Baby Defender

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【Summary】Land Rover is reportedly introducing a "baby Defender" in 2027, which will be smaller and more compact than the current model. The SUV will be part of the company's electric vehicle lineup, running on the new EMA platform and equipped with 800V charging architecture. The smaller size will allow for more cabin room, while maintaining a raised ride height for off-roading capabilities. This move is part of Land Rover's strategy to separate its core brands into distinct product lines.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 8:05 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, the British automaker has given the green light for a "baby Defender" to join the product line. This new model is expected to be the fourth in the lineup, following the 130, 100, and 90, and is set to be released in 2027.

Autocar reveals that 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 platform, which is exclusively for electric vehicles. Sources suggest that the new 4x4 could be named the "Defender Sport".

While exact dimensions are not yet confirmed, Autocar states that the baby Defender will be "much more compact in all dimensions" compared to the current combustion-powered model. However, due to its shared underpinnings with smaller Land Rover 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 in 2026 using the MLA architecture from the Range Rover.

The EMA-based cars are said to feature 800V charging architecture, enabling them to charge as quickly as any other electric vehicle on the market, potentially reaching peak rates of 350kW. 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.

This means that the smaller batteries will provide more cabin space for occupants, and the raised ride height will benefit Defender owners who want to take their vehicles off-road.

According to Autocar, 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".

All in all, the future looks promising for Land Rover enthusiasts who desire a more compact version of the iconic Defender. With its electric platform and distinct design, the baby Defender is set to make its mark in the automotive world.