New Title: JLR's Brand Diversification Includes Potential Release of Small Electric 'Defender Sport'

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【Summary】JLR plans to release a smaller electric model called the Defender Sport in 2027, following the announcement of an electric version of the Defender. The new model will use the same platform as the Defender and is expected to borrow styling cues from its larger counterpart.

FutureCar Staff Sep 02, 2023 9:49 AM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is undergoing significant changes, including separating its core models into individual brands and introducing new electric vehicles (EVs) in the near future. One of the highly anticipated releases is a smaller version of the Defender, which has been the subject of rumors for quite some time.

In line with these speculations, JLR has recently confirmed the development of an electric version of the Defender. It is expected that a fully electric model of the smaller SUV will 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 by creating additional vehicles. He expressed confidence that by the next Global Media Day, they will have a clear idea of the products they are comfortable producing using the EMA platform.

According to rumors, the smaller Defender variant might be named the Defender Sport, following a similar naming convention to the Range Rover Sport. Renderings exclusive to our publication provide a glimpse of what the Defender Sport could potentially look like.

It is expected that the design of the smaller SUV will incorporate styling elements from the core Defender model, allowing each brand within the JLR family to have its distinct appearance. Shorter overhangs and a utilitarian, boxy aesthetic, which are characteristic of the Defender lineage, are likely to be featured in the Defender Sport.