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

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【Summary】JLR is diversifying its brand with the release of a new small electric SUV, expected to arrive in 2027. The smaller model, possibly called the Defender Sport, will make use of the same platform as the electric Defender and will likely borrow styling cues from the core Defender model. This move is part of JLR's strategy to create other vehicles within the Defender family and expand its lineup of EVs.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 4:36 PM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is undergoing significant changes, including separating its core models into individual brands and introducing new electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years. Speculation about a smaller version of the Defender has been circulating for some time, and it seems that these rumors are becoming more likely to come true.

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

There are rumors that the smaller Defender could be named the Defender Sport, following a similar naming pattern to the Range Rover Sport. Exclusive renders of the Defender Sport have been released, giving an idea of its potential appearance.

It is expected that the smaller vehicle will borrow styling elements from the core Defender model, in order 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.