New Addition to Land Rover Lineup: Report

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【Summary】Land Rover is reportedly introducing a "baby Defender" in 2027, which will be smaller in size and run on an electric vehicle-only platform. The new model will be more compact compared to the current Defender and will share its underpinnings with other Land Rover models. The car will have a raised ride height and smaller batteries with higher energy density. This move is part of Land Rover's plan to separate its core brands into distinct product lines.

FutureCar Staff Aug 13, 2023 11:42 PM PT

New Addition to Land Rover 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, joining the 130, 100, and 90. This new model is expected 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. There are rumors that it may be named the "Defender Sport."

While the exact size is not yet known, Autocar suggests 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 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 platform as the Discovery, and an electric variant is expected to be released around 2026, utilizing the MLA architecture from the Range Rover.

The EMA-based cars will feature 800V charging architecture, allowing for fast charging speeds. It is expected to charge as quickly as any EV currently on the market, potentially reaching a peak rate of 350kW. The batteries for these vehicles will be supplied by Tata's new UK-based factory and are said to have significantly higher energy density than the current Jaguar I-Pace.

With smaller batteries, the cabin space will be maximized, providing more room for occupants. Additionally, the baby Defender is expected to have a raised ride height, catering to Defender owners who enjoy off-roading adventures.

The decision to introduce a fourth Defender model reflects Jaguar Land Rover's plan to differentiate its four core brands – Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover, and Defender – into distinct product lines. This aligns with the automaker's "House of Brands" strategy, where the Defender's tagline will be "embrace the impossible." This news is already inspiring.