Land Rover->ke46 has announced details on the 2012 Discovery 4->ke511 model that will be offered with significant engine improvements, as well as a few updates made to both the exterior and interior. For the LR-SDV6 model, the output has been increased from 245 HP to 256 HP, while fuel economy has been improved for all the engines.

For 2012, customers will have the option to choose between three different packages: Technology Pack, HSE Luxury Pack, and the Vision Assist Pack. The exterior updates include a new steering column with chrome bezels, a new premium pebble-like design, a new 19" alloy wheel, or new 20" 5 split-spoke wheels.

"Improved performance, lower CO2 emissions and enhanced design and equipment levels, consolidate the Discovery 4's position as the most capable and versatile all-purpose vehicle on and off the road today. The Discovery 4 is quite simply in a class of its own," said John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Land Rover Discovery 4.

Exterior and Interior

The 2012 exterior updates include a new steering column with chrome bezels that provide clearer symbols and a new premium pebble-like design to the smart key. The HSE models will be offered with a standard set of 19" alloy wheels, with Gloss Black 20" 5 split-spoke wheel design and extended Satin Black roof rails available as options.

The list of equipment includes: touch-screen audio systems, a navigation system (Base and Premium), a single slot DVD drive in the audio head unit, a rear seat audio system operated by new powerful wireless technology called WhiteFireTM via cordless headphones.

Engine

For 2012, the Discovery 4 will be offered with either a 3.0 LR-TDV6 or a 3.0 LR-SDV6. The 3.0 LR-TDV6 engine delivers a total of 211 HP at 4,000rpm and a peak torque of 383 lbs-ft at 2,000rpm. The engine is mated to a ZF 8HP70 8-speed automatic transmission, while CO2 emissions have been reduced from 244g/km to 224g/km.

The 3.0 LR-SDV6 engine now produces 256 HP at 4,000rpm, an increase from the standard 245 HP, and 442 lbs-ft at just 2,000rpm. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with command shift. CO2 emissions have also been reduced for this engine option, going down to 230g/km from the standard 244g/km.

The top version will be powered by a 5.0 LR-V8 naturally aspirated engine that delivers a total of 375 HP and a peak torque of 376 lbs-ft. One of the secrets of the V8’s efficiency is the centrally-mounted, multi-hole, spray-guided fuel injection system delivering fuel at a pressure of up to 2175psi (150bar) directly to each cylinder. The injectors are positioned to deliver fuel precisely to the center of the combustion chamber for maximum air-fuel mixing and accurate combustion control. The charge cooling effects of the direct injection system allow a high compression ratio of 11.5:1 which further improves engine efficiency.

Prices

The new 2012 Land Rover Defender 4 will go on sale in October 2011, with prices on the British market starting from £48,795 ($78,000 at the current exchange rates).

Competition

The list of competitors for the 2012 Discovery 4 include models like the Mercedes-Benz ML and the BMW X5.

The Mercedes ML has just been updated with an impressive exterior and interior design modifications as well as new engines. The revised 3.0-liter V6 engine delivers a total of 240 HP and 455 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated fuel consumption of 20 city - 25 highway. The BlueDIRECT version delivers a total of 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque and has an estimated fuel economy of 17/22.

The BMW X5 xDrive50i is powered by a V8 petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo that delivers a total of 407 HP, while the X5 xDrive35i is powered by a Straight six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo that delivers a total of 306 HP.