Report - Land Rover Freelander 3 to be rebranded into a Discovery

In a recent report, Auto Express claims that Land Rover will shake up its range structure and the next generation Freelander codenamed L550 (dubbed Freelander 3 by enthusiasts) would be rebranded as a baby Discovery, slotting below the full-size model that would also be revamped in the coming years.

Official details on the Discovery range are expected to emerge in the first half of next year coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Discovery brand. The model will arrive in dealerships a year later following its global presentation at the Paris Motor Show next year.

The rethink is a part of Land Rover's long-term strategy of splitting vehicles into three pillars - Luxury, Dual Purpose and Leisure. The luxury line already consists of three Range Rover models, and the Dual Purpose pillar would house the new Defender family, leaving the Discovery and its baby brother to fill up the Leisure range.

Auto Express claims that the mini Discovery would get rugged, slab-sided proportions and chunky under-body protection. The front would be designed with a three-dimensional grille and narrower headlights with LED daytime running lamps. The exterior, interior and engines will be revamped.

For the first time, a 5+2 configuration would also be offered by stretching the platform, which the publication claims would be carried over from the current Freelander.

[Source - AutoExpress.co.uk]