Land Rover is preparing to unveil a highly anticipated smaller entry level Defender as a key addition to its electric car portfolio. The rugged, compact 4×4 has been rumored for years but has never officially appeared in JLR’s product roadmap presentations. However, spy photographers have recently captured images of the model testing, confirming that development is well underway and hinting at a possible release date as early as 2027.
The new Defender is expected to have a close visual resemblance to its full-sized counterpart, with chunky, straight-edged proportions. However, it will be smaller and lower-riding, with a focus on road performance rather than off-road capabilities. The model is rumored to be named the Defender Sport, aligning it with JLR’s more road-focused versions like the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Sport.
The potential launch of the Defender Sport could signal the replacement of the aging Discovery Sport model line, which currently is only available as a plug-in hybrid. Sales of the Discovery Sport have declined in recent years, and a second-generation model has yet to be confirmed. JLR is reportedly working on repositioning the full-sized Discovery range to differentiate it from the successful Defender lineup.
The baby Defender could potentially fill the gap left by the popular Freelander model, which was replaced by the Discovery Sport in JLR’s lineup. With the global success of the Defender badge, selling over 114,000 units in 2024, the Defender Sport has the potential to attract a wider range of buyers with its lower price point and similar attributes to the full-size Defender.
The new model will be built on JLR’s new EMA platform, alongside the next-generation Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar. These models will be produced at JLR’s Halewood plant, which is undergoing upgrades to accommodate EV production. Despite scaling back EV plans, JLR may offer electrified combustion drivetrains for the EMA-based cars to appeal to a wider market.
The Defender Sport will be significantly smaller than the current combustion-engined Defender model, measuring around 4.6m long, 2.0m wide, and less than 1.8m tall. It will share the MLA platform with the upcoming electric versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, offering similar dimensions to the Dacia Bigster and Skoda Kodiaq.
Overall, the launch of the Defender Sport marks an exciting new chapter for Land Rover, combining the brand’s iconic design with modern electric technology to appeal to a wider audience. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated model.
