Land Rover Discovery refresh brings new Gemini and Tempest special editions
Land Rover has revealed a selection of subtle updates to its Discovery for the 2026 model year, with small tweaks to the colour and wheel options, plus a pair of distinctive new special editions. Priced from £64,810, the MY26 range is available now solely with a D350 mild-hybrid diesel powertrain across all models. Advertisement - Article continues below
The new special editions, called Gemini and Tempest, add unique styling and trim enhancements to the mid and top points of the range. First is a £72,505 Gemini, which includes new 21-inch wheels and the option of Sedona Red paintwork that's only available on this model.
Inside, a range of additional features such as a refrigerated centre console storage bin, clip-in tablet holders in the second row and a tri-zone climate control system are all included.
At the top-end of the range is Tempest, which kicks off at £83,720 making it the most expensive Discovery available right now.
This model bases its specification on the existing Metropolitan, but adds a Petra Copper contrasting roof and skid plates, plus duo-tone wheels of the same hue. If this finish is a little much, the wheels can also be specified in gloss black for a lower contrast with the main exterior body, which is covered in a matte protective film over one of three colour options.
Inside the Tempest, no box is left unticked with high-grade finishes like one of three Windsor leather options available for the seats, doors and dash, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel boss to up the premium levels yet further.
Across the rest of the range, Land Rover has added a few new wheel designs in various size options between 20 and 22-inches, plus some new accessory packs available across all specifications.
As mentioned above, all Discovery models now exclusively feature the D350 mild-hybrid diesel engine option, which powers a capable all-wheel drive system through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Peak power is rated at 345bhp, with a stern 700Nm of torque capable of a 3,500kg towing capacity.
The main Discovery range will otherwise continue with S, SE, HSE and Metropolitan trims, in addition to these two special editions and the commercial variants. All are available to order now.
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Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. This is no great surprise. Starting with the dynamics and worrying about the rest later is the Mazda way, regardless of who or what its cars are actually for. The CX-80 rides firmly and rebounds quicker from dips and camber. Its brakes are firm, but faithful and consistent. Body control and steering are both taut, although the front wheels don't talk much. Maybe they're Snapchatting with the teenagers in the back. It's quite clearly the better driver's car of these two. But who on earth buys a seven seater on that basis? No one. It'd be like picking clogs for a marathon because they're more appropriate than stilettos. Nope, it's Hyundai who's understood the assignment. 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This one's fitted with the £1,400 comfort pack that swaps out 18s for 20s, front seat ventilation and heated outer second row chairs, plus a £1,950 convenience pack including door blinds, wireless phone charging, 360° camera, adaptive LEDs and those handy AC sockets. Those add up to £3,350, and the doozy red paint is another £900. But forgo all that and you're getting that PHEV ability for a nip under £50k. That's where the 4WD hybrid Santa Fe starts, the plug-in demanding another £2k on top. Standard kit includes the 12.3in touchscreen, all-row USBs, single phone wireless charging, blinds and rearview camera, while this mid spec one adds an HUD, Bose audio, vented front/heated rear seats, dual wireless charging, 360° parking view and sunroof. Makes a big difference inside, that last one. It's steep at £53,455, but you can lop two grand off that if you can live with FWD. Which, let's face it, most can. So the winner, in the orange corner, is the contender named after the state capital of New Mexico. Fundamentally Mazda has scuppered itself by taking a narrow view of a car with such a broad remit, while the Hyundai is cleverly packaged, attractively styled and, most importantly of all, has a clear sense of its own purpose.
