Baby Defender

author: FutureCar Staff    

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 a "baby Defender" to join the product line in 2027, making it the fourth model alongside the 130, 100, and 90.

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 and might be called the "Defender Sport."

While the exact size is not known yet, Autocar mentions that it will be "much more compact in all dimensions" compared to the current combustion-powered Defender. However, since it shares its underpinnings with smaller cars, it is expected 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 in 2026 using the MLA architecture from the Range Rover.

The EMA-based cars will feature 800V charging architecture, allowing for fast charging rates of up to 350kW, similar to other EVs on the market. The batteries will be supplied by Tata's new UK-based factory and are expected to have significantly higher energy density than the current Jaguar I-Pace.

With smaller batteries, there will be more room in the cabin, which will benefit occupants. Additionally, the baby Defender will have a raised ride height, making it suitable for off-roading.

The introduction of a fourth Defender model reflects Jaguar Land Rover's plan to establish four distinct product lines for its core brands: Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover, and Defender. This move is part of the automaker's "House of Brands" strategy, with the Defender's tagline being "embrace the impossible."

Exciting times lie ahead for Land Rover enthusiasts!

FutureCar Staff