Land Rover introduces new Landmark Discovery
We all know what that means - or do we?
Is the fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery nearly finished? Who knows. Its maker has been conspicuously tight-lipped on the subject, even as the L462 contemplates the prospect of still being on sale in its tenth year. But the latest addition to the lineup potentially offers a clue to Land Rover’s wider intentions: the Landmark name has previously designated a run-out model, and is historically speaking (particularly where the Discovery 4 was concerned) among the most popular variants.
Of course, the current version is not viewed quite as affectionately as its predecessor was; everyone knew the writing was on the wall for the old Integrated Body Frame and the stately, upright styling, and - not unlike the rush to buy the last iterations of the old Defender - people felt compelled to hoover up the final 4 while they could (a sage move, it turns out; low-mile examples of the previous Landmark remain the most sought-after models on the secondhand market).
Very recent, memory-jolting experience of the Disco 5 (in range-topping Tempest format) served to remind us that the long-running seven-seater is actually very pleasant indeed - but even Land Rover is willing to concede that the car has been thoroughly overshadowed by the hyper-successful Defender, which is arguably a far superior successor to the physical presence and off-road capabilities of the Discovery 4 than its own namesake ever was.
Still, some people prefer the school-mum vibe, and they will be delighted to learn that whether the new Landmark grade marks the beginning of the end or not, it certainly looks the part. Land Rover suggests the unique specification, which includes Tasman Blue for the first time, nicely set off by 22-inch wheels in Dark Grey Contrast, is all about celebrating ‘the essence of Discovery’. To that end, it gets a unique wordmark and mountain logo on the front tread plates, centre console, B-pillar inserts and puddle lamp projectors.
Elsewhere you get fetching Graphite Atlas accents for the grille and side vents, as well as on the Discovery lettering, while the front and rear skidplates are finished in Carpathian Grey. Inside, there’s a smattering of dark grey brushed aluminium with additional Landmark branding, while the door casings and dashboard are finished in Tech Velour. As a bonus, the sliding panoramic sunroof and centre console refrigerator are standard.
The new trim grade slots in between the Discovery S and the flagship Tempest, both of which get a similar array of styling tweaks, alongside the (presumably mandatory) introduction of a new Driver Attention Monitor. The model is powered by the deeply satisfying D350 across the board, and starts at £69,540 for the S, while the Landmark and Tempest are from £75,860 and £83,940, respectively. Alternatively, a top-notch Disco 4 will set you back around £30k. Or slightly less for an imported 5.0-litre V8. Guess which one we’d invest in…
Along with the lashings of "grey" this, "grey" accents, "grey" skidplates etc...
I mean, the "colour" itself is so muted by injections of grey, as to not really qualify.
Just WHY do we like this styling so much here in Britain? It makes the car look half-finished. Having the roof in a colour is part of the identity of these things, the "floating roof" effect.
I can't get excited about anything here, sorry.
Along with the lashings of "grey" this, "grey" accents, "grey" skidplates etc...
I mean, the "colour" itself is so muted by injections of grey, as to not really qualify.
Just WHY do we like this styling so much here in Britain? It makes the car look half-finished. Having the roof in a colour is part of the identity of these things, the "floating roof" effect.
I can't get excited about anything here, sorry.
At least it’s not triple black I suppose.
The D5 is a very colour and trim dependant car for me to like.
Some look great, others look awful.
Definitely seeing a few more about lately, there’s been a lot of 26 plate ones local.
I do like my D4 landmark, although my wallet isn’t as big a fan.
Neither was the OH, until yesterday when she had to use it with both car seats and the double pram in the boot.
Suddenly it’s a great car and she’s now making noises about using it a couple of days a week when she has both boys…
Still see a lot of these around from pre Defender times, i imagine sales must have dried up since the Defender was launched though?
Not sure I’d pay £83k for one though… A used 3.0 diesel HSE from a specialist that really understands these cars is all the family car you need. And about £20k… in Aintree green!
That aside, our Disco 3 continues to be a useful tool and I might consider one of these as a replacement when they hit shed money. I think the Defender 110 is a more natural successor to the Disco 3/4 though and would prefer one.
Need to look past the rear styling.
It’s a fabulous car, 90% of the off road capability of the Defender and nearly as good to drive on road as the FFRR and sport versions.
Its trump card is massive passenger and boot space.
Only engine option a big smooth 6 cylinder diesel. Nice!
The default option for the old money set in rural Shropshire. If you know, you know.
Big discounts too if you push hard.
Was too wary of Discovery 4's wallet emptying ability to buy one even though they are fantastic and I still covet late models.
Discovery 5 never appealed at all, too bland, when you see one approaching it's hard to distinguish between all the other models in the current range, except the Defender.
Price has risen far out of my budget too.
In the Disco's defence it is British and a 6 potter and in these dangerous times that is a good thing.
Yes floating roof is a "Rangie thing", but surely you can see how this iconic styling would filter out and through to other areas of the brand?
Black "contrast" roofs are a 2020s thing. People have become obsessed with them. It's fashion, not the original design cues.
Yes floating roof is a "Rangie thing", but surely you can see how this iconic styling would filter out and through to other areas of the brand?
Black "contrast" roofs are a 2020s thing. People have become obsessed with them. It's fashion, not the original design cues.
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