Currently reading: Land Rover Discovery continues into 2026 with new special editions

JLR treats its oldest model to some new kit to mark 35 years of Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery has been treated to a pair of special editions and some subtle updates in a bid to sustain its appeal as it enters its eighth year on sale. 

The primary additions for the 2026 model year are a pair of new special-edition Discovery models that JLR says have been designed to "honour Discovery's 35-year legacy with subtle nods to the model's history in their names".

The 'Tempest' special edition takes its name from the codename used for the second-generation Discovery in the run-up to its launch in 1998. Available in a choice of three colours, it comes with a matte protective film, a contrasting copper roof and trim details, bespoke badging and bespoke wheel designs. 

The 'Gemini' edition, meanwhile, is named as a nod to the original Discovery's turbodiesel engine. Available in six colours and with similar bespoke trim elements, it also brings special Gemini badging, a cooler compartment in the back seat, device holders on the seatbacks and three-zone climate control as standard. 

In addition to the new special editions, JLR has rolled out a trio of 'curated' accessory packs: Beach Days, Road Trip and Snow Days - each equipped with a suitable selection of optional extras.

There have been no changes under the skin, so the Discovery continues to be offered exclusively with the mild-hybrid, 3.0-litre Ingenium D350 diesel straight six, which develops 345bhp and 516lb ft give a 0-62mph time of 6.3secs, up to 33.4mpg and a towing capacity of 3500kg. 

Prices for the freshened-up Discovery start at £64,810, or £63,775 for the van-backed Commercial variant.

The updates come nearly nine years since the current-generation car was revealed at the 2016 Paris motor show, making the seven-seater comfortably JLR's oldest model line.

Despite its age, though the Discovery remains an important part of the company's global line-up, even as it enters its eighth year on the market; in the 12 months to the end of March, JLR recorded more than 14,000 Discovery sales - which is more than the Jaguar F-Pace sold in its final year in production.

However, while the Discovery remains a relatively steady seller, it continues to slip further into the shadow of the closely related, yet vastly more popular Defender - which sold more than eight times as many units last year. 

Work is under way on a next-generation Discovery model, with the priority being to more clearly distinguish it from the Defender and move it into its own "unique territory" - though JLR has not given any indication of when that new car might arrive.

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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eelectric 15 May 2025
As a two time Discovery 4 owner, I've never liked the Discovery 5 and wish they'd go back to a design that is more similar to the upright boxier look of the Discovery 1-4. The D4 was better off road, had a nicer interior, and in my opinion looked ten times better than the 5. I don't know if JLR would ever build another body on frame vehicle, but that was part of the goodness of the Discovery. It was rugged, could tow a lot, and take abuse off road without complaining. Its biggest downfall was the dinky tire sizes you could fit because of the control arms not allowing much width. I hope the Discovery 6 brings back some of that ruggedness that has been lost, and they ditch the dinky and rather terrible 2.0L engines and just fit the larger 6-cylinder engines as standard. JLR needs to work on the Ingenium I6 to bring it closer in line with the BMW B58 and Mercedes M256 in terms of performance, efficiency, refinement, and the noise it makes. Alternatively I wouldn't be mad if they just made an engine deal with BMW to use the B58 and they ditched the Ingenium engines as a whole. BMW has built a reliable engine that was good enough for even Toyota to put its name on in the Supra. The B58 has proven itself in the Ineos Grenadier, and I think it would be a big upgrade for all Land Rover/Range Rover models to finally have a decent 6-cylinder engine. Ingenium 3.0L I6 has never delivered that which is a shame.