JLR to introduce a fresh compact electric vehicle in brand expansion

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【Summary】JLR is diversifying its brand by potentially releasing a new small electric SUV called the "Defender Sport". Expected to arrive in 2027, it will be based on the same platform as the electric version of the Defender and will likely borrow styling cues from the core Defender model.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 9:45 AM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is undergoing significant changes, separating its core models into individual brands and announcing the release of several new electric vehicles (EVs) in the near future. One of the long-standing rumors surrounding Land Rover is the potential launch of a smaller model of the Defender, and it seems that these rumors are becoming more likely to come true.

JLR has recently confirmed the development of an electric version of the Defender, and it is expected that a smaller variant will follow suit. This smaller model is anticipated to be fully electric and will utilize the same platform known as the Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA).

In an exclusive interview with JLR CEO Adrian Mardell, he mentioned the company's plans to expand the Defender family with other vehicles. Mardell stated that by the next Global Media Day, they will have a clear idea of the vehicles they are comfortable producing using the EMA platform.

According to rumors, the smaller Defender variant might be named the Defender Sport, drawing inspiration from the Range Rover Sport, which is the smaller sibling of the Range Rover. Exclusive renders provide a glimpse of what the Defender Sport could potentially look like.

It is expected that the smaller Defender will borrow styling elements from the core Defender model, allowing each brand within the JLR family to have its own distinct appearance. Shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian design, characteristic of the Defender lineage, are likely to be featured in the Defender Sport.