After a comprehensive facelift for the 2021 model year that included the arrival of a 3.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid powertrain, the Land Rover Discovery once again cemented its position as a luxurious but more rugged alternative to German juggernauts like the Audi Q7 as well as other rivals like the Volvo XC90.

After leaving the Discovery untouched for the 2022 model year, Land Rover has now announced a new range-topping model called the Discovery Metropolitan Edition. As the name dictates, the focus here is more on style and urban appeal than an attempt to mix it with Jeeps on muddy trails. Priced at nearly $20,000 above the base Discovery, it's not cheap but it turns up the style in a big way.

The Metropolitan Edition, pictured here as a European model, will come with the 3.0-liter Ingenium six-cylinder engine enhanced with a 48V mild-hybrid system. It produces a useful 355 horsepower. Using the already well-stocked R-Dynamic HSE as a base, the Metropolitan Edition adds Bright Atlas detailing which adds a touch of glitz to the grille and Discovery lettering. Lower down, there are Hakuba Silver bumper inserts, and the side view is dominated by 22-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels. These wheels have Gloss Grey detailing that contrasts neatly with the black brake calipers.

Inside, the Metropolitan Edition has smart Titanium Mesh detailing. It's loaded with premium features like a head-up display, seat heating that extends to the third row, four-zone climate control, a cooled compartment in front, and a heated steering wheel.

"The introduction of the Metropolitan Edition brings a new level of premium appeal to the Land Rover Discovery," said brand director Finbar McFall. "The special edition model represents the flagship of the lineup and builds on the appeal of the R-Dynamic specification with exterior design enhancements and a suite of convenience-boosting technologies."

Land Rover has made one or two other changes to the Discovery elsewhere in the range. On all models, wireless device charging, heated front seats, a Meridian sound system, three-zone climate control, and adaptive cruise control are now standard. For the R-Dynamic variant, a Gloss Black contrast roof is now standard.

With its emphasis on style and luxury, the Metropolitan Edition appears to target a more typical BMW or Mercedes shopper - the kind of buyer who wants the image and prestige of a big luxury SUV but can't be bothered to actually head off-road.

In the US, the 2023 Land Rover Discovery starts at $56,600, which is $3,000 more than the 2022 model. The new Metropolitan Edition comes in at $75,300 and is available to order now.