Discovery Vision Concept first view

Just before its unveiling at the New York International Auto Show, Land Rover has offered a glimpse of the Discovery Vision Concept.

The first thing that stands out is the styling, which represents radical change compared to the current model. Yet many trademark Discovery elements remain, including the clamshell bonnet, high waistline, thick C-pillar and raised rear roof section that incorporates ‘alpine light’ windows. Perhaps the one disappointing aspect is the front end, but only because it looks too similar to a Range Rover Sport.

Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept (2014) Front Side

Land Rover has taken the opportunity to equip the Discovery Vision Concept with plenty of innovative technologies. Among them is Remote Control Drive, a function that allows the driver to direct low-speed manoeuvres from outside the vehicle using a removable rotary control, smartphone or tablet.

Laser Referencing projects laser light onto surrounding objects or terrain to help negotiate narrow gaps, while Laser Terrain Scanning aids off-road route planning. Possibly the most interesting device is the Transparent Bonnet, which uses front-mounted cameras and a head-up display to offer a virtual view of the ground being driven over. Whether any of these gadgets actually make production remains to be seen, of course.

On the inside, there are still seven seats arranged in a 2+3+2 format. For enhanced versatility the second and third rows slide and fold flat, meaning six-, five- and four-seat layouts can be configured instead. The tailgate is a one-piece design that works with a small folding bench in the load area to give a sheltered viewing platform.

The new Discovery previewed by the Vision Concept is expected to arrive in showrooms during 2015. It will herald a family of Discovery-badged leisure-orientated SUVs, a move that mirrors the use of Range Rover for Land Rover’s more luxurious products.

Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept (2014) SideLand Rover Discovery Vision Concept (2014) Dashboard

Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept (2014) FrontLand Rover Discovery Vision Concept (2014) Rear Side

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