1999 Land Rover Discovery Series II

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By  Sue Mead, Editor

1999 Land Rover Discovery Series II
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Land Rover’s dramatically upgraded Discovery is truly magical — not because it’s a great remake of this popular and capable British-built sport-utility vehicle, but because its refinement could be classified as a demonstration of "smoke and mirrors." What you see is not what you get: In this case, you get much more.

At first glance, the "Disco" still retains its traditional boxy, chunky appearance. Also, it still stands tall and looks ready for an African safari or tour through the Australian outback. As far as exterior changes go — namely, a modest face-lift and a stretched tail — they are barely noticeable even to the Land Rover faithful.

New stuff 'stuffed' inside

However, the interior upgrades are another story. The inside is stuffed with a host of new safety, comfort and convenience features, though they are somewhat understated, in typical British fashion.

And since folks aren’t given to immediately poking under the hood, they won’t actually see the laudable improvements to the engine and transmission, along with a collection of cutting-edge technology features. These upgrades do become apparent, however, once you get in and go for a ride. That’s when it becomes crystal clear that it's no illusion — Land Rover has made magic with its ‘99 Discovery.

While probably not evident to the naked eye, the Discovery (now called the Series II) is actually 85 percent new and shares no body panels with the original model. For starters, it's 6 inches longer (providing improved rear-seat area and comfort, plus greater cargo-carrying capacity), 4 inches wider (giving increased roominess everywhere) and a half inch lower (for easier entry and exit). Despite these changes, this compact SUV maintains the same 100-inch wheelbase and high ground clearances that it was born with. That translates into 8.2 inches at the front axle, 8.3 inches at the rear, and 10 inches under the frame.

A new front-end treatment includes a restyled hood and fenders, a deeper grille, and one-piece bumper with integrated fog lamps (standard front and rear). The windshield height has been increased, framed by new A-post trim pieces. Modern Range Rover-style handles (easier to maneuver) have been added to the doors, which have been reshaped to incorporate Discovery's new higher belt line. A choice of tires and new wheels (standard Michelin M+S radial 255/65HR16s or optional Goodyear Eagle GT+4 all-season radials mated to "Stratos" 16-inch alloy wheels with jewel cap and spats) are available.

Built body-on-frame

Typical of Land Rover, the body is rust-free aluminum (with steel doors and roof panels), mounted on a rugged steel ladder frame. This design is sturdy and functional: Whereas in unibody construction each body panel is an essential part of the frame, the Land Rover has unstressed panels, which means an on- or off-road mishap is less likely to compromise the structure. This makes custom bodies possible as well.

Rear quarter panels are wider and more contoured and include new high-mounted taillamp clusters (raised 12 inches so they can be seen more easily) as well as a new electrically released fuel filler door. The Disco's spare wheel has been mounted lower on the side-hinged rear door, while the rear bumper now incorporates a built-in step to provide better access to cargo attached to the full-length roof bars. Gaps between body panels have been reduced, glass fit is more flush, and trim pieces are more integrated, which all serve to improve the Discovery's aerodynamics. Six new exterior paint colors are available for '99, bringing the total to 13.

As already noted, exterior changes, while complete, are nondescript. The real standout enhancements are under the skin. The all-aluminum 4.0-liter V-8 provides18 pounds more torque — 251 foot-pounds at 2600 rpm — than in the past, while at the same time increasing power, efficiency and driveability, thanks to a new engine-management system. It also has an impressive towing capacity — 5,500 pounds in high range, 7,700 pounds in low range — making it a standout in its class. Finally, it comes with a standard integral Class III plus trailer tow hitch receiver.

A four-speed automatic transmission is adaptive and adjusts to different driver styles. The low-range transfer case drives all four wheels through open differentials. New this year is a sophisticated yet elegant 4WD system that automatically detects wheel slippage and applies braking pressure to the spinning wheel, thereby directing torque to the ones with traction. The system is completely automatic and requires no action by the driver. The long-travel live-axle suspension has been revised and boasts a wider track and new steering geometry for better highway manners. There is a new steering wheel, and the power steering (worm and roller) is more responsive.

Discovery II goes high-tech

Several three-letter acronyms make their debut this year. HDC, or Hill Descent Control, is primarily an off-road feature that maintains a controllable vehicle speed (about 5 mph) during steep descents. The system works manually, only in low range and at speeds below 31 mph. ACE, or Active Cornering Enhancement, allows progressive body-rolling at higher speeds to give feedback to the driver.

In addition to standard four-channel ABS, the brakes use EBD, or Electronic Brake Distribution, to provide quicker, safer stops. A self-leveling suspension, or SLS, keeps the vehicle on an even keel regardless of its load. It can also be used to manually raise or lower the vehicle for off-road situations or for easier trailer attachment. A remote control is offered for operation of the SLS from outside.

While the step up into Discovery's interior is higher than some other SUVs, we believe it's worth it. The tall driver's position affords excellent visibility, while the rear-seat passengers sit even higher and view the world through an expanse of glass, including their own sunroof. This year, rear-seat comfort has been improved by adding more legroom and a redesigned seat cushion. Leather seating surfaces are provided for all. Two optional foldaway third row seats provide room for seven front-facing passengers, while all three rows come equipped with three-point belts and head restraints. A retractable load-space cover hides valuables. Cargo nets, tie-downs, and grab handles are everywhere, evidence of Land Rover's practical, utilitarian side.

Land (Rover) of luxury

Land Rover's luxury side is just as prominent. Features such as dual-zone climate control, power windows, heated power seats and sideview mirrors, headlamp washers, and power door locks with keyless entry are all standard, along with wood