As you’ll see elsewhere in this issue, we took the brand new Land Rover Discovery to the high Himalayan passes of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Let’s just say that there’s absolutely no better vehicle in which to explore the Himalayas than the Discovery. Let’s also say that the latest edition of this model certainly lives up to its name.
But, here’s where things get interesting. You see, not only is it supremely capable at going off-road and crossing the Himalayas – regardless of if there’s a road or not – it’s also supremely capable and comfortable on road as well.
Built on the aluminium architecture that forms the basis of the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport, the Discovery comes with extremely advanced underpinnings. The cabin is very spacious and high-tech – everything from the infotainment system to the rear-seat entertainment, to the heated and cooled seats feel luxurious and cutting edge.
Adjustable air suspension means that ground clearance and comfort is simply never a problem. You can literally drive over boulders and rocks without any trouble at all. And when you do so, you expect a jolt from the suspension as you drop down from the rock or boulder in question but the surprising thing is that jolt simply never comes. This machine simply takes absolutely everything in its stride and never lets its occupants feel the rigours of adventure motoring.
Complimenting the extraordinary nature of our test car is a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that develops 335bhp and 450Nm of torque, which is transmitted to all four wheel through an 8-speed gearbox with paddles on the steering wheel that are very responsive.
The most surprising thing about the driving experience of the Discovery, though, was at the track – it simply never feels as big and heavy at it really is. It masks its weight and bulk incredibly well, and feels light and lithe on the move.
So, if you want a vehicle in which you can truly discover the Himalayas in the lap of luxury, this is what you’ve been waiting for.
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