Baby Defender Joins Land Rover Lineup

author: FutureCar Staff    

If you're a fan of the Land Rover Defender but have always thought it was a bit too big, there's good news for you. Reports suggest that Land Rover has approved the development of a "baby Defender" which will be the fourth model in the Defender product line, joining the 130, 100, and 90 models. The new SUV is expected to be released in 2027.

According to Autocar, the smaller 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 is speculation that the new model may carry the name "Defender Sport."

While there are no exact details about the size of the baby Defender, Autocar suggests that it will be "much more compact in all dimensions" compared to the current combustion-powered Defender. However, since it will share its underpinnings with the smaller cars in the lineup, 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 version is expected to be released in 2026, using the MLA architecture from the Range Rover.

According to Autocar, the EMA-based cars will feature 800V charging architecture, allowing for fast charging speeds. The batteries for these vehicles 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. This means that the smaller batteries will provide more cabin space, while the raised ride height will benefit off-roading enthusiasts.

The introduction of a fourth Defender model is part of Jaguar Land Rover's plan to separate its four core brands - Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover, and Defender - into distinct product lines. This strategy, known as the "House of Brands," aims to position the Defender as a vehicle that encourages people to "embrace the impossible."

FutureCar Staff