Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cars
  3. News

Go anywhere in comfort in Land Rover’s new Discovery with advanced tow assist

Miles Branman
By

Many automakers reveal important models before the L.A. Auto Show, but few allow the public to lay eyes on these vehicles alongside media.

Land Rover decided to break the mold a bit with the introduction of its all-new Discovery. On Tuesday, the three-row SUV was given an open-air reveal at a pop-up venue in L.A.’s Venice neighborhood, next to some seriously cool action sports equipment. The active lifestyle environment fit nicely with Land Rover’s new model, which the automaker says is its most versatile yet.

Recommended Videos

With seating for seven passengers, a premium cabin, innovative convenience features, and sophisticated off-road goodies, the 2017 Discovery is your new go-anywhere-in-comfort SUV. It’s also a handsome thing, with a rounded body and striking exterior touches that look considerably upmarket for the price ($50,985, including destination charge, for the Discovery SE, the least expensive of several variants).

Related

Among the car’s highlights are seats that can be configured via an Apple or Android smartphone, new driver assistance features, advanced tow assist (more on that in a moment), a bunch of storage cubbies, nine USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. All this is baked into a body that weighs up to 1,000 pounds less than the current LR4, thanks to aluminum construction.

1 of 12
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Land Rover Discovery Tow Assist
Image used with permission by copyright holder

At launch, the Discovery will only be sold in First Edition spec, which retails for $74,945. Though that may sound like a lot, it’s a relative bargain considering how many toys come standard. Having personally poked and prodded this new SUV, I can assure you that Land Rover isn’t ripping anyone off – every surface is high quality.

The Discovery will eventually be offered in several variants, including the Discovery SE, which is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 making 340 horsepower. There’s also the Discovery HSE ($56,950), Discovery HSE Td6 ($58,950), which uses a 3.0-liter diesel V6 rated at 254hp and 443 pound-feet of torque, and the Discovery HSE Luxury ($63,950), Discovery HSE Luxury Td6 ($65,950), and the aforementioned Discovery First Edition.

2017 Land Rover Discovery Advanced Tow Assist Demo

With the introduction of its 2017 Discovery, Land Rover is showcasing its all-new advanced tow assist technology, which helps drivers back up with a trailer (similar to Ford’s towing aid). Towing up to 8,201 pounds in the Discovery is no problem, but backing that load up can be difficult. With Advanced Tow Assist, drivers can guide their trailer or camper into position without using the steering wheel.

While a 10-inch display shows multiple rear camera angles and trajectory lines, a console-mounted dial (dubbed Terrain Response 2) is used to steer the trailer. If the system detects a potential jackknife situation, it will alert the driver. Short of the system steering the trailer autonomously, it doesn’t get much easier to backup with a trailer or camper.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Miles Branman
Miles Branman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…
Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more
Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs
Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Read more
Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?
The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.

Read more