Now in its 5th generation, the story of the Land Rover Discovery goes back 30 years, to the mid 80s, when the manufacturer was losing sales to Asian competitiors. The firm decided it needed a practical, family four-wheel-drive vehicle, filling the void between the Defender and the Range Rover; and so the Land Rover Discovery was launched, discreetly, at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Despite being from conception a family oriented car, the first model was available only with 3 doors and the 5 doors version wasn’t launched until a year later. The Discovery shared many features with the Range Rover, and the interior design was commissioned to the Conran Design Group. It was described as a ‘lifestyle accessory’, featuring built-in sunglasses holders, map pockets above the windscreen, twin sunroofs and other practical and style details that were pretty much unheard of in those days. The toughness and performance ability of the car was underlined by its participation in the Camel Trophy (first time in 1990), which put a variety of Land Rover vehicles through their paces every year, exploring areas including the Amazon, Madagascar and Australia. The Camel Trophy was a huge PR exercise for Land Rover. Although most Discovery buyers wouldn’t do much extreme off-roading, it showed what their cars were capable of.
The Land Rover Discovery became a sales hit for the brand, with its 1 millionth unit rolling out of the Solihull factory in March 2012. To continue the celebration of these 3 decades of adventure and success, Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Landmark Edition. The Landmark Edition adds the Dynamic Exterior Pack, which includes a more purposeful front bumper design and Narvik Black mesh grille and fender vents. Narvik Black nameplate scripting on the bonnet and tailgate is also joined by unique Landmark badging.
The exterior is marked out by fixed front and rear panoramic roofs, front fog lights and signature Hi-Line tail lights, while privacy glass and 20-inch Gloss Black wheels complete the modern and contemporary look. The interior is available with a choice of Ebony or Acorn grained leather. A Satin Brushed centre console and unique aluminium mesh finisher also set it apart, with the 380W Meridian Sound System, helping to create a truly first-class travel experience.
Coupled with Land Rover’s comprehensive range of accessories, which includes a Pet Pack designed to improve comfort for canine companions, it is easy to see why Discovery is revered as the ultimate go-anywhere family SUV.
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