Exceptional wheel travel with excellent articulation means that when the left front wheel drops into a big hole, the right rear wheel is less likely to lift off the ground. A high ground clearance, generous angles of approach and departure and the capability of wading through 20 inches of water allow the Discovery to go where few vehicles have gone before. (Though you should always tread lightly.)
Hill Descent Control maintains a controllable speed during steep off-road descents: The system works in low range below 34 mph. Simply press a button and keep your feet off the pedals. Hill Descent Control automatically applies brake pressure and uses engine braking, so the Discovery confidently creeps down terrifyingly steep grades.
It's in extreme conditions that the Discovery really shines. We've driven them through deep, unplowed snow, over icy roads and on treacherous primitive paths around the world and the Discovery never hesitated. It always went places where other 4WD vehicles could not go.
The Discovery uses a strong body-on-frame design. It is a superb design for off-road driving. The frame is fully boxed, something other manufacturers are just starting to use. Side-impact beams are designed into all four doors, rather than just the front doors, as is the case for many SUVs.
Land Rover's sophisticated traction control system detects wheel slippage and automatically applies brake pressure to the spinning wheel, thereby directing torque to the wheels with the best traction.
Electronic Brake Distribution takes the anti-lock brake system well beyond standard ABS. EBD provides quicker, safer stops by transferring braking force front to rear to ensure optimum balance and stability.
The optional Active Cornering Enhancement, or ACE, reduces body lean in turns. It electronically measures lateral acceleration and then hydraulically applies torque to the chassis via two piston/lever configurations that replace the front and rear anti-roll bars. Good as the system is, at nearly $3,000 it may be difficult to justify if you don't engage in aggressive cornering. Still, stability always means safety.
The Self-Leveling Suspension (SLS), which is standard on the 7-seaters, uses rear air springs to maintain optimum ride height whether the vehicle is heavily loaded, unevenly loaded or being used for towing. Next Page