October brings the Paris Motor Show to the Expo Porte de Versailles, and topping the list of best cars at the show is the 2017 Land Rover Discovery – a reimagined Discovery built on an aluminium chassis and suspension system designed for lightweighting, while delivering some luxury to the SUV market.

The next-generation Discovery features an exciting new exterior design based on the 2014 Discovery Vision Concept. That departure from Land Rover tradition incorporates new contours and headlamps at the front of the vehicle, while keeping elements (like the roof design) that identify the Discovery brand.

The platform, which replaces the steel-ladder construction of its predecessor, uses 85 percent aluminium in the chassis to shed 454 kilograms from the vehicle's total weight. The entirety of the undercarriage and sides of the vehicle are pressed as single panels, meaning fewer joints, less complexity and improved structural integrity, according to the company. Demonstrating the brand's commitment to sustainability, nearly half of the aluminium used at these stages is recycled.

The Discovery is one of a number of vehicles produced at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull facility in the U.K. West Midlands to shift toward aluminium in their construction. The facility houses the largest aluminium body shop in Europe, the company says, and with the final assembly facility covers an area the size of 22 soccer fields.

"Our continued drive of pioneering technologies, lightweight aluminum architectures and new advanced powertrains ensure the Discovery family appeals to consumers on multiple levels," said Nick Rogers, the company's executive director for product engineering. The eight-speed automatic gearbox is designed for smooth shifting and optimized fuel efficiency, with completed gear changes almost imperceptible. The 3.0-liter V6 engine, designed for petrol, takes the Discovery from 0-100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds.

More important to active families is that the Discovery will still be able to tow camping trailers, boats, and horses. Discovery stays a family vehicle, with seating for seven people in the new model – but it is still seen as a rugged terrain ride by drivers with high expectations for its off-road capabilities. In addition to the durability of the aluminium chassis, the suspension system is mounted on front and rear subframes specifically designed with features to protect the system, while adding some stiffness to improve off-road steering control.

Those off-road numbers include a ground clearance of almost 29 centimeters, with an approach angle of up to 34 degrees, a breakover angle of 27.5 degrees, and a departure angle of 30 degrees. It's designed so that with air suspension equipment, the vehicle – with nearly a full meter wading depth – responds well in even the most challenging conditions. Yet in most cases, the Discovery's day to day use will be on paved roads in city traffic, so Land Rover teams have eyed the everyday interior space and systems as well.

In the Discovery, that means a redesign of climate control and infotainment systems that rely on the latest technologies, while making sure that the softer side of the Discovery ride meets expectations. There are five color packages for the interior, along with premium options for leather and veneer treatments. While it may not always be as visually exciting, but storage space is as much a priority as the seats and screens are, with the same attention to Discovery's console and the InControlTouch dashboard touchscreens.

The Paris show continues through October 16, with varying dates of availability for Discovery delivery.