JLR to introduce a fresh compact electric vehicle

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【Summary】JLR is set to release a new small electric SUV called the 'Defender Sport' in 2027. It will be based on the same platform as the electric Defender and is part of JLR's diversification strategy. The car is rumored to have similar styling cues to the core Defender model, including a boxy and utilitarian look.

FutureCar Staff Aug 26, 2023 9:20 AM PT

JLR to introduce a fresh compact electric vehicle

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is undergoing major changes, including 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 is that Land Rover will introduce a smaller version of the Defender, and it seems that these rumors are becoming more likely to come true.

Recently, JLR confirmed the development of an electric version of the Defender, and it is expected that a smaller model will follow suit. This smaller model will also 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 that they are exploring the creation of other vehicles within the Defender family. By the next Global Media Day, they hope to have a clear understanding of what they are comfortable producing using the EMA platform.

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

It is expected that the smaller model will draw styling inspiration from the core Defender, allowing each brand within the JLR family to have its own distinctive appearance. This means that the Defender Sport will feature shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian design, which are iconic traits of the Defender lineage.