2026 Land Rover Discovery Landmark flagship SUV launched as replacement edges closer

The 2027 Land Rover Discovery Landmark has arrived in New Zealand, bringing a new flagship trim level to the brand's long-running seven-seat SUV lineup.

Priced from $190,900 before on-road costs, the Discovery Landmark now sits at the top of the local Discovery range, replacing the previous Tempest flagship offered overseas.

The Landmark name has been used on previous Discovery special editions, including run-out variants of the Discovery 2, Discovery 3 and Discovery 4. Its return has also fuelled speculation the current-generation Discovery, first launched in 2017, could be approaching the end of its lifecycle, although Land Rover hasn't confirmed future plans for the model.

Unlike Europe, where the Landmark is available with D250 and D350 diesel engines, New Zealand buyers will only be offered the more powerful D350 mild-hybrid turbo-diesel powertrain, with outputs of 257 kW and 700 Nm.

The updated Discovery lineup introduces a raft of cosmetic and equipment upgrades, while also adding a new driver attention monitoring system across the range.

A new Tasman Blue metallic paint finish is exclusive to the Landmark, a tribute to Clearwater Blue colour offered on the original 1989 Discovery.

The special edition also features unique Landmark badging on the tread plates, centre console, B-pillars and puddle lamps, while exterior trim has been finished in Graphite Atlas with Carpathian Grey skid plates. New 21-inch alloy wheels in Dark Agate Grey complete the exterior changes.

Inside, the Landmark gains Tech Velour trim across the dashboard and door panels, dark grey brushed aluminium detailing, a sliding panoramic sunroof, and a refrigerated centre console.

Mechanically, the Discovery remains unchanged.

New Zealand examples continue with Land Rover's D350 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder mild-hybrid turbo-diesel, while retaining the model's permanent four-wheel drive system, terrain response systems, and up to 900mm of wading depth. Maximum braked towing capacity also remains at 3500kg.

For 2027, Land Rover has also fitted every Discovery with a new Driver Attention Monitor, which uses a cabin-facing camera to detect driver distraction and issue audio and visual alerts if required.

Five factory accessory packs remain available to option, tailored to owners with dogs, bicycles, beach gear, winter sports equipment, or those planning long-distance road trips.

"Discovery is designed for any occasion and any journey, whether it's a family road trip or the daily school run, delivering confidence, comfort, and capability on every drive," said Joelle Taylor, head of Discovery product and services.

"Building on a rich Discovery heritage, the Landmark Edition showcases the versatility that has long defined the nameplate."

While reports from the United Kingdom have suggested the Landmark could mark the beginning of the end for the current Discovery, Land Rover has declined to comment on future product plans.

The Discovery remains one of the oldest vehicles in the JLR stable, having been on sale globally since 2017, though the company has previously indicated it wants to reposition the nameplate to better differentiate it from the increasingly popular Defender.