JLR to Launch Fresh Compact Electric SUV in Brand Expansion

author: FutureCar Staff    

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been undergoing significant 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 highly anticipated additions to the lineup is a smaller model of the Defender, which has been the subject of rumors for some time now.

In line with these rumors, JLR has recently confirmed the development of an electric version of the Defender. It is also expected that a smaller SUV, sitting below the Defender, will be introduced as a fully electric model. This smaller SUV 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 expand the Defender family by creating other vehicles. He expressed confidence that by the next Global Media Day, they will have a clear idea of the products they are comfortable producing using the EMA platform.

According to speculation, the smaller Defender model could be named the Defender Sport, following the naming convention of the Range Rover Sport, which is a smaller version of the Range Rover. Exclusive renders of the Defender Sport provide a glimpse of its potential appearance.

It is expected that the smaller SUV will draw styling cues from the core Defender model, ensuring that each brand within the JLR family has a distinct and recognizable look. Features such as shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian design, which are characteristic of the Defender lineage, are likely to be incorporated into the design of the Defender Sport.

FutureCar Staff