2027 Defender Sport: Land Rover Developing “Baby” Defender EV

The new Defender has been a huge marketing success for Land Rover, allowing the British automaker to compete with hardcore 4x4s like the Bronco, Wrangler, and G-Wagon. However, because some customers want or need full off-road capabilities, a “baby” Defender has been approved for development and may be called the Defender Sport.

At least two British publications have confirmed this project from within the newly formed JLR brand. But the information actually comes straight from the top, as CEO Adrian Mardell has confirmed at the baby Defender during the August investor conference.

We also know for sure that it will be an electric car based on the new EMA platform, short for Electric Modular Architecture. “We are looking at creating other vehicles within the Defender family. I would’ve thought by this time next Global Media Day we’ll be clear on what we are comfortable with producing off EMA,” said the JLR CEO in an Interview with Auto Express.

It’s believed that as many as six SUVs will be based on the EMA, and these are sure to include members of the Evoque, Range Rover, Velar and even Discovery families. Based on our research, the baby Defender model has just recently been approved for development, which means none of the details are finalized.

Auto Express claims the model will be called the Defender Sport and will begin deliveries in 2027. And they’ve even put together an early rendering with the case of auto industry design specialist Avarvarii. Of course, these are just preliminary images, but they do capture the boxy ruggedness of a Defender EV.

Calling the new model “Defender Sport” makes sense in the context of the Discovery Sport. Land Rover leans heavily into its heritage and the nostalgia factor to boost sales. Also, rugged, retro-looking electric SUVs are just what customers want. This is why we have things like the Kia EV9 or the Jeep Avenger.

It’s believed that the 2027 Defender Sport EV will have a total length somewhere between the 2-door Defender 90 and the 110. This means it’s likely to compete with other compact EV crossovers from Kia, Ford, or VW Group. Thus, we speculate that it will need an efficient 200 hp base model and at least 300-350 hp from dual motors.

Although battery capacity remains a big unknown, we do know that the EMA platform supports 350-kW but it also allows the development of hybrids.

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