With its trademark alpine windows and utilitarian styling, there's no mistaking the Land Rover Discovery for something else. Though completely redesigned in 1999 (85 percent of its parts were new), the overall look is similar to the previous model. Fresh styling and a wider stance give the Series II a more confident look. The interior was redesigned for improved outward visibility, increased roominess and easier operation.
The Series II is 4 inches wider, 6 inches longer in length and 1 inch shorter in height than the previous Discovery (though it maintains its ground clearance). Cargo capacity is greater than before. Range Rover-style door handles are easy to open and the full-size spare tire is mounted low on the rear door for improved visibility. There are two new paint hues, Oslo Blue and Bonatti Grey.
Step inside and you'll find Discovery's interior is as distinctive as its exterior. Like the exterior, the interior was completely redesigned for 1999 with the aim of reducing British eccentricity. British luxury remains, however. Window switches are rearranged into a more logical layout. An automatic climate control provides separate temperature controls for driver and passenger and is easy to reach and adjust. For 2000, a compass was added along with a handy pointer on the fuel gauge to remind you which side the fuel filler door is on. An outside temperature readout is useful when traveling.
The driver's seat affords excellent visibility and there's lots of headroom. The top of the windshield was raised to see overhead traffic signals easier, but you may still need to duck a bit to see the light change. (Traffic signals are mounted on posts in England.)
The step up to Discovery's interior is a big one and getting into the back seats is a squeeze due to a narrow rear door opening; kids don't have any trouble, but shorter, older folks find it challenging. Once back there, it's comfortable. Rear-seat passengers sit higher and can view the world through expansive side windows, upper alpine windows and their own (optional) sunroof. Interior stowage abounds with bins and pockets. There's a 12-volt accessory socket in the cargo area. Cargo nets, tie-downs, grab handles and a cargo cover come standard.
The SD7, LE7 and SE7 provide foldaway seats for two more passengers in the cargo area. These front-facing jump seats feature cleverly designed head restraints that pop down from the ceiling, along with three-point seat belts.
Discovery Series II drives and handles light years better than the first-generation models. While pre-1999 models felt tentative in transient maneuvers and leaned through corners, the Series II feels firmly planted and tackles curves with confidence. It's remarkably responsive and stays surprisingly level during switchback turning or quick defensive maneuvers on the freeway.
The '99 redesign widened the track by 2.1 inches front and 2.9 inches rear, and further changed the steering geometry with longer control arms. The front axle features a Panhard rod to resist cornering forces, and the live rear axle with its control links provide exceptional wheel travel while reducing lift under hard braking. The rear suspension shares its basic design with the Range Rover.
These on-road refinements have taken nothing from Land Rover's renowned off-road capability. The Discovery Series II still features long suspension travel to climb over rocky terrain. It comes standard with permanent four-wheel drive and a four-speed ZF automatic transmission. A transfer case provides a low range for extremely steep or slippery terrain.
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.
In 2001, the Discovery line features new model designations and more optional equipment. Three trim levels are available: SD ($33,350), LE ($34,350) and SE ($36,350).
Adding the Rear Seat Package ($1750) option (available on any model) changes these designations to SD7, LE7 and SE7, respectively. The "7" designation indicates a third row of forward-facing rear jump seats, making room for 7 passengers. The SD7, LE7 and SE7 also include SLS, the self-leveling suspension system, and a hydraulic rear step.
Standard features include Rover's 4.0-liter V8, a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, Land Rover's permanent four-wheel drive, a sophisticated four-wheel electronic traction control system, Hill Descent Control, and a four-channel all-terrain anti-lock braking system.
Also standard are eight-way power adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, child safety locks, cruise control, rear window washer and wiper, and halogen headlamps with washers. The SD, LE and SE all use 16-inch alloy wheels, but the styles are different.
Our test model was an SD, $33,350. For 2001, cloth seats are replaced by a beige vinyl-like covering called Duragrain. It's attractive and looks sturdy. The SD audio system is an Alpine 100-watt with six speakers.
LE, with a base price of $34,350, features a leather interior package. It's distinguished by its two-tone front grille, partially painted front bumper, integrated fog lights, and headlamp power washers. The interior is Indiana Brown leather with modest wood trim.
The most popular model is the SE, which comes with a full leather interior. The leather comes in three colors, beige and two shades of gray. The seats have center armrests and power lumbar control. The Alpine sound system is a 220-watt 10-channel with 12 speakers, plus a six-disc CD changer. SE also comes standard with HomeLink, a Class III trailer tow hitch receiver, and a roll-up rear load space cover. The SE7 includes remote audio system controls and headphone jacks for the rear seat passengers.
An optional Performance Package ($2,900) includes Land Rover's Active Cornering Enhancement system and 18-inch wheels and tires.
The other primary options are: rear air conditioning ($750); Self-Leveling Suspension ($750); and the Rear Seat Package ($1,750), which includes the self-leveling suspension.