Frankfurt 2017: Land Rover Discovery SVX

Land Rover has chosen Frankfurt 2017 to unveil the Discovery SVX, a more hardcore off-road version of the latest generation of Discovery. Whilst this is a preview of what the production Discovery SVX will resemble, the production model has been confirmed for a Q3 2018 Australian debut.

Developed by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations, the Discovery SVX joins other special JLR cars, including the XE SV Project 8 and Range Rover Sport SVR. Perhaps most significantly, the Discovery SVX is the only Discovery thus far that will be made available with a petrol V8 engine.

Mark Stanton, SVO Director, said: “The SVX product line gives us a fantastic opportunity to deliver the ultimate Land Rover all-terrain capability in a dynamic and distinctive manner, creating a rugged and versatile SUV that the whole family will love: effortless, unstoppable and connected, whatever the terrain.

“Discovery SVX is designed to reward off-road driving enthusiasts with the next level of all-terrain capability, without compromising comfort and practicality.”

Centrepiece of the SVX transformation is Jaguar Land Rover’s supercharged 5.0-litre V8, in this tune producing 386kW of power and 625Nm of torque. Performance and fuel economy data hasn’t been released but you can imagine that the Discovery SVX won’t offer Prius-like economy. Drive is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic that’s controlled by JLR’s Pistol Shifter instead of the rotary dial featured in Discovery models.

Being an off-road focussed special Discovery, the car’s four-wheel drive system has been upgraded even further from the standard model. Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system has been specifically tuned for the SVX, along with standard active centre and electronic rear-locking differentials helping off-road ability. The SVX also features a higher-riding air suspension system with longer-travel dampers for even higher raised off-roading ability.

A new system, dubbed Hydraulic Active Roll Control (H-ARC), also debuts in the Discovery SVX. Land Rover claims that it gives increased wheel articulation and improved body control, enhancing extreme off-road traction while also reducing body roll for smooth and sure-footed on-road driving.

Externally, the Discovery SVX is recognisable through a number of SVX touches, with cues taken from previous Discovery specials, such as the cars from the G4 Challenge global off-road race. Revised front and rear bumpers with skid plates and orange metal recovery eyes also feature revised approach and departure angles to further aid off-road ability. Larger 815mm diameter 275/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres feature on forged aluminium wheels, which improve grip levels in muddy conditions.

The Discovery SVX is finished in an exclusive satin ‘Tectonic Grey’ paint finish with unique ‘Lunar and Light Oyster with Rush Orange’ accents inside. Other subtle touches feature, including ‘X’ logo perforations on the SVX-branded seats, black side vents with V8 badging, a black grille, silver roof rails and a roof-mounted unit with two additional light pods for improved low-light visibility.

Land Rover Australia have confirmed that the SVX will be launching in the third quarter of 2018, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed before then. Dubbed the ‘ultimate Discovery’, it’s safe to say that the SVX will sit higher than the current high-end Discovery TD6 First Edition and its $131,871 pricetag.