Just when you thought the latest Land Rover Discovery had gone a bit too soft and premium to tackle the mud and ruts of the fiercest terrain, the British brand presents the most extreme version yet of its seven-seat family SUV. Ladies and gentlemen, may we introduce the Land Rover Discovery SVX.
Looks pretty hardcore
It is. Land Rover has become a by-word for off-road prowess, but the SVX badge is reserved for vehicles that can drive to those places where even mountain goats get a bit jelly-legged. The last Landie to get the SVX treatment was a Defender that was badass enough to cameo in a James Bond film.
Guessing this isn’t just a new trim level?
You guess correctly. This is a seriously hefty upgrade that essentially involves taking a finished Land Rover Discovery off the line in Solihull, only to dismantle it again at the SVX skunkworks in Coventry.
To start, the Land Rover Discovery SVX receives a 5-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine that develops 518bhp peak power and offers 461lb ft of torque. It features increased ground clearance thanks to a raised body and air suspension; it offers greater wheel articulation and even a rear-mounted winch. Perfect if you want to drop the kids off at school and then head over to Mountain Rescue.
The bonnet has been finished with an anti-glare coating to prevent the sun from dazzling the driver when summiting peaks and the all-terrain Goodyear Wrangler tyres now have much thicker tyre walls – 275/55 R20 in case you’re asking – to reduce the risk of punctures when off-roading.
But can’t the regular Discovery already go anywhere?
No question, the standard Discovery is supreme off-road with a suite of Terrain Response and depth wading systems that far exceed what 99% of owners will require. The SVX is here to scratch the itch of the remaining one percent, while still being able to comfortably ferry you and the family off on a 500-mile road trip. You wouldn’t fancy doing that in a Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6.
True. So how much will I need to spend on this limited edition?
The Discovery SVX may be special, but it isn’t a limited run. All versions will be hand built at Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) centre in Coventry, alongside its other two sub-brands: sporty SVR and luxury SVA.
Prices are yet to be announced, but considering a fully loaded Land Rover Discovery can already approach £80,000, don’t expect change from £100k.