Baby Defender

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【Summary】Land Rover is reportedly releasing a smaller version of the Defender in 2027. It will be built on an electric vehicle-only platform and will be more compact in size compared to the current model. The "baby Defender" will share underpinnings with other Land Rover models and will have a raised ride height. The introduction of this model is part of Land Rover's strategy to differentiate its core brands.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 10:20 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. The British automaker has reportedly approved the production of a "baby Defender" which will be the fourth model in the product line, alongside the 130, 100, and 90. This new model is set to be released in 2027.

According to Autocar, the smaller Defender will be 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 rumors that it may be called the "Defender Sport".

While the exact size of the baby Defender has not been confirmed, Autocar suggests that it will be "much more compact in all dimensions" compared to the current combustion-powered Defender. However, due to its shared underpinnings with the smaller models, it is expected to be around 15 feet long, 6.5 feet wide, and 5.9 feet tall. The current full-size Defender shares the D7 platform with the Discovery, and an electric variant is expected to be released around 2026 using the MLA architecture from the Range Rover.

Autocar also reports that EMA-based cars will feature 800V charging architecture, allowing for fast charging speeds of up to 350kW, similar to other electric vehicles on the market. The batteries for these cars will be supplied by Tata's new UK-based factory and are said to have higher energy density than the current Jaguar I-Pace.

With smaller batteries and a raised ride height, the baby Defender will offer more cabin space and improved off-roading capabilities. This move to introduce a fourth Defender model is part of JLR's plan to separate its four core brands, Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover, and Defender, into distinct product lines. It aligns with the automaker's "House of Brands" strategy, where the Defender's tagline will be "embrace the impossible."

With these exciting developments, the future of the Land Rover Defender looks promising, catering to a wider range of enthusiasts and embracing new technologies.