New title: JLR's brand diversification may include a compact electric 'Defender Sport'

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】JLR plans to release a new small electric SUV, possibly called the Defender Sport, as part of its brand diversification. The vehicle is expected to arrive in 2027 and will be built on the same platform as the electric version of the Defender. The smaller SUV will likely feature styling cues from the core Defender model, maintaining the distinct look of the Defender lineage.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 6:33 AM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is undergoing significant changes, with the company separating its core models into individual brands and announcing the release of several new electric vehicles (EVs) in the near future. One of the most anticipated releases is a smaller model of the Defender, a rumor that seems to be turning into reality.

JLR has recently confirmed the development of an electric version of the Defender. It is expected that a smaller SUV, sitting below the current Defender, will also be released as a fully electric model. This smaller model will utilize the same platform known as the Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA).

In an exclusive interview with JLR CEO Adrian Mardell, he mentioned the company's plans to expand the Defender family by creating other vehicles. He expressed confidence that by the next Global Media Day, they will have a clear idea of what they are comfortable producing using the EMA platform.

The rumored name for the new baby Defender is the Defender Sport, following the naming convention of the Range Rover's smaller sibling, the Range Rover Sport. Exclusive renders provide a glimpse of what the Defender Sport might look like.

It is expected that the smaller SUV will draw styling inspiration from the core Defender model to establish distinct visual identities for each brand within the JLR family. This will likely include shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian design, which are characteristic features of the Defender lineage.