Land Rover has officially unveiled the Discovery Vision Concept ahead of its debut at tomorrow’s New York Motor Show. The Discovery Vision Concept previews the first model of the upcoming Discovery sub-range, a rough-and-ready lineup of family-oriented vehicles bookending Range Rover-badged models’ high-end positioning.
Land Rover’s latest concept features a rounded front fascia loosely inspired by the Evoque, a tall belt line, horizontal tail lamps and a rakish C pillar that pays a discreet homage to the first-gen Discovery introduced in England 25-years ago. The rear doors open in a suicide fashion, a setup that has allowed designers to eliminate the B-pillar.
The current LR4’s split tailgate has been replaced by a more conventional large hatch. The trunk floor slides out to create what Land Rover calls a “social seat” that the occupants can use to have an impromptu picnic.
Inside, the Discovery Vision Concept’s dashboard features a massive tablet-like touch screen on the center stack that runs the SUV’s infotainment system. The system can also be controlled via small touch pads located on the steering wheel. A fully configurable digital instrument cluster provides vital information about the SUV and its surroundings, while key functions like the turn signals and the headlights are operated via hand gestures.
The concept offers space for up to seven passengers and their gear in a well-appointed cabin upholstered with two types of oil- and water-repellent premium leather.
Interestingly, the Discovery Vision Concept features an innovative system that sends footage from tiny cameras mounted on the grille to a heads-up display that enables the driver to virtually see through the hood. Company executives have hinted the technology will eventually trickle down to regular-production models.
Land Rover has not revealed what lies under the concept’s hood.
What’s Next?
Look for the production version of the Discovery Vision Concept to bow as soon as next October’s Paris Motor Show. The other members of the nascent Discovery family are expected to include two new models that will replace the LR2 and an urban-oriented entry-level SUV that will reportedly stretch just 13 feet in length.