The Land Rover Discovery will soon turn 35, but the Disco story is far from over, as the British marque is commemorating this milestone with two special editions based on the fifth-gen Discovery: the Tempest and Gemini. Released in the U.K. for now, their design and details are a nod to the model’s early days and an SUV that’s determined to remain relevant in a fiercely competitive market. The timing for this announcement couldn’t have been more perfect, given how JLR is coming off of its most successful fiscal year in a decade, with Land Rover leading the charge.
The Tempest (above), being dubbed as “the most luxurious Discovery ever,” draws design cues and its name from the second-gen model’s internal development program. It comes in a matte protective film over Charente Grey, Carpathian Grey, or Varsine Blue paint colors, paired either with a Petra Copper or gloss black roof. The copper detailing also extends to the wing vents, bumper inserts, and the 22-inch wheels that are lacquered in matching copper tones as well. Exclusive Tempest badges can also be found on the treadplates, door pillars, and in the puddle lamps. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with extended Ebony Windsor leather upholstery, Shadow Aluminium accents.
The Gemini edition (below) has nothing to do with Google’s AI assistant. Instead, for Land Rover, this badge goes way back and is an homage to the original 1989 Discovery, borrowing its name from the codename of that model’s innovative diesel engine. Perhaps a bit less ostentatious but still thoroughly premium, the Gemini edition is available in six paint finishes, including a new-to-Discovery Sedona Red. It rides on slightly smaller seven-spoke 21-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels and features a contrasting Narvik Black roof with gloss black trim. Inside, it’s ideal for families with a front seat cooler, media holders on the rear backs, and tri-zone climate control as standard.
Under the hood, both models pack Land Rover’s 3.0-liter Ingenium D350 diesel engine and a mild hybrid setup delivering 345 horsepower and 700 nm (517 pound-feet) of torque. One of the areas where the Discovery shines over its competitors is off-road, and full Disco capability has been retained here with proper four-wheel drive hardware and 7,700 pounds of towing capacity. Land Rover is further bolstering the broader Discovery lineup with new “Curated” accessory packs, comprising things like Beach sunshades, a roof rack, snow-ready mats, mudflaps, and cargo boxes.
Prices in the U.K. start at £64,810 (about $85,513 based on current exchange rates), with both special edition models joining the rest of the Discovery lineup. For now, there are no details of a U.S. release. For American buyers, a diesel-only option won’t cut it. Currently, the base Discovery comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and starts at $60,700, with the top-spec Metropolitan Edition coming in at $79,800. It’s a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder gas engine with a 48-volt hybrid assist, with 355 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque, but what impresses most is the 8,200-pound tow rating. While it’s the more rugged Defender and more luxurious Range Rover models that take the spotlight, the slow-selling but immensely capable seven-seat Discovery continues to soldier on.
Source: Land Rover
