Discovery marks 35th year with anniversary edition

This year, Land Rover Discovery celebrates 35 years on the market by setting new standards in comfort, off-road capability and intelligent versatility for driver and passengers. Since its world premiere at the 1989 Frankfurt Motor Show, Discovery, 35 years on, remains an outstanding family SUV with a wide range of capabilities.

Fittingly, a new 35th Anniversary limited edition celebrates this milestone, while a powerful and efficient new D350 mild hybrid diesel engine is available for the first time in the Discovery line. An engine that offers even greater performance and better acceleration joins the existing range of petrol and diesel engines that benefit from state-of-the-art 48V Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology.

Since its launch in 1989, Discovery has set the standard for seven-seat family SUVs, combining innovation with space and practicality. Its family-friendly stepped roofline has become a Discovery trademark, creating a distinctive silhouette. 

Safety and off-road capability are at the heart of Discovery’s character. In 1998, it introduced the industry’s first Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) technology, which uses electronically-controlled anti-roll bars to reduce body roll. A year later, it became the first SUV to introduce dual airbags for front-seat occupants, and JLR’s Terrain Response technology made its groundbreaking debut in Discovery in 2004. Its reputation as an SUV that is at once extremely agile, comfortable and capable was cemented in the public’s perception.

The new Discovery D350 features the 3.0-litre Ingenium six-cylinder diesel engine with 350bhp, 50bhp more than the outgoing D300. Torque is also increased to 700Nm (an increase of 50Nm) helping the D350 accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, six-tenths of a second faster than the outgoing D300. With efficient mild-hybrid technology that captures and stores energy generated during deceleration and reuses it to help the engine during acceleration, it delivers a combined fuel economy of 34.0mpg (8.3l/100km) in the WLTP test cycle and, like all Discovery models, the D350 meets the latest EU6e emissions certification.

The new exclusive 35th Anniversary special edition has special features such as special “XXXV” badging and Bright Atlas details on the grille and the “Discovery” logo. It is inspired by the Metropolitan Edition and features 22-inch Diamond Turned alloy wheels with Gloss Grey detailing, Black brake callipers, Privacy Glass and a sliding panoramic sunroof. Interior convenience and comfort features include a Head-up Display and heated steering wheel, wireless device charging, front-cooling compartment and four-zone climate control. The cabin is also enhanced with Light Oyster and Ebony upholstery with extended Windsor leather accents.

Discovery’s capability is supported by All Terrain Progress Control, which allows drivers to set and maintain a constant speed in challenging conditions. It is available alongside Terrain Response 2, which offers driving modes that optimise a range of vehicle settings to suit different terrain conditions.