Baby Defender

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【Summary】Land Rover is reportedly adding a "baby Defender" to its lineup, set to be released in 2027. The compact SUV will be built on Land Rover's new EMA electric vehicle platform and may be called the "Defender Sport." It is expected to be smaller than the current Defender and will have a raised ride height for off-roading. The vehicle will feature 800V charging architecture and use batteries with higher energy density.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 10:13 AM PT

If you're a fan of the Land Rover Defender but find it a bit too big, there's good news for you. According to reports, Land Rover has approved the production of a "baby Defender" as the fourth model in the Defender lineup. This smaller version is expected to be released in 2027.

The new Defender will be closely related to the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Discovery Sport. It will be built on Land Rover's new EMA electric vehicle-only platform. There are speculations that it might be named the "Defender Sport."

While the exact size is not yet confirmed, it is expected to be much more compact than the current Defender. However, as it will share its underpinnings with the smaller models, it is estimated to be around 15 feet long, 6.5 feet wide, and 5.9 feet tall. The current full-size Defender shares its platform with the Discovery, and an electric variant is expected to be released around 2026, using the MLA architecture from the Range Rover.

The EMA-based cars will feature 800V charging architecture, allowing for fast charging speeds. It is expected to have a peak rate of 350kW, making it comparable to other EVs on the market. The batteries for the new Defender will be supplied by Tata's UK-based factory and are said to have significantly higher energy density than the current Jaguar I-Pace.

With smaller batteries, the cabin occupants will have more room, and the raised ride height will benefit those who want to take the Defender off-roading. Land Rover's decision to introduce a fourth Defender model is part of their strategy to separate their core brands into distinct product lines. The Defender's tagline will be "embrace the impossible," reflecting the automaker's ambitious plans.