2017 Land Rover Discovery Review: Luxury and Off-Road Capabilities
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2017 Land Rover Discovery Review
Introduction
Since the late 1980s, Land Rover has followed a simple formula in crafting the Discovery: offer everything its sibling, the Range Rover, provides but with more space and a significantly lower price. As a result, it has always been the first choice for those seeking a family SUV that combines exceptional luxury with superior off-road capabilities. Can the 2017 Discovery maintain this balance against competitors like Audi Q7 and Jeep Grand Cherokee?
2017 Discovery Variants
The new Discovery is available in several variants, starting with the S, followed by the SE, HSE, HSE Luxury, and the model we are testing, known as the "First Edition."
Main Specifications
| Engine: | 3.0L / 6-cylinder |
| Transmission: | 8-speed automatic |
| Power: | 335 hp / 450 Nm torque |
| Top Speed: | 215 km/h |
| Price: | 339,000 AED |
Exterior Design
The 2017 model marks a departure from the classic, boxy design of previous generations, retaining only the sloping roofline, a signature feature of the Discovery family. The new Discovery boasts a completely modern design, drawing many aerodynamic lines from the Discovery Sport and the new Range Rover, and is equipped with 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Interior Design
The 2017 Discovery is designed to comfortably accommodate seven adult passengers, with the third-row seats providing ample headroom thanks to the sloping roofline. The First Edition model features premium leather seats and high-quality materials, with little to no cheap plastic or hard surfaces in sight. True to its heritage, the Discovery offers ample smart storage solutions, including a central console that doubles as a mini-fridge for larger water bottles.
The First Edition also includes three rows of seats with a smart folding feature, allowing you to adjust seating positions in the second and third rows using load space buttons, the main touchscreen, or even from outside via a smartphone app.
Safety and Technology
The cabin is equipped with numerous buttons and controls that manage a range of technological features, including an electronic parking assist system with multiple cameras for corner views, a heads-up display, a blind-spot monitoring system, and a driver condition monitoring system. Additionally, the heated steering wheel is a welcome feature in colder climates, complemented by a display on the instrument panel.
The Discovery is also outfitted with the INCONTROL TOUCH PRO infotainment system featuring a 10-inch screen for easy control of the premium sound system by Meridian, with 12 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin. This model includes lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. For such a large vehicle, the parallel parking assistance and perpendicular parking features are essential.
Driving Experience
This new Discovery model is approximately 450 kg lighter than its predecessors, thanks to the use of aluminum in its construction, enhancing driving responsiveness. Its 6-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed transmission produces 335 hp and 450 Nm of torque, propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds, with a top speed of 215 km/h. These are impressive figures for a vehicle of this size.
What sets the Discovery apart from its mentioned competitors is its off-road capability. With the Terrain Response system, it monitors driving conditions and automatically selects the optimal driving mode to enhance engine performance and other settings according to terrain demands, allowing drivers to navigate areas they may not have thought possible without extensive off-road experience.
Conclusion
Ultimately, if you are an adventure enthusiast seeking a family vehicle with high luxury specifications and impressive off-road capabilities, the Discovery is a definite choice. However, it does not come cheap, with prices starting from 251,000 AED and reaching up to 339,000 AED for the First Edition model we tested.
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