Land Rover Discovery Commercial

Land Rover Discovery Commercial delivers 4×4 luxury without the tax bill

Land Rover Discovery Commercial

The new Land Rover Discovery Commercial is now on available to order in the UK. Prices start from £40,333 +VAT +OTR (image: Land Rover UK)

Let’s face it. A van version of the Land Rover Discovery is never going to be a big seller. But any driver who gets given one is likely to have a smile on their face.

Land Rover has joined an exclusive club and decided to produce a commercial version of its popular Discovery 4×4. The new model is now available to order, with first deliveries expected in the second quarter of 2018.

Although rarely seen, this model actually has a long pedigree. According to Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks:

“Discovery Commercial has always been a key part of the Discovery line-up since the Discovery 1.”

I’ve rarely seen previous Discovery Commercial models, although I’ve often seen standard Discos with their seats folded down being used as vans. However, unlike the short-lived Mini Clubvan, a 4×4 commercial does offer something that a specific sector of the market will need — a workable van with genuine off-road and severe weather abilities. Plus class-leading towing capacity.

Land Rover Discovery Commercial loadspace view

The changes made to convert the Discovery from a seven seater into a van are quite subtle:

  • Second and third row of seats removed and replaced with a hard-wearing loadspace floor, measuring 1,635mm long, 939mm high and 1,411mm wide.
  • Rear window concealment panels are overlaid with privacy glass, so it will look like a car but provide van-like security.
  • Suspension is based on same setup as passenger model, but modified to provide “more responsive handling”.

The Discovery Commercial will be available with a choice of 2.0 litre Ingenium (SD4) petrol and 3.0 litre V6 diesel (TD6) engines. As far as I can tell, the model will be fitted with the same comfort and safety systems as the passenger model.

Land Rover Discovery Commercial front seats and dashboard

The Commercial will be able to tow up to the UK legal limit of 3.5 tonnes, making it a superlative choice for operators who do regular or heavy towing, including vehicle transport.

What about tax?

According to Land Rover UK, the new model’s van status gives it a benefit in kind (BIK)  tax liability of just £108 per month for 40% taxpayers.

VED should be £240 per year, with no premium vehicle first-year surcharge. So business users may consider this as an attractive choice instead of a pick-up or regular van.

Prices for the Discovery Commercial start from £40,333 +VAT +OTR. Deliveries from Q2 2018.

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