LONDON: Land Rover knows how to build up to a new model reveal. While other companies are content with video teasers or social media campaigns, the British SUV brand can always be counted on to go above and beyond.
So to introduce the all new fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery to the world, the company enlisted the help of adventurer Bear Grylls, Olympic sailing gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, equestrian and royal family member Zara Phillips, plus over 5 million Lego bricks.
The bricks, a record 5,805,846 to be precise, were needed to build a 13-metre-high replica of London's iconic Bridge, in and around which the new Discovery made its entrance.
Breaking a Guinness record for the largest Lego structure ever built seems fitting for a car as important as the new Discovery. At one time it had the market to itself, but 27 years on, there are crossovers and spacious SUVs as far as the eye can see. And while the publicity stunt is sure to grab people's attention momentarily, the car itself should have a more lasting impact.
It offers space for seven adults, and at the swipe of a smartphone app, those seats automatically rearrange themselves so that shopping can be easily stowed instead.
But that's just the tip of the cutting-edge tech iceberg. The car's ride height automatically drops when it senses people are trying to get in or out, it can step in to help parking and turning when towing a trailer, and if you're the adventurous outdoors type, you can even lock your keys in the car to keep them safe. Just use the waterproof activity wristband instead (the Jaguar F-PACE also offers the wearable).
However, it's off the road where the new Discovery should leave all competitors standing. It has a remarkable 900mm wading depth and the all-terrain management systems are so advanced and sensitive that the driver need just take care of the steering and the car will be able to handle everything else.
"New Discovery redefines the large SUV. Land Rover's design and engineering teams have revolutionised the Discovery DNA to create a highly desirable, extremely versatile and hugely capable premium SUV," said Gerry Mc Govern, Land Rover's Chief Design Officer "We truly believe the result is a radical departure in design that will introduce the Discovery family to a new, wider customer base."
The new Discovery is powered by Jaguar Land Rover’s range of four and six cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. They include:
> The award-winning new 180PS 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder Td4 diesel engine is the most efficient in the range;
> The more powerful twin-turbo Sd4 Ingenium four-cylinder diesel produces 240PS and 500Nm of torque;
> The 258PS six-cylinder Td6 diesel delivers 600Nm of torque for strong performance, pulling power and efficiency.
> For petrol customers, Land Rover’s advanced 340PS supercharged petrol 3.0-litre V6, the Si6, provides 450Nm of torque to deliver relaxed performance and capability.
The First Edition Discovery.
The new Discovery is currently on display at the Paris Motor Show. Land Rover is offering a limited-run “First Edition” Discovery. Only 2,400 examples will be available globally with exclusive features including unique etched map detailing on the aluminium trim for the doors and facia, unique badges, bold colour choices and a full list of standard equipment.
The optional Dynamic Design Pack gives the Discovery a more purposeful, stealth-like appearance both inside and out, with features including a contrast roof, athletic front and rear bumper designs, luxurious leather upholstery and a sports-inspired steering wheel and pedals setting it apart.
