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

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【Summary】JLR is planning 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 will feature similar styling cues. This is part of JLR's strategy to diversify its brand and expand its electric vehicle lineup.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 4:23 PM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is undergoing significant changes, with the separation of its core models into individual brands and the announcement of several new electric vehicles (EVs) in the pipeline. One long-standing rumor is the release of a smaller version of the Defender, and it appears that this rumor is edging closer to reality.

Recently, JLR announced an electric version of the Defender, and it is expected that a smaller model will also be introduced as a fully electric vehicle, utilizing 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 create other vehicles within the Defender family. By the next Global Media Day, they aim to have a clear idea of what they are comfortable producing using the EMA platform.

The rumored name for the new baby Defender is the Defender Sport, following a similar naming convention as the Range Rover Sport. Exclusive renders give us a glimpse of what the Defender Sport might look like.

It is expected that the smaller car will draw styling inspiration from the core Defender model, allowing each brand within the JLR family to have its own distinctive appearance. The Defender Sport is likely to feature shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian design, reflecting the iconic Defender lineage.