Discovery

Make
Land Rover
Segment
SUV
  • Land Rover plotting more luxurious Discovery
  • Discovery could become its own sub-brand, like Defender
  • Rumored 2025 debut; on sale in 2026

The Defender has been a smash hit for UK automaker Land Rover, and with a new long-wheelbase Defender 130 model on the way and a new three-row Range Rover, it seems like there are fewer reasons ever to buy its other family SUV, the Discovery.

The Land Rover Discovery was last given a major update for the 2021 model year, but subtle updates leading into the 2023 model year (including a new mild-hybrid powertrain) have done almost nothing to keep the SUV relevant, and Land Rover is aware of the issue.

"We are completely reinventing Discovery," Land Rover CEO Thierry Bollore told Autocar. "We believe there is a space for it, but we have to be creative. Defender is such a success that it has eaten a part of what was the territory of Discovery."

"Defender is a brand. We believe that Discovery could be a brand as well. We are looking at how we present our future line-up - it's something we have in mind," Bollore added.

Land Rover already sells the Discovery Sport, which was previously sold under the name "LR2" in the US market. One could argue this already makes the Discovery a brand, similar to Range Rover and Defender, but Land Rover has bolder plans.

"We need to make a real family car for the most discerning families. Discovery has to (and should) play this role that could disappear from the market otherwise - in the luxury segments at least. The Discovery will be that car," Bollore explained.

To satisfy customers, Land Rover will make the next-generation Discovery more luxurious than the current one. This would include improved technology, higher quality, more sustainable materials, and likely an increased price tag. The 2023 Discovery currently starts at $56,600, so it's expected that this move upmarket will result in a higher starting MSRP.

As for what will sit under the hood, the next-generation Disco should use the Range Rover's MLA platform with gasoline and plug-in hybrid options. Later, an all-electric model will join the lineup as well. The new Discovery should make its debut in 2025 before going on sale in 2026.