2018 Land Rover Discovery: 6 New Things to Discover
CARS.COM — The Land Rover Discovery, rolled out as a new 2017 model late last year, heads into its 2018 model year with some updates to the mid-size SUV that continues to offer five- and seven-seat versions. Here are six new things we discovered about the 2018 model, which goes on sale early next year.
1. Fancier Tech
Standard on all models for 2018 is Land Rover’s InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with a slightly bigger 10-inch touchscreen. Also introduced for 2018 is 4G connectivity with Wi-Fi for up to eight devices.
The higher-level HSE and HSE Luxury trim levels also get a configurable instrument display on a
high-resolution 12.3-inch screen. Optional on these trims is a new, second-generation head-up display that is 2.5 times bigger and in full color. The extra space allows for more information, now including speed, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, gear selection and driver assistance system warnings.
2. Higher Price
The base SE starts with a base price of $53,085 with the gasoline engine and a $995 destination charge. That’s $2,100 more than the entry price for 2017. The HSE starts at $59,485 MSRP and the HSE Luxury starts at $66,485, each up $1,540 from 2017.
3. Cheaper Diesel
The Discovery now will offer the 254-horsepower, turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission on the base SE trim level, starting at $55,085 with destination, a $2,000 premium. Previously, diesel still was offered only on the higher-price HSE and HSE Luxury models, with the least expensive diesel model an HSE starting at $59,945. It’s still offered on those higher trims, also for $2,000 more.
The gasoline engine remains a 340-hp, supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an eight-speed automatic. The 2018 models don’t have EPA ratings posted yet; the 2017 diesel is EPA-rated at 21/26/13 mpg city/highway/combined, while the gas engine is rated 16/21/18 mpg.
4. More Standard Safety
All models now include (as they should for this money) a standard front collision system with automatic braking and pedestrian detection. Previously a standalone option on all trim levels, the system will provide visual and audible warnings and, if a collision can’t be avoided, apply emergency braking at speeds from 3.1 mph to 49.7 mph.
5. New Paint Choices
A new paint color is offered: Byron Blue, which, given that it’s Land Rover, you’d think might be a reference to the English Romantic poet Lord Byron, though a spokesman said the maker hasn’t disclosed the inspiration for the name. Also, buyers who pick the Dynamic or Black trim packages now can select a body-color roof, in addition to the black and gray roof color choices.
6. Ultimate Off-Road Discovery on the Way
In September, Land Rover unveiled a “production preview” of the Discover SVX, billed as the ultimate off-road discovery. The 518-hp, supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 Discovery SVX will be loaded with off-road upgrades and built by Land Rover’s SVO Technical Center when production begins next year. See more details here.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Nov. 13 with new information from Land Rover on paint color choices, which include Byron Blue.
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