The Discovery has been usually one of the most popular models for Land Rover. However, sales have declined over the years and recently the addition of the Defender series has hampered the Discovery’s reputation further. In its attempt to differentiate and re-establish the once popular model, Land Rover has committed to developing a new electric Discovery for the next generation.
Electrification To Be the Focus for New Discovery
Ex-Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bollore, who recently stepped down, had earlier suggested that the Discovery’s replacement will emphasize the model’s strong points of rugged dependability and practicality by carving out a more clearly defined niche.
It is quite unlikely that Bollore’s recent departure will affect the production of the next generation ‘Discovery 6’. The SUV will be at the forefront of the upcoming planned new models, thoroughly overhauling Land Rover’s current lineup with a focus on electrification and forge the company’s image as a ‘modern luxury’ SUV brand.
Land Rover plans to have six EVs on sale by 2026, with 60% of the brand's sales to be from electric and every model being offered with an EV option by 2030.
Discovery Likely to Become a Sub Brand
While Land Rover stated that not all of its current name plates will be carried over to the electric era, Ballore was confident about in the Discovery’s future, implying it can become a sub-brand of its own, like the Range Rover.
That seems to be reaffirmed by JLR’s recent announcement that its Formula E partner Wolfspeed will be supplying silicon carbide semiconductors for its all its upcoming road-going EV models. This partnership involves supply to the upcoming next-generation Discovery, alongside Defender and Range Rover models.
New Discovery Likely to Be Underpinned by MLA Platform
Unlike what was rumored earlier, the next-generation Discovery will be underpinned by the MLA architecture that’s currently in use by the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. The smaller Discovery Sport and the closely related Evoque will be underpinned by Land Rover’s new EMA electric-based platform. The aluminium-intensive structure will be stiffer, more aerodynamic, and provide better crash protection than the current ‘D7u’ platform.
Multiple Powertrain Options
Like the new Range Rovers, the Discovery’s replacement will most likely launch with both plug-in-hybrid and ICE powertrain options. For the first-time in its history, there will be no diesel options as Land Rover is phasing out that option across its lineup by 2026. Expect the 3-litre mild-hybrid petrol, which is compatible with the new platform, to be carried over.
Discovery EV To Arrive In 2025
The pure electric Discovery will likely be revealed in 2025, after the mild-hybrid and ICE models. The EV will rival the likes of the recently launched Volvo EX90 in the global market.
With long-distance touring to be a priority for the Discovery, expect it to come with an official range of around 500 kms. Also, given that the new Land Rover PHEVs can charge at 50kW, the pure electric models will likely offer even faster charging times.
Advanced connectivity will also be an important part of upcoming Land Rover models. JLR has partnered with software giant Nvidia to co-develop a new and bespoke software stack that’ll focus on self-driving capabilities, like park assist, AR driving aids, and occupant monitoring.
