Connected Car Tech, MHEV Make New Discovery Futuristic

Connected Car Tech, MHEV Make New Discovery Futuristic

 

The design on the outside remains unchanged mainly, but the interior has received a makeover with the inclusion of new connected car technology. The split analogue dials with the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system on the old car has now been updated to a new 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display along with a bigger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment screen. The redesigned centre console provides a fast and intuitive interface with a simplified menu structure and pioneering design.

The connectivity on the inside is provided by dual-sim technology, with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry SOTA updates without compromising performance. Discovery owners can update as many as 44 individual electronic modules without the inconvenience of visiting a retailer.

The full-digital instrument cluster along with the Pivi Pro system allows for high-definition 3D mapping within the driver’s instrument cluster, with the central touchscreen free to control other applications. Besides, the customers can also add a full-colour Head-Up Display, putting high-resolution driving information directly into the driver’s eye line.

Another feature introduced with the Discovery is the Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 air filtration technology. The system actively scans incoming air for quality and automatically uses advanced filters to reduce the level of allergens, toxins and harmful particulates in the cabin, enhancing driver wellbeing. Rear seat passenger comfort and convenience has been enhanced by the introduction of Land Rover’s Click and Go tablet holders instead of fixed rear screens. The tablets can use the onboard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot to stream content to keep the rear passengers entertained. Conveniently located USB-A charging sockets take care of maintaining the battery of the tablet charged and also help in cable management. This system adds to the versatility of the vehicle.

At the front, the steering wheel has received an update with the introduction of a new-look four-spoke steering wheel with hidden-until-lit switches and metal gearshift paddles. The old rotary gear selector has made way for a new tactile gear selector that provides instinctive control.

All new to the Discovery is the electric seat folding mechanism that can all be controlled from the central screen, improving the versatility of the vehicle. Customers also get access to a Remote app that lets them keep a tab on the fuel status, location of their car and also unlock and lock the doors. Owners can complete their connected car technology by choosing Land Rover’s new second-generation Activity Key that features touchscreen controls, a digital watch, unlock, lock and also remotely start the vehicle as an addition to the conventional fob.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Creative Officer termed the car as “a beautifully proportioned and sophisticated premium SUV”. He also added that the team has worked to enhance the characterful exterior and hugely versatile interior to maintain the Discovery’s position in the market as “the most capable and family-friendly full-size SUV in the world”.

The carmaker has introduced a trio of new straight-six Ingenium engines with 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for enhanced efficiency, performance and smoothness. The MHEV system harvests and stores energy during deceleration and deploys it to assist the engine when accelerating. This setup provides the engine six-cylinder performance and four-cylinder efficiency and also helps refine the operation of the Stop/Start system. Along with the new engines, the Discovery is also available with the companies tried and tested four-cylinder P300 Ingenium petrol powertrain.

The 5th generation Discovery also comes equipped with advance driveline technology that can intelligently switch between two-and four-wheel drive as conditions demand, combining both the fuel-saving benefits of two-wheel-drive with the all-terrain capability of four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive is continuously engaged to provide large reserves of traction from a standstill, but a clutch completely disconnects the four-wheel-drive hardware when there is no tractive requirement. Should the system detect wheel slip or a more dynamic driving style, four-wheel drive is re-engaged within 350 milliseconds. This helps the car maximise traction and on-road dynamics resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions without compromising on the vehicle’s trademark all-terrain capability.

Also, the Discovery comes with air suspension as standard that helps in better isolation of bumps and an enjoyable ride. The system also intelligently lowers the cars ride height while doing motorway speed to increase the aerodynamic efficiency and stability of the vehicle. Apart from the 250HP diesel model, every other Discovery gets adaptive dampers that firm up the suspension going into corners to provide better stability and soften them when the going gets easy. Owners can also choose to add the Terrain Response 2 technology to their cars that automatically primes the vehicle to suit the driving conditions. The new Wade mode helps the Discovery drive through deep water (up to 90cm) and even applies the brakes automatically when the driver disengages it to restore the full performance of the brakes from the first application.

The Discovery borrows the ClearSight Ground View technology from the Defender. This new technology provides the driver with a clear view of the obscured ground directly beneath the front of the vehicle using the central touchscreen and a combination of forward-facing cameras. This is the closest Land Rover has come to their futuristic transparent bonnet concept. The system supports the drivers when negotiating steep off-road inclines or hidden urban obstacles.

Talking about the technology inside the car Land Rover’s Chief Engineer, Mike Cross said “New Discovery combines superb all-terrain suspension geometry with rewarding dynamics and excellent body control while maintaining our family SUV’s famed ride quality and comfort”. He also added, the changes made to the suspension design and the new platform has allowed the company to create a seven-seat SUV that is versatile, capable, refined and yet fun to drive.

In conclusion, the Discovery is a seven-seat sophisticated premium SUV that encapsulates Land Rover’s design evolution with an intelligently packaged interior that embodies the spirit of family adventure which has characterised the SUV for more than 30 years. The latest future-ready fifth-generation Discovery is available with four engine options with more than one Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology model. The Discovery starts at £53,050 and extends up to £67,290 for the range-topping HSE diesel variant in the UK. (MT)

Lexus India Launches New RX350h Exquisite Grade At INR 8.99 Million

Lexus RX350h

Japanese luxury brand Lexus India has introduced a new ‘Exquisite’ grade to its RX 350h line-up, strengthening the model’s presence in the luxury SUV segment.

The new RX 350h Exquisite grade starts at INR 8.99 million (ex-showroom), which goes up to INR 10.09 million (ex-showroom).

The RX 350h Exquisite grade features Lexus’ hybrid system, which combines a highly efficient 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine and high-output motor. It includes a bipolar nickel-metal hydride battery with enhanced performance. On the inside, it gets 10-way power adjusted front seats, heated and ventilated seating for front & rear seats and ambient lighting.

The RX 500h F-SPORT grade is the only Performance Hybrid Electric Turbocharged Luxury SUV in India. The 2.4 L-T HEV on the RX 500h features a front unit integrating a 2.4-L turbocharged engine, motor, a 6-speed automatic transmission and an eAxle with a built-in high output motor driving the rear wheels. The RX 500h features Dynamic Rear-Wheel Steering and DIRECT4 technology for acceleration.

The RX features a Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio system and offers Lexus Safety System+ with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Cross Traffic Alert and Safe Exit Assist with Blind Spot Monitor.

Between January and November this year, the RX model recorded 12 percent growth, reflecting rising demand for luxury SUVs in the country. During the same period, SUVs contributed about 40 percent to Lexus India’s overall performance, underscoring the RX’s pivotal role in driving the brand’s momentum.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said, ‘The Lexus RX represents our dedication to luxury, design, performance, and sustainable mobility. As the luxury SUV segment continues to grow, the introduction of the new Exquisite grade allows us to offer guests a wider range of options and features to choose from. This enhancement reflects our continued commitment to expanding our portfolio and elevating the Lexus experience in India, supported by advanced technology and a guest-first philosophy.”

MG SELECT Crosses 1,000 Sales And 15 Experience Centres

MG Select

JSW MG Motor India has announced that its luxury retail channel, MG SELECT, has crossed a triple milestone: reaching 1,000-unit sales, inaugurating its 15th Experience Centre and maintaining the second position in India’s luxury EV market.

The network now encompasses 15 Experience Centres across 14 cities in India, reinforcing the brand's commitment to delivering an exclusive automotive retail journey. The recent inauguration of the 15th store in Jaipur further underscores the brand's ambition to redefine luxury mobility.

The milestone also highlighted sustained market demand for the select portfolio and is a key driver behind the brand’s 32 percent YTD growth in 2025.

The company claimed that the MG Cyberster, India's highest-selling sports car, has a 4–5 month waiting period, and the MG M9 - Presidential Limousine shows strong momentum in the luxury MPV segment. The MG Cyberster is available at an ex-showroom price of INR 7.49 million, while the MG M9 is available at an ex-showroom price of INR 6.99 million.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "Our rise to become the second largest luxury EV brand in the country speaks to a singular belief. True luxury is felt in every touchpoint when precision, ambition and care move together. Through MG SELECT we have crafted an ownership world where innovation meets desire and where every interaction feels intentional. We are shaping the next era of electric mobility for India’s most discerning customers, with a commitment that is both bold and deeply personal.”

The MG SELECT Experience Centres are spaces for the brand's flagship vehicles. These venues provide an immersive, gallery-like setting, ensuring the display of these models is the focal point of the customer interaction. The Jaipur showroom, located at Tonk Road near Sanganer Flyover, exemplifies the MG SELECT philosophy of ‘Reimagining Luxury’, featuring spacious, serene, and technologically advanced environments that elevate the car buying journey.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating

Maruti e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki India has been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for its e Vitara, marking a moment for the company's electric vehicle strategy.

The e Vitara is built on Suzuki’s Heartect-e platform designed for electric vehicles to deliver strength, structural rigidity and advanced high voltage protection. The ‘Made-in-India, Made-for-the-World’ e Vitara is designed and tested for temperature conditions across the world, ensuring performance from as high as 60deg Celsius to as low as -30deg Celsius. The model is offered with 49 kWh and 61 kWh battery options.

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, said, “Congratulations to Maruti Suzuki for achieving 5-star Bharat NCAP in both adult and child occupant protection for their e Vitara. I am especially glad that Maruti Suzuki has shown real leadership in providing 7 airbags as a standard across all variants of the e Vitara.”

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for e Vitara, our first Battery Electric Vehicle, is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Maruti Suzuki. Using the Bharat NCAP 5-star rating, we will export the e Vitara to more than 100 countries of the world. Bharat NCAP’s globally benchmarked stringent vehicle test protocols have been a catalyst in empowering customers to make informed decisions. I thank the Minister Gadkari, the officials in his Ministry and test agencies for their rigorous efforts and commitment in shaping India’s journey towards safe mobility.”

The e VITARA’s body structure uses more than 60 percent ultra-high tensile and high-tensile strength steel. Its battery protection system incorporates a structural design with an energy-absorbing battery pack mounting structure.

Key safety features include 7 standard airbags (including the Driver's knee airbag), Level 2 ADAS (Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control), Hill Hold Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and a 360-degree Surround View Camera.

Mahindra Launches First Dealership-Based Ultrafast EV Charger In Anantapur

Mahindra Charger

Mahindra has marked a major milestone in its nationwide electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion with the inauguration of its first dealership-based ultrafast charger – a 180 kW Charge_IN station.

This is the first of many such installations planned across Mahindra dealerships, forming a key pillar of the company’s commitment to building India’s ultrafast charging network.

This initiative scales up Mahindra’s Charge_IN ecosystem, complementing the 250 highway fast-charging stations already announced. The new 180 kW ultrafast chargers will enable EV users to charge quickly and conveniently at strategically located dealerships across the country, with 24x7 on-ground support.