2025 Land Rover Discovery to become true luxury 4x4

• Major overhaul of the Discovery model expected
• Possible ‘family’ of Discovery models
• Expected to arrive in showrooms in 2026

The Land Rover Discovery remains in showrooms but with sliding sales thanks to the success of the Land Rover Defender the brand is making plans on how the Discovery model will fit into the lineup in years to come. The new Range Rover has long been at the top of the Land Rover hierarchy and the latest one is moving even further upmarket leaving space for the Discovery to grow into.

Previously, the Discovery was loved by families looking to purchase a vehicle that had utilitarian style and capabilities, but could be specified with creature comforts such as heated leather seats and high end infotainment. However, car buyers have now pivoted towards the new Defender, creating a sales slump for the seven-seat Discovery.

A repositioning of the model to target families looking for luxury more than utilitarianism is one way Land Rover believes it can regain the sales success of the Discovery brand name. This could spawn a family of Discovery models, currently the smaller Discovery Sport fulfils the entry level status at the brand, there is no confirmation whether that model will have a future with the brand past the current generation.

To achieve this, Land Rover is planning on basing the new Discovery model on the same platform as the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. We can expect a full range of combustion engines in the lineup, however Land Rover’s most recent financial report states it will offer all models in fully electric form by the end of the decade. The Range Rover is expected to be showcased as a full EV in 2024 meaning the Discovery could be offered with a fully-electric option from launch.

Styling changes let the Discovery take on a slick new look with slimmer headlights and a simpler front bumper design. Although the chunky tyres and wheel arches will remain to keep the Discovery capable off-road. It appears Land Rover intends to stick to the offset rear number plate that some found awkward on the current generation model, with aftermarket firms offering a centre-mounted alternative. The styling cue was originally created to carry a spare wheel on earlier generations.

The desire to move the Discovery upmarket with a target audience of ‘discerning families’ will likely mean a price hike from the entry price of the existing model of £57,225. Car buyers of the existing Discovery model will be left with a choice of paying a premium or looking across the range at other models if they want to remain with the brand. The luxury family SUV segment is already a hotly contested market with the Mercedes GLE, BMW X5, and Audi Q7 already well established. Land Rover will need to impress immediately with their 2025 model if they are to sway competitor owners to visit Land Rover showrooms.

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