Baby Defender JLR compact SUV 2027

author: FutureCar Staff    

Land Rover is set to introduce a new "baby Defender" model, which will mark the brand's expansion into a new segment. The compact 4x4 vehicle has been rumored for several years but has never been officially included in JLR's product roadmap presentations. However, it is now expected to be released as a sibling model to the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Land Rover Discovery Sport, sharing the company's new EMA electric vehicle platform.

The confirmation of the new Defender model came from JLR CEO Adrian Mardell during the company's recent investor conference. Mardell stated that the "Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery brands will come off that platform," referring to the EMA architecture. This sheds light on the mysterious fourth model line that will be built alongside the three electric SUVs at the Halewood factory.

While Mardell did not provide further details, it is revealed that the smaller Defender will utilize the electric-only EMA architecture. It is speculated that the vehicle could be called the Defender Sport and may arrive in dealerships as early as 2027. Compared to the current combustion engine-powered Defender, the smaller model will be more compact in all dimensions.

The new Defender will use the MLA structure, which is also used in combustion-engined and future electric variants of the Range Rover. This will result in a vehicle similar in size to its platform-mates, measuring around 4.6m long, 2m wide, and less than 1.8m tall. The introduction of new Defender models aligns with JLR's strategy to separate each of its core brands into distinct product lines.

JLR's marketing director, Anthony Bradbury, explained that the Defender brand embodies the spirit of exploration and pushing boundaries. The smallest entrant into the family will maintain the rugged, go-anywhere ethos that made the Defender a household name. The new model is expected to feature squared-off lower quarters, purposeful body cladding, and simple panels to enhance its off-roading capabilities.

The EMA-based cars will be equipped with 800V charging architecture, allowing for fast charging speeds. The batteries, supplied by Tata's UK-based factory, will have a higher energy density, resulting in slimmer batteries that take up less space in the cabin. This will be beneficial for family buyers and commercial operators, who have long been attracted to the Defender brand.

The Defender Sport has the potential to become a key volume player for JLR globally, priced lower than its full-size sibling but offering similar attributes and a familial link. The model is expected to be built in Merseyside, using batteries manufactured in Somerset. JLR has not disclosed specific sales targets for its EMA-based models, but the success of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport suggests that downsized interpretations of iconic SUVs have strong appeal in the premium car market.

FutureCar Staff