'Land Rover Adds 'Baby Defender' to its Lineup: Report'

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【Summary】Land Rover is reportedly adding a "baby Defender" to its lineup, set to be released in 2027. The compact SUV will be built on the EMA electric vehicle platform and may be called the "Defender Sport." It will be smaller than the current Defender but share its underpinnings with the Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Discovery Sport. The EMA-based cars will feature 800V charging and have smaller, high-energy density batteries.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 5:10 PM PT

'Land Rover Adds 'Baby Defender' to its Lineup: Report'

If you're a fan of the Land Rover Defender but find it a bit too big, there's good news for you. The British automaker has reportedly approved the production of a "baby Defender" as the fourth model in the product line, set to be released in 2027.

According to Autocar, this smaller Defender will be closely related to the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Discovery Sport. It will be built on Land Rover's new EMA electric vehicle-only platform, and there are rumors that it may be called the "Defender Sport."

While the exact size is not yet known, Autocar suggests that it will be "much more compact in all dimensions" compared to the current combustion-powered Defender. However, due to its shared underpinnings with the smaller cars, it is estimated to be around 15 feet long, 6.5 feet wide, and 5.9 feet tall. The current full-size Defender uses the same D7 platform as the Discovery, and an electric variant is expected to be released around 2026, using the MLA architecture from the Range Rover.

The EMA-based cars will feature 800V charging architecture, allowing for fast charging rates up to 350kW, similar to other electric vehicles on the market. The batteries for these vehicles will be supplied by Tata's new UK-based factory and are expected to have significantly higher energy density than the current Jaguar I-Pace.

With smaller batteries, the cabin occupants will have more room, and the raised ride height will benefit Defender owners who enjoy off-roading. This move to introduce a fourth Defender model reflects Jaguar Land Rover's plan to separate its four core brands into distinct product lines, with the Defender's tagline being "embrace the impossible."

Overall, this new "baby Defender" is an exciting addition to the Land Rover lineup, providing a more compact and electric option for fans of the iconic SUV.