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Jan 12, 2025
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2017 Land Rover Discovery Exposed

8 years ago
2 mins read

Land Rover has given us another tease of the new Discovery in a short video featuring adventurer Bear Grylls skydiving while using a new app to fold the seats up in the new Discovery. While I doubt any of us will need to adjust the seats in our SUV while skydiving this video gives us the best look at the new Discovery we’ve had before it’s official unveiling on September 28th.

Check out the video below and the official press release:





Official Release


LAND ROVER PUTS
WORLD-FIRST INTELLIGENT SEAT FOLD TECHNOLOGY TO EXTREME TEST… REMOTELY
     
One of the
best-known Land Rover customers completes unique remote demonstration of the
all-new Discovery
     
World-renowned
British adventurer Bear Grylls demonstrates world-first Land Rover seat folding
technology
     
Optional
Intelligent Seat Fold system allows owners to reconfigure their vehicle seating
remotely with a smartphone from anywhere in the world – even in mid-air1
     
Unique test
sees Bear change the seating layout during a 125mph skydiving descent
     
Seven full-size
seats3 accommodate all seven skydivers in comfort

     
The all-new
full-size Discovery will debut September 28, 2016 ahead of Paris Motor Show

(MAHWAH,
NJ) – September 7, 2016 –
 Land Rover has debuted an innovative optional new
seven passenger seating feature of the all new full-size Land Rover Discovery
in an extraordinary skydiving demonstration ahead of its September 28
introduction.
World-renowned British adventurer and well-known Land
Rover owner Bear Grylls took to the skies to put the Intelligent Seat Fold
technology in the all-new Discovery to the ultimate test. When equipped, t
he system allows Discovery owners to
configure their vehicle seating through the Land Rover InControl®
Remote™ app on their smartphone from anywhere in the world
– even
in mid-air1.
Having jumped from a plane with six members of the
Royal Navy Parachute Display Team and freefalling at 125mph, Bear was able to
change the vehicle’s seating layout at the touch of a button on his smartphone1
before he had to deploy his parachute.
Once on the ground, all the skydivers were able to
jump into a camouflaged prototype of the New Discovery, which comfortably seats
seven full-sized adults3.
When equipped with the optional Intelligent Seat Fold,
this world-first technology allows the two rear rows of seats to be fully
reconfigured in as
as little
as 14 seconds via the Land Rover InControl® Remote™ app downloaded
on any iOS or Android
operating system.
Bear Grylls said: “Land Rover is proving why the new
Discovery is the ultimate family SUV. The fact that they have created this
world-first Intelligent Seat Fold technology is impressive in itself and for
the remote function to work
while
we are freefalling from a plane is pretty cool! I’m not sure many people will
be using it in such a manner, but the technology to operate the car remotely in
this way will undoubtedly be a real winner for busy families who want to be
prepared.”
Alex Heslop, Land Rover’s Chief Engineer for
Discovery, said: “This unique feature sets the all-new Discovery apart from any
other vehicle. The fact that owners can change the seating while doing things
like shopping is a true milestone in convenience delivered through technological
innovation.”
The Intelligent Seat Fold technology can be activated
in four different ways, including the remote function tried and tested by Bear
Grylls. Closer to the ground, switches within the luggage area and on the
C-pillar allow the seats to be moved or folded while standing beside the
vehicle. Row two and three seats can also be raised and lowered using the main
touchscreen display on the dashboard.
The Land Rover InControl Remote™ app allows customers
using both iOS and Android smartphones to connect with New Discovery from
anywhere in the world, making it possible to perform a variety of functions.
From confirming all the windows are closed or checking the fuel level to
setting the air conditioning or monitoring its location, the advanced
technology brings new levels of customer convenience and connectivity to the
premium SUV market.

Fans and customers
can register their interest at www.LandRoverUSA.com.
The new Discovery will debut ahead of the Paris Motor Show on September 28.

Michael Satterfield

Michael Satterfield is the founder of The Gentleman Racer, a leading automotive lifestyle site blending cars, travel, and culture. Known for its compelling storytelling and unique perspective, the site has become a go-to destination for car enthusiasts and style aficionados.

A Texan with a passion for classic cars and motorsports, Michael is also a hands-on restorer, currently working on a 1960s SCCA-spec Formula Super Vee and other project cars. As the head of the Satterfield Group, he consults on branding and marketing for top automotive and lifestyle brands, bringing his deep industry knowledge to every project.

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