'JLR to Introduce Compact Electric 'Defender Sport' in Brand Expansion'

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【Summary】JLR is rumored to be releasing a smaller electric version of the Defender SUV called the Defender Sport. It will be based on the same platform as the electric Defender and is expected to arrive in 2027. The car will likely borrow styling cues from the core Defender model.

FutureCar Staff Aug 28, 2023 11:43 PM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been making significant changes to its lineup, including separating its core models into individual brands and introducing new electric vehicles (EVs). One of the long-standing rumors has been the release of a smaller version of the Defender, and it seems that this rumor is becoming closer to reality.

JLR has recently announced an electric version of the Defender, and it is expected that a smaller model will also be introduced as a fully electric vehicle. This smaller model will utilize the same platform known as the Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA).

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

There are rumors that the smaller Defender model could be named the Defender Sport, similar to the Range Rover's smaller sibling, the Range Rover Sport. Exclusive renders of the Defender Sport give us an idea of what it may look like.

It is expected that the smaller Defender will borrow styling cues from the core Defender model to maintain a distinctive look for each brand within the JLR family. This includes shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian design, which are characteristic features of the Defender lineage.