As a sibling to the legend that is the luxurious Range Rover model, the Land Rover Discovery might be seen as a poor relation but, in fact, the reverse is true.
You see, it all began for the Discovery way back in 1989, offered as a solid and reliable addition to the Land Rover catalogue, but over time the Discovery evolved and it is now a fully-fledged premium entrant in the hugely popular SUV market sector. It remains at the top of many SUV buyers automotive shopping list because it seats seven full-sized people and is great both on and off road.
The key to this car is practicality. It offers ample head and legroom for the front five occupants and more than adequate space for the rear two seats, often popular with small children. Despite the sheer size of the thing, the Discovery delivers a fine, comfortable drive on the road with handling good enough to inspire confident progress. Better still, this prestige SUV really delivers when the going gets rough. In short, it is hard to find a better all-round car for family and business use.
So why mention this venerable model now? Well, it’s had a shower and shave and now comes in a pair of new editions with additional updates across the entire line-up to enhance both the design and family-friendly versatility of this great seven-seat SUV.
New Flagship Editions
The new Discovery Tempest and Gemini editions honour the models 35-year legacy with subtle nods to the model’s history in their names, which also inspire their exclusive design details; and it gets better: In addition to the new Tempest and Gemini editions, the Discovery also now offers fresh wheel options, enhanced equipment and a new range of curated accessory packs designed to make the most of everyday family adventures be it to the shopping mall or distant blue remembered hills.
The Tempest
This is the most luxurious, comfortable and highly-specified Discovery ever produced: The new Tempest edition represents the pinnacle of the family tree, as it were. Interestingly, this version takes its name from the secret development launch programme for the second-generation Discovery launched in 1998. It’s available with a choice of three body colours, all exclusively with a ‘Matte Protective Film’ for the first time ever on this range. Choose from ‘Charente Grey’,’ Varesine Blue’ or Carpathian Grey’ paintwork.
A contrasting and very striking ‘Petra Copper Gloss’ roof finish is standard or choose ‘Narvik Gloss Black’ as an option. This is complemented by a Petra Copper Gloss finish for exterior design details including the wing vent. The Tempest is further identified by unique badging for the B-pillars, tread-plates, puddle lamps and interior finishers. The cabin is enhanced with Shadow Aluminium detailing and extended Ebony Windsor leather upholstery.
The Gemini
A thoroughly modern tribute to the Discovery’s ingenious design and engineering, the Gemini edition takes its name from the codename given to the innovative, powerful and fuel efficient turbo- diesel engine that powered the original Discovery from 1989.
The Gemini is available in six exterior colours, including ‘Sedona Red’ which is a first for Discovery and unique to this edition coupled with a ‘Narvik Gloss Black’ contrast roof. The gloss black detailing extends to the lower body cladding and front wing vents. A Gemini-specific graphic on the B-pillar badges, tread-plates and interior finishers also features, alongside new 21 inch split-seven-spoke ‘Style 7001’ alloy wheels finished in diamond-turned Silver.
The premium Gemini variant is perfect for family adventures with a host of extra comfort and convenience features, including a cooler compartment located between the front seats, Click & Go media holders for rear seat occupants and three-zone climate control to keep the whole family at just the right temperature.
The Power
Both Tempest and Gemini models are available with the latest powerful and efficient Ingenium D350 diesel engine, with state‑of‑the‑art 48V Mild‑Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology and eight-speed all-wheel-drive transmission. Developing 345BHP (350PS) and 700Nm of torque, the 3.0 litre engine’s efficient mild‑hybrid technology harvests and stores energy generated during deceleration and redeploys it to assist acceleration, making it particularly suitable for towing up to 3,500kg.
New Enhancements
Across the rest of the model’s line-up, the Discovery now features a number of specification enhancements designed to offer more choice and versatility. There are new 21 and 22 inch wheel options, featuring a unique colour finish that helps elevate the exterior, providing the perfect combination of practicality, all‑terrain capability and visual appeal.
The new Tempest and Gemini models join the existing trim line-up of S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE and the Metropolitan edition, which all now feature those enhanced specifications, while the already generously equipped, Dynamic HSE for example, gets three-zone climate control so the whole family remains cool, calm and collected.
And There’s More
This prestige off-roader continues to set the standard for family versatility and its range of ingenious accessories help make the most of its incredible potential. Families can now benefit from a selection of new curated accessory packs available: Beach Days, Road Trip and Snow Days. The clue is in the titles; let’s see what is inside:
Beach Days allows the family to make the most of glorious days by the sea with its thoughtfully chosen combination of extras. A collapsible organiser for the load area for all the gear we take with us, while bespoke sunshades for the tailgate plus the second and third-row window keep the cabin protected from the glare of the sun. There’s a versatile roof rack too.
For the Road Trip pack there are two seat organisers to keep possessions tidied out of the way, while the centre armrest cooler and an electric cool bag are ideal for on-the-go snacks and family picnics. Cross bars and a roof box bring extra luggage capacity for long haul trips, while wind deflectors let the air in on sunny days without disturbing the calm inside.
Lastly, for the Snow Days, owners can make the most of the Discovery’s capability to enjoy their favourite winter sports. Cross bars for the standard roof rails allow quick and easy carrying of skis and snowboards. A durable and tailored rubber load-space mat protects the load area from snowy boots, while mudflaps and a snow traction system bring peace of mind for the most challenging driving conditions. These three new packs augment the existing ‘For Dogs’ and ‘Biking Adventures’ packs.
What Doesn’t Change
The brilliant Discovery remains a highly capable and versatile full‑sized family SUV, with all models featuring a 3,500kg towing capacity, with ‘Advanced Tow Assist’ taking the strain out of difficult reversing manoeuvres. The car’s exceptional capability is supported by ‘All Terrain Progress Control’ that enables drivers to set and maintain a steady speed in challenging conditions off-road. It works with ‘Terrain Response 2’, which offers driving modes that optimise a range of vehicle settings to suit different ground conditions, whatever the terrain or weather, while a maximum wading depth of 900mm provides added confidence, when fording, say.
MHH International & Land Rover
In addition to the mighty Discovery featured here, don’t forget that MHH International export all models from the prestige British brand, including luxury Range Rovers and robust Defenders. Get in touch to find out more about our comprehensive export service from the UK to destinations around the world, including New Zealand, Kenya and Mauritius. There’s a full list of destinations served on our website Home Page and clients interested in this brand can see our current stock on this page. Our colleagues can advise on money-saving VAT-free options too.
