JLR's brand diversification may include a new electric vehicle

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【Summary】JLR may 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 likely share design elements with the core Defender model. This move is part of JLR's efforts to diversify its brand and expand its electric vehicle lineup.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 9:53 AM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been undergoing significant changes, including separating its core models into individual brands and announcing the release of multiple new electric vehicles (EVs) in the near future. One of the highly anticipated additions to the lineup is a smaller model of the Defender SUV, which seems to be edging closer to becoming a reality.

In line with this, JLR recently confirmed the development of an electric version of the Defender. It is expected that a smaller variant will also be introduced, utilizing 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 with other vehicles. He stated, "By this time next Global Media Day, we'll have a clear idea of the models we are comfortable producing off the EMA platform."

According to rumors, the smaller Defender could be named the Defender Sport, following a similar naming convention as the Range Rover Sport, which is the smaller sibling of the Range Rover. Exclusive renders of the potential Defender Sport have been released, giving us a glimpse of its possible appearance.

It is expected that the smaller Defender will draw styling inspiration from the core Defender model, allowing each brand within the JLR family to have its own distinctive look. This will likely include shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian design, which are characteristic features of the Defender lineage.