Next year, the fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery is tipped to be unveiled and according to Autocar, it will be dramatically improved from the outgoing model.

One of the key points of difference between the new Discovery and the current Discovery 4 will be the extensively redesigned exterior and interior, inspired by both the Land Rover Discovery Sport and 2014’s Discovery Vision concept. That means the fifth-gen car will ditch the boxy shape synonymous with the British-born off-roader is favor of sleek and more flowing lines to give it a slightly smaller appearance.

Underpinning the all-new Discovery will be the same aluminum monocoque as modern Range Rover and Range Rover Sport derivatives. Due to this new architecture alone, huge amounts of weight will be saved which is important as the current model weighs over 2,600 kg depending on specification.

In terms of engines, the 2017 model year Land Rover Discovery will include a 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel, already in use in an array of Jaguar Land Rover models. Further down the road, a number of Ingenium engines will be available, including both four-cylinder and V6s.

One of the most significant developments of the new Discovery will be its push up the market, making it closer to the offerings from Range Rover. Discussing this, Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern said “There will be a premium execution in Discovery, more Range Rover-like. But we need to not confuse and get the balance right.”

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