1 Mar 1999
Although visually very similar to its predecessor, the Discovery MK2 was claimed to be around 85 per cent new.
No exterior panels carried over from before, the alloy bodied four-door wagon body was lengthened and widened, while a roomier, much more refined and comfortable cabin was the result of a thorough interior rethink.
Underneath the tracks were increased, there was an all-new 101kW/315Nm 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel engine developed called Td5, and the existing 3.9 V8 became a gutsier, more refined 132kW/320Nm 4.0-litre V8.
Both were mated to a five-speed manual or new dual-mode four-speed automatic gearbox.
Some of the advanced features then-LR owners BMW helped to incorporate included an optional height adjustable air suspension with a computer-controlled device called ACE which helped reduce cornering roll and electronic driving aids like traction control, Hill Decent Control (which combined with the anti-lock brakes and traction control functioned like a super-low range ratio for steep downhill situations), and electronic brake distribution.
The former was reserved for the top-line ES models, which also included rear air-conditioning, seven seats (now forward facing and with three-point seatbelts), a dual sunroof, roof racks and leather upholstery while the latter was part of the base package of dual front airbags, climate control air-con, power steering, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows and alloy wheels.
The Discovery MK2 changes brought the model up-to-date against the ever-evolving Japanese 4WDs, with much-improved ability, comfort, value for money and refinement.
There was one limited edition model, the V8-only Adventure from late 2001.
