Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept Provides View of the Future

Land Rover will, starting in 2015, use the Discovery name on a number of different SUVs, in much the same way that Range Rover is used on various models. The Land Rover Discovery Vision Concept that debuted in conjunction with the 2014 New York International Auto Show sets the tone for this new range of SUVs, which Land Rover says will be designed for adventure.

Painted Tribeca Gray and equipped with 23-in. aluminum wheels, the Discovery Vision Concept retains traditional Discovery DNA, according to Land Rover. The stepped roof design, alpine lighting, and asymmetrical styling elements of today's Discovery (LR4 in the United States) remain, along with a command driving position and stadium-style seating.

Laser headlights are included up front, and Land Rover employs gesture-control doors for clean surface detailing. Slim side mirrors include cameras for improved visibility, and deployable running boards have LED ground lighting. The gesture-control tailgate reveals "social seating" and an event platform for, as Land Rover explains, watching polo or changing childrens' muddy rugby gear.

The Discovery Vision Concept offers 7-passenger seating capacity. Second- and third-row seats offer a full range of adjustment, including theatre-fold and table-fold capability to create a variety of seating and cargo carrying configurations. The concept's cabin is rendered in a Nimbus and Navy color scheme with Sky Blue contrast stitching, open pore gray wood, and polished and brushed aluminum trim. Land Rover says the leather repels water and oil, and can be washed.

A panoramic glass roof covers the cabin, and features gesture-control SkyLight cabin lighting. Each seatback contains an Internet-connected 10-in. infotainment screen supporting video conversation with other occupants, as well as tablet docks, fold-out tray tables, and deploying coat hangers.