Let’s Dance: New Land Rover Disco Hits Trailhead

ST. GEORGE, UT – It’s time to disco again, but leave the flared trousers at home and break out the cargo pants because this dance party is headed to the backcountry.

After more than a dozen years since its last head-to-toe makeover, the Land Rover Discovery, or “Disco” as its loyal fans call the 3-row SUV arriving at dealers in June, is all-new in the U.S. for ’17. It is just as capable as it was in the previous four generations, but adds even more of the Discovery’s trademark versatility and luxury, as well new connectivity and a design aimed to broaden its appeal.

Over two days of testing gasoline and diesel HSE Luxury models in the high desert of Utah, the new Discovery (known previously in the U.S. as the LR4) put on a remarkable performance replete with a 3-wheel pirouette during a rock-climbing exercise and displayed lots of that indefatigable British spirit while plowing through coral sand dunes.

But all the choreographic tricks aside, the Discovery arguably shines equally bright carrying out the everyday routine of a luxury, 7-passenger SUV just as likely to be seen prowling Silicon Valley as the 9,000-ft. (2,740-m) Kaibab Plateau near here.

For starters, it is easily the best-looking Disco yet. To heighten its appeal, the Discovery’s somewhat polarizing boxy profile gains some luscious curves, especially at the rear. It is a risky gambit by Land Rover designers, but one they hedge nicely by hinting at classic Discovery details such as the stepped roof and dramatic C-pillars.

The trademark roof bump is functional, too, because it permits raised seating in the third row so those passengers get a clear view of river crossings and shopping-mall lots. It also inhibits car sickness.

The front of the truck dazzles like a Carolina Herrera ball gown. Adaptive LED headlamps recall rough-cut diamonds, while daytime running lamps use light pipes to create a new lighting signature for the brand and switch from white to orange when the turn signals are activated.

Discovery carves up Utah sand dunes.

Discovery fans will take quick note of the truck’s newly sharpened chrome blades inside the front-side fender vents, which are incorporated into the beltline. It is the Discovery’s African spear.

A new rear spoiler lends a bit of sportiness to the Discovery’s on-road appeal but is not for looks alone. Three small vents in the spoiler direct dirt off the rear window so owners use the rear-window wiper and washer less often. It combines with a flat underbody and aero-efficient wheels to improve the Discovery’s coefficient of drag 17% to a relatively sleek 0.33.

Horizontal rear LED lamps also are meant to suggest sportiness and although enthusiasts may gasp at the switch to a single-piece liftgate from the traditional, 2-piece unit, the Discovery gets a new, powered fold-down seating panel. It will support three adults changing out their Wellies under protection from the elements, as well as give their spaniels a leg up into the rear cargo area.

Interior trappings befit an SUV costing upwards of $75,000. Leather abounds and is accented by open-pore wood, piano black and tasteful touches of chrome and brushed aluminum here and there. Front-row seats are veritable thrones, and the second row is roomy. The third row has yurt-like comfort: good for a brief stay but not long-term lodging.

And fear not Land Rover lovers of quirk, the power window controls remain atop the inside door panel. However, operation of the infotainment system is a mystery only to the engineering team back in Gaydon, U.K. The system is backed by a 10-in. (25-cm) high-resolution touchscreen, while a Meridian digital surround-sound audio system pumps music through 14 speakers and a dual-channel subwoofer.

Discovery interior comfy, connected.

A Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices is new for ’17, although it was not active for the test drive and surprisingly has just a 3G connection at a time when you can buy a Chevy with 4G availability.

But the big seller inside the Discovery is its highly versatile, family-friendly seating system. The Intelligent Seat Fold technology can accommodate as few as two passengers or as many seven and any amount in between for 21 different configurations. Cargo space ranges between 9 cu. ft. (258 L) in 7-seater mode and 85 cu. ft. (2,406 L) with everything folded, which takes just 14 seconds.

The seats are folded using power switches within the cargo area, or the leading edge of the interior of the C-pillar, as well as via the Discovery’s InControl Remote smartphone app. First-row seats automatically move forward to accommodate folding second-row seats and then return to their original position.

Land Rover says the seating system uses an astonishing 23,000 lines of software code and involves 13 different vehicle systems. ISOFIX child-seat attachment points are easy to use and nicely integrated for adult comfort.

There are up to nine USB charging points, including two in the way-back, ample storage spot for beverages, a cavernous center console and a nifty little hiding spot behind the climate controls for valuable items such as a wallet or a prized watch.

Land Rover was so intent upon drumming up more Discovery business from soccer moms and dads its engineering brass sent prototypes home with members of the development team so their children could provide input on its features, such as the nine USB ports. The kids also produced the final camouflage for the test cars.

It is a quiet cabin, too, with only the slightest bit of road noise from the Discovery’s 21-in. alloy wheels shod with Continental rubber. Pleasant grunts of power from the supercharged gasoline and diesel mills can be heard under heavy throttle.

Another innovative item is the curry hook, a feature reintroduced to the Discovery line, which pops out of the transmission tunnel on the passenger side to hang a Harrods bag.

The InControl app also can remotely lock and unlock the doors, adjust the climate control and send an SOS in an emergency. The app can be accessed on Apple Watch and Android Wear, while an all-weather Activity Key wristband allows owners to lock and unlock the truck without the inconvenience of carrying a key fob during outdoor activities.

Heels Off, Boots On

But capability is an integral part the Discovery’s DNA and this one seems unstoppable. It receives a double wishbone front suspension and integral-link rear setup to satisfy demands of both the trailhead and the boulevard. Handling is crisp for a truck weighing upwards of 4,900 lbs. (2,223 kg), while the electronic power-steering system is precise and moves lock-to-lock quickly despite the range of wheel articulation dialed in for off-roading.

The optional air suspension outfitted on models driven here raises and lowers ride height depending on the drive mode selected, but also drops the truck an initial 0.6 ins. (15 mm) when the ignition is turned off or a passenger unclips his seatbelt. When a passenger opens the door, the truck lowers to its maximum 1.6 ins. (41 mm) so occupants can enter and exit easily. It returns to its chosen ride height when the driver pulls away. You would half expect a footman, as well.

The air suspension lowers the truck at high speeds to reduce drag and improve fuel economy.

The Discovery’s Terrain Response 2 traction control system takes the guessing out of off-roading by automatically adjusting the SUV’s throttle map, braking, steering and traction control to match inputs it receives from the terrain. Drivers also can manually choose the truck’s drive mode using a central controller atop the center console.

Discovery performs 3-wheel pirouette.

An available 2-speed transfer box provides a low-range gear to make the Discovery as sure-footed as a mountain goat. The SUV displayed its full capabilities while negotiating rock climbs here that few other light vehicles would dare tackle, a feat that also highlighted the stiffness of the aluminum- and magnesium-intensive chassis: while performing its 3-wheel pirouette trail hands opened and closed the passenger doors and lift gate to demonstrate its sturdiness.

Adjustable hill-descent control allows the driver to focus entirely on steering down steep grades while the engine and brakes maintain a safe speed.

Ground clearance is 11.4 ins. (290 mm), nearly 2.0 ins. (51 mm) higher than its predecessor, and she wades up to 35.4 ins. (899 mm) compared with 27.5 ins. (699 mm) with the LR4.

Equally impressive was how the Discovery tore through ankle deep coral sand dunes, sending off rooster tails of pink sand from the rear tires. Diesel models with their generous torque were especially competent.

The optional 3.0L V-6 diesel boasts a generous 443 lb.-ft. (600 Nm) of torque and goes to show that despite the technology’s tarnished reputation after the Volkswagen emissions scandal, it remains the perfect fit for big trucks focused on capability.

Discovery's cavernous cargo-carrying potential.

The standard supercharged 3.0L gasoline V-6 is no slouch either and would meet the demands of most buyers. But even with a curb weight nearly 1,000 lbs. (453 kg) less than the outgoing LR4, the engine did not provide quite the giddy-up its 340 hp and 332 lb.-ft. (450 Nm) of torque might suggest. A V-8 would solve the issue but also nibble at the heels of the Range Rover line, and the marketing folks would have none of that. Two 4-cyl. diesels are available outside the U.S.

Both engines are mated to a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission and the gasoline engine will tow a maximum 8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg). The tow hitch deploys electronically so the truck’s rear end retains a clean appearance when not in use. Tow Assist uses the Discovery’s cameras and infotainment to help keep drivers from jackknifing trailers while in reverse.

Peak fuel economy for the gasoline powertrain is 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) on the highway, while according to Land Rover the diesel will return 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km). Testing here never recorded anything above 16 mpg (14.7 L/100 km), but the demands of off-roading always pulls down fuel economy.

As large luxury SUVs go, the new Discovery is aces. Purists might take exception to some of the styling changes or, perhaps, the truck’s shift to a monocoque structure from body-on-frame, but it is certain to have more Americans than ever dancing to a Disco beat.

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'17 Land Rover Discovery Specifications