'New Addition' to JLR's compact SUV line-up by 2027

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【Summary】JLR is set to introduce a new compact SUV, dubbed the 'baby Defender', by 2027. The vehicle will be part of JLR's expansion of the Defender family and will share the company's new EMA electric vehicle platform with the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Land Rover Discovery Sport. The smaller Defender will be more compact than the current model and will likely adopt the name Defender Sport.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 5:02 PM PT

'New Addition' to JLR's compact SUV line-up by 2027

Land Rover is set to introduce a new "baby Defender" model, expanding the Defender family into the compact 4x4 segment. The new model, which will be the company's fourth model line, is expected to arrive alongside the next-generation Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Land Rover Discovery Sport. It will share the company's new EMA electric vehicle platform.

The announcement was made by CEO Adrian Mardell at JLR's recent investor conference, confirming that the smaller Defender will use the electric-only EMA architecture. It is speculated that the new model could be called the Defender Sport and may be available in dealerships as early as 2027.

The compact 4x4 will be much smaller in dimensions compared to the current combustion engine-powered Defender. It will use the MLA structure from combustion-engined and future electric variants of the Range Rover, making it similar in size to the upcoming Dacia Bigster and Skoda Kodiaq.

Land Rover's decision to introduce new Defender models is part of its strategy to separate each of its core brands – Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover, and Defender – into four distinct product lines. The Defender strapline will be "embrace the impossible," paying homage to the original car's off-road heritage.

The new Defender models, including the baby Defender, will embody the rugged, go-anywhere ethos that made the Defender a household name. They are expected to feature squared-off lower quarters, purposeful body cladding, and simple panels to enhance their off-roading capabilities.

The EMA-based cars will be equipped with advanced battery and propulsion technology, offering 800V charging architecture and quick charging capabilities. The batteries, supplied by Tata's new UK-based factory, will have higher energy density and a slimmer design, allowing for more cabin space.

The baby Defender, priced lower than its full-size sibling but with similar attributes, has the potential to become a key volume player for JLR globally. It is expected to be built in Merseyside, using batteries manufactured in Somerset.

JLR has not disclosed the expected sales figures for its EMA-based models, but the success of the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport suggests that downsized interpretations of iconic SUVs are appealing to a substantial portion of the premium car market.