DISCOVERY / SPECIAL EDITION
Discovery 4 HSE Luxury: richer trim, with specifications that varied by market
The New York announcement added distinctive brightwork, extended leather and more entertainment equipment to Discovery 4.

Land Rover revealed the Discovery 4 HSE Luxury Special Edition at the New York show in April 2012. The UK announcement dated 4 April placed it above the ordinary HSE specification, with sales planned for July and an original on-the-road price from £56,995. International material used the name HSE Luxury Limited Edition and described a wider choice of powertrains.
A recognisable exterior package
Silver roof rails, mirror caps and grille detailing contrasted with the body. The edition also received body-coloured door handles, a stainless-steel rear bumper tread and 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels. Its identity depended on the complete combination, rather than one chrome accessory.
The UK launch described Santorini Black. International information also listed Orkney Grey and Havana. These are regional differences in the announcement, so a single colour list should not be treated as a worldwide order guide.
Leather reached beyond the seats
Extended Windsor leather covered the dashboard top, instrument binnacle, upper door areas and armrests. Dark Zebrano wood and deeper carpet mats changed the cabin’s materials. Ivory/Ebony and Arabica/Almond press illustrations show distinct interior combinations; they should not be blended into an invented single trim.
Entertainment and convenience
The UK package included an 825W Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 installation, rear entertainment with eight-inch screens and wireless headphones, privacy glass and a cooled centre-console compartment. International material also described adaptive xenon headlamps with cornering lights. Equipment should be checked against the original market specification.
The gearbox followed the engine and market
The UK launch paired the 256PS SDV6 diesel with an eight-speed automatic. International information included other diesels and the 375PS petrol V8, with six-speed combinations in parts of the range. Describing every HSE Luxury as an eight-speed diesel would therefore be inaccurate.
This was a luxury edition within the existing Discovery 4 generation. The later autumn equipment update, including Black Design packs, is a separate announcement; exterior parts alone cannot establish the full build specification.
Illustrations recomposed from period press imagery. Image licence.