Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover Discovery Models

The Land Rover Discovery has three trim levels available: SD, LE and SE.

Adding the Rear Seat Package option (available on any model) changes these designations to SD7, LE7 and SE7, respectively. The "7" designation indicates a third row of forward-facing rear jump seats, making room for 7 passengers. The SD7, LE7 and SE7 also include SLS, the self-leveling suspension system, and a hydraulic rear step.

Standard features include Rover's 4.0-liter V8, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, Land Rover's permanent four-wheel drive, a sophisticated four-wheel electronic traction control system, Hill Descent Control, and a four-channel all-terrain anti-lock braking system.

Also standard are eight-way power adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, child safety locks, cruise control, rear window washer and wiper, and halogen headlamps with washers. The SD, LE and SE all use 16-inch alloy wheels, but the styles are different.

Our test model was an SD. The audio system is an Alpine 100-watt with six speakers.

LE features a leather interior package. It's distinguished by its two-tone front grille, partially painted front bumper, integrated fog lights, and headlamp power washers. The interior is Indiana Brown leather with modest wood trim.

The most popular model is the SE, which comes with a full leather interior. The leather comes in three colors, beige and two shades of gray. The seats have center armrests and power lumbar control. The Alpine sound system is a 220-watt 10-channel with 12 speakers, plus a six-disc CD changer. SE also comes standard with HomeLink, a Class III trailer tow hitch receiver, and a roll-up rear load space cover. The SE7 includes remote audio system controls and headphone jacks for the rear seat passengers.

An optional Performance Package includes Land Rover's Active Cornering Enhancement system and 18-inch wheels and tires.

The other primary options are: rear air conditioning; Self-Leveling Suspension; and the Rear Seat Package, which includes the self-leveling suspension.

Driving the Land Rover Discovery

Discovery Series II drives and handles light years better than the first-generation models. While pre-1999 models felt tentative in transient maneuvers and leaned through corners, the Series II feels firmly planted and tackles curves with confidence. It's remarkably responsive and stays surprisingly level during switchback turning or quick defensive maneuvers on the freeway.

The '99 redesign widened the track by 2.1 inches front and 2.9 inches rear, and further changed the steering geometry with longer control arms. The front axle features a Panhard rod to resist cornering forces, and the live rear axle with its control links provide exceptional wheel travel while reducing lift under hard braking. The rear suspension shares its basic design with the Range Rover.

These on-road refinements have taken nothing from Land Rover's renowned off-road capability. The Discovery Series II still features long suspension travel to climb over rocky terrain. It comes standard with permanent four-wheel drive and a four-speed ZF automatic transmission. A transfer case provides a low range for extremely steep or slippery terrain.

Exceptional wheel travel with excellent articulation means that when the left front wheel drops into a big hole, the right rear wheel is less likely to lift off the ground. A high ground clearance, generous angles of approach and departure and the capability of wading through 20 inches of water allow the Discovery to go where few vehicles have gone before. (Though you should always tread lightly.)

Hill Descent Control maintains a controllable speed during steep off-road descents: The system works in low range below 34 mph. Simply press a button and keep your feet off the pedals. Hill Descent Control automatically applies brake pressure and uses engine braking, so the Discovery confidently creeps down terrifyingly steep grades.

It's in extreme conditions that the Discovery really shines. We've driven them through deep, unplowed snow, over icy roads and on treacherous primitive paths around the world and the Discovery never hesitated. It always went places where other 4WD vehicles could not go.

The Land Rover Discovery uses a strong body-on-frame design. It is a superb design for off-road driving. The frame is fully boxed, something other manufacturers are just starting to use. Side-impact beams are designed into all four doors, rather than just the front doors, as is the case for many SUVs.

Land Rover's sophisticated traction control system detects wheel slippage and automatically applies brake pressure to the spinning wheel, thereby directing torque to the wheels with the best traction.

Electronic Brake Distribution takes the anti-lock brake system well beyond standard ABS. EBD provides quicker, safer stops by transferring braking force front to rear to ensure optimum balance and stability.

The optional Active Cornering Enhancement, or ACE, reduces body lean in turns. It electronically measures lateral acceleration and then hydraulically applies torque to the chassis via two piston/lever configurations that replace the front and rear anti-roll bars.

The Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS), which is standard on the 7-seaters, uses rear air springs to maintain optimum ride height whether the vehicle is heavily loaded, unevenly loaded or being used for towing.