Land Rover launches new MY23 Defender and new limited edition Discovery

Land Rover has updated the Discovery and Defender line-ups, the former with a new high-spec limited edition model and the latter with a number of small revisions for the new model year. 

The new Land Rover Discovery Metropolitan Edition is priced from £73,250, and it arrives with several distinctive styling features of its own and a high equipment level. It’s based on the company’s R-Dynamic HSE specification, but gets new 22-inch diamond turned alloy wheels, new silver bumper inserts, privacy glass and a sliding panoramic roof.

Buyers also get a raft of extra technology, including a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, four-zone climate control and an interior cool box, while titanium trim is applied on the dashboard.

Land Rover hasn’t neglected the rest of the Discovery range, as the R-Dynamic model now comes as standard with a gloss black roof. Every model in the SUV’s line-up also now features JLR’s advanced Cabin Air Purification system, which monitors the air quality both inside and outside the car, and can filter out particles down to 2.5 microns across.

The Discovery Commercial has been given a quick nip-and-tuck, too, with a new R-Dynamic specification. It brings the same sporty styling changes as the standard SUV, along with a choice of alloy wheels ranging in size between 20 and 22 inches. Inside, there are metal sports pedals, aluminium trim and shift paddles for the steering wheel.

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The new MY23 version of the Defender coming in 2022 arrives with an expanded options list and new technology. 

Land Rover’s biggest change is the introduction of its larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system as standard on all versions. Land Rover also now sells the commercial-focussed Defender 90 Hard Top with its D250 straight-six 48-volt mild-hybrid diesel engine, which sits above the existing D200 model in the Defender Hard Top range. The turbocharged 3.0-litre unit produces 247bhp and 600Nm of torque.

Prices for the new engine and trim start from £48,390 (£38,117 excluding VAT), although buyers can choose to spend £55,830 (£40,380 excluding VAT) and upgrade to the passenger focussed SE specification.

The extra cash brings upgraded 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, keyless entry and blind spot assist. Inside, there’s also a centre console with an armrest, a Meridian sound system and 12-way electrically adjustable and heated front seats.

Read about Land Rover’s special edition version of the Defender V8, built to honour the launch of the latest Bond film…