Extreme explorers get their due with Land Rover’s splendid Discovery SVX
What is it? The Discovery SVX is, Land Rover says, the ultimate ride for off-road enthusiasts. It offers unmatched capability in a manner that does not impinge on the comfort or practicality of the vehicle. It certainly has an imposing look and a lot of added technology aimed at making it the most capable, including a specially tuned version of LR’s Terrain Response system and Active Roll Control, both firsts for Discovery. The latter increases wheel articulation while reducing body control, and it works both onand off-road.
Why does it matter? Along with suspension modifications, Discovery SVX has improved approach, departure and break-over angles, thanks to the taller ride height and the four-corner air suspension system. The 275/55R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires mounted on forged aluminum rims complete the upgraded package.
It has grunt to spare: Land Rover’s 5.0-litre supercharged V-8 pushes 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque through all four wheels, which means the SVX has an on-road run to 100 kilometres an hour of just 5.3 seconds. When is it coming? The Discovery SVX will arrive in Canada in limited numbers next fall.
Should you buy it? If you really need to go extreme boonie-bashing in an expensive off-roader, then the Discovery SVX is right up your alley. It has a bold look and the mechanical wherewithal to back it up. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll be up the hill quicker than any of your friends.