New Title: JLR's Brand Expansion Includes Potential Release of Compact Electric 'Defender Sport'

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【Summary】JLR may release a new small electric SUV called the 'Defender Sport' in 2027. It will be based on the same platform as the electric Defender and is expected to have similar styling cues. This move is part of JLR's strategy to diversify its brand and expand its EV lineup.

FutureCar Staff Sep 03, 2023 4:38 PM PT

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has been undergoing significant changes, including separating its core models into individual brands and announcing the release of several new electric vehicles (EVs) in the near future. One of the long-standing rumors has been the introduction of a smaller model of the Defender, and it seems that this rumor is edging closer to reality.

In line with this, JLR has recently confirmed the development of an electric version of the Defender. It is also expected that a smaller version of the SUV will be introduced as a fully electric model, 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 other vehicles. He stated, "By this time next Global Media Day, we'll have a clear understanding of what we are comfortable producing off EMA."

There are speculations that the smaller Defender could be named the Defender Sport, following a similar naming convention as the Range Rover Sport. Exclusive renders of the potential Defender Sport have been released, providing a glimpse of its possible appearance.

It is anticipated that the smaller SUV will incorporate design elements from the core Defender model, ensuring each brand within the JLR family maintains a distinct identity. This may include shorter overhangs and a boxy utilitarian look, which are characteristic features of the Defender lineage.