mph) the +75mm setting is available and for faster speeds on rutted dirt roads, between 50-80km/h (31-50mph), the vehicle will operate at +40mm. In addition, the new Speed Lowering function cuts drag and enhances fuel economy by automatically reducing the ride height by 13mm at cruising speeds above 105km/h (65mph). Other functions include enhanced tuning to prevent the suspension from lowering in deep wading conditions, as well as preventing belly-out situations where the centre of the vehicle rests on the ground.

Complimenting New Discovery's optimised geometry and packaging is a suite of advanced all-terrain technologies. So whether drivers are faced with a snow-covered public road or towing a horsebox across a muddy field, New Discovery will maintain its composure.
The comprehensive range of on- and off-road technologies also includes:
• Hill Descent Control (HDC) maintains a set speed while tackling steep descents off-road.
• Gradient Release Control (GRC) slowly releases the brake when moving from a standing start on an incline for greater control.
• Electronic Traction Control (ETC) applies a braking force or reduces torque to individual wheels to stop wheelspin.
• Roll Stability Control (RSC) detects the beginning of a rollover and applies the brakes to the outer wheels to bring the vehicle under control.
• Wade Sensing provides real-time wading depth information in relation to the maximum wading depth using the 4x4i infotainment screen.

Handling on Road

New Discovery has been fitted with advanced semi-autonomous technology to make the task of towing a trailer or horsebox as safe and simple as possible. Paired with the vehicle's class-leading towing capacity of up to 3,500kg**, this technology makes New Discovery the most capable tow vehicle in its class. Advanced Tow Assist takes the stress out of reversing by allowing the driver to guide a trailer, horsebox or caravan into position without even using the steering wheel. The semi-autonomous technology helps to carry out difficult reversing manoeuvres using the rotary Terrain Response 2 controller on the central console to guide a trailer into the desired parking spot.

Driver convenience and confidence is heightened in New Discovery with the combination of active safety systems alongside an array of advanced driver assistance features. New Discovery features the company's Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, as debuted on Discovery Sport, but includes a new pedestrian detection system that detect adult or child pedestrians, as well as other vehicles in the road and apply the brakes to stop the vehicle quickly and safely. Vehicles fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control also come with Advanced Emergency Brake Assist and Intelligent Emergency Braking (IEB). Using the vehicle's forward facing radar, AEB detects and monitors any vehicles that are moving in the same direction. If the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, the driver is alerted to a possible collision. When the system detects that the driver hasn't slowed it will gently and automatically apply the brakes. If a collision is imminent, the system will apply the same pressure as in an emergency braking situation.

A host of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) provide enhanced safety and convenience in everyday situations. Using a selection of sensors and cameras situated in and around the car, the Park Assist function has three main programmes. The Parallel Park system uses two ultrasonic sensors on either side of the vehicle to scan spaces beside the vehicle to check their suitability. Once a suitable space has been identified, and following the prompts on the instrument display, the driver is left to control the accelerator, brake and gear selection, using the standard parking sensors to park. The steering is automatically controlled by the Park Assist system leaving the driver free to concentrate on potential hazards such as pedestrians and other vehicles. Parking Exit employs the same systems to help the driver exit a space safely as it steers the vehicle while they control the speed. In addition to these features, Perpendicular Parking now provides assistance when parking in perpendicular parking bays. As with the Parallel Park system, sensors determine whether a space is big enough, with room to open the doors on both sides of the vehicle. Once engaged, the system will steer New Discovery into the space, leaving the driver to control the accelerator, brakes and gear selection.

Blind Spot Monitor uses rear-facing side-mounted radar sensors to check for vehicles within the vehicle's blind spots. For New Discovery Blind Spot Monitor also includes Closing Vehicle Sensing, which provides added peace of mind on multi-lane roads. Advanced assistance programmes include,
• Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a preset speed and automatically adjusts to maintain a pre-determined distance from vehicles in front.
• Traffic Sign Recognition uses a forward-facing camera and satellite navigation information to inform the driver of speed limits.
• Intelligent Speed Limiter uses the Traffic Sign Recognition and GPS systems to identify speed limits and reduce the vehicle's speed.
• Automatic High Beam automatically dips the headlights between high and dipped beam when it identifies a vehicle in front (either from its rear or headlamps).
• Driver Condition Monitor is able to monitor driver behaviour through inputs.
• HD Surround Camera System with 360-degree Surround View, Front Junction View, Rear Junction View, Tow Assist and Hitch Assist, including reversing camera system
• Lane Departure Warning warns the driver through a vibration in the steering wheel if the digital camera detects them drifting out of lane.
• Lane Keep Assist applies gentle torque to the steering to keep the driver within their lane.

New Discovery is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover's Solihull production facility in the West Midlands, UK, alongside Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The Solihull factory has been producing Land Rover vehicles since 1948, with the number of employees at the plant rising to almost 11,000 and vehicle production trebling in the last five years to record volumes. The introduction of Jaguar Land Rover's efficient Ingenium engines showcases the British design and engineering expertise at the heart of New Discovery. The advanced powerplants are produced at the modern Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton, UK.