Smaller ‘Defender Sport’ Will Reportedly Join Land Rover Lineup In 2027
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is expanding its newly separated Defender brand with a smaller off-roader built on the company’s upcoming EMA electrified vehicle platform. According to a report in Autocar, the baby Defender will join the lineup in 2027, potentially sporting ‘Defender Sport’ badges. While JLR has not confirmed the badging plan, it has previously used the Sport tag for smaller SUVs in the Range Rover and Discovery families.
The junior Defender will be part of the next-generation family of smaller SUVs, which includes the Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Land Rover Discovery Sport. JLR CEO Adrian Mardell confirmed the existence of the baby Defender, stating that “Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery brands will come off [the EMA] platform.”
The EMA platform will enable JLR to introduce fully-electric SUVs to the market in the second half of this decade. However, it has also been designed to support hybrid powertrains, which are still crucial in markets with slower electric vehicle adoption rates.
Currently, the full-size Defender is available in three different lengths, with only the two-door ’90’ being small in size. However, this layout and truncated wheelbase come with practical limitations. The four-door Defender 110 measures 197.6 inches (5,018 mm) with a spare wheel on the rear. Autocar suggests that the new four-door baby Defender will be approximately 16.5 inches (420 mm) shorter, making it similar in size to a Skoda Kodiaq.
Earlier this year, JLR announced that each of its Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover nameplates would become individual brands. The Land Rover name would take a step back but still be used as a ‘trust mark,’ according to design boss Gerry McGovern. The company also simplified its name from Jaguar Land Rover to JLR and introduced a new logo.
The introduction of a smaller Defender Sport aligns with JLR’s strategy to expand its brand offerings and cater to a wider range of customers. By leveraging the EMA platform, JLR can develop vehicles that meet the demands of different markets and offer a variety of powertrain options.
The smaller Defender Sport is expected to appeal to urban dwellers and those seeking a more compact and agile off-roader. With its smaller size, it will be easier to maneuver in crowded city streets while still offering the ruggedness and capability associated with the Defender name.
Furthermore, the hybrid powertrain option will provide flexibility for customers who may not have access to extensive charging infrastructure or prefer the range and convenience of a hybrid vehicle. JLR’s commitment to offering both fully-electric and hybrid options demonstrates its dedication to sustainability and meeting the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.
As JLR continues to expand its Defender brand, enthusiasts and potential buyers can look forward to a diverse lineup of vehicles that embody the spirit of adventure and off-road capability. The introduction of the smaller Defender Sport in 2027 will further solidify the brand’s position in the compact SUV segment and provide an exciting option for those seeking a versatile and capable vehicle.
In conclusion, JLR’s plan to introduce a smaller ‘Defender Sport’ aligns with its strategy to expand the Defender brand and cater to a wider range of customers. The vehicle, built on the EMA platform, will offer both fully-electric and hybrid powertrain options, providing flexibility and meeting the demands of different markets. With its compact size and rugged capabilities, the smaller Defender Sport is set to make a significant impact in the SUV market when it joins the lineup in 2027.