The Land Rover discovery passed the quarter-century mark in 2014, which the company followed up in 2015 with the launch of a new, and smaller, Discovery Sport model last year to create a two-model Discovery lineup. Later this year the brand will unveil the fifth-generation of the fill-size Discovery. This 2017 model will be the fifth generation of the model, and spy photographers recently captured images of the new vehicle during cold weather testing Lapland.

The fifth-gen Discovery will likely feature upgrades to its technological features, with one of the most crucial to its off-road performance being the addition a laser-scanning technology that can provide reading of the upcoming terrain and make suspension, engine and transmission adjustments while driving. New laser light projections on to the road will give the driver an exact indication of the car’s width help navigate tight trails or parking stalls. The "transparent" bonnet technology, or transparent hood tech, uses cameras to help the driver see the terrain in front of the Discovery to avoid rocks or trail obstacles.

Exterior styling of the “Discovery 5” will be tweaked, as Land Rover will adjust the stepped-roof design to feature more fluid styling. The Discovery will still have seven seats and the ability to create a very large, flat storage area, its styling looks to be more reminiscent BMW X5. Inside, the Discovery will feature a much larger central touchscreen than the prior model and a laser head-up display to display crucial vehicle info. Other technological upgrades expected include Remote Drive, which could allow Discovery owners to empty the car of occupants and then automatically park the car in tight spaces.

The fifth-generation Discovery will be available later this year as a 2017 model, and we should have a better idea of its power train offerings in the U.S. and expected fuel economy as we get closer to its launch.