'Land Rover to Introduce 'Baby Defender' in Upcoming Lineup: Report'

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【Summary】Land Rover is reportedly introducing a smaller "baby Defender" model in 2027, which will be more compact in size compared to the current Defender. The new model will run on Land Rover's new EMA electric vehicle-only platform and may adopt the name "Defender Sport." It will have 800V charging architecture and smaller batteries with higher energy density. This move is part of Land Rover's plan to separate its four core brands into distinct product lines.

FutureCar Staff Aug 20, 2023 7:05 AM PT

'Land Rover to Introduce 'Baby Defender' in Upcoming 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 Defender lineup, set to be released in 2027.

According to Autocar, the 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 may adopt the nameplate "Defender Sport."

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

EMA-based vehicles will feature 800V charging architecture, allowing for rapid charging with a peak rate of 350kW, similar to other electric vehicles on the market. The batteries 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.

Smaller batteries will provide more cabin space, while a raised ride height will cater to Defender owners looking for off-roading capabilities. The introduction of a fourth Defender model aligns with JLR's plan to differentiate its four core brands – Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover, and Defender – into distinct product lines, as part of the "House of Brands" strategy. The tagline for the Defender will be "embrace the impossible."

With the upcoming baby Defender, Land Rover aims to cater to fans who desire a more compact version of the iconic SUV while embracing electric technology and maintaining the brand's off-road capabilities.