Land Rover is gearing up to launch a long-mooted and highly anticipated smaller, entry-level Defender as a crucial new model in its electric car portfolio.
The rugged, compact 4x4 is rumoured to have been on the cards for several years but has never officially appeared in JLR’s product roadmap presentations.
But Autocar spy photographers have now spotted the model testing, confirming development is well under way and indicating it could arrive in dealerships as soon as 2027.
It will have a close visual relationship with its full-sized namesake in its chunky, straight-edged proportions, but it will be a smaller, lower-riding proposition and less geared towards off-road performance.
Although JLR previously declined to comment on the new model, the name 'Defender Sport' was briefly added to the Land Rover website, albeit only viewable from a search engine.
The Sport suffix has previously been used to signify JLR’s more road-focused versions, such as the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Sport.
It's also possible that the new Defender model could be distinguished not in name but in number, with a designation such as '80' postioning it below the full-sized model, which is sold in 90, 110 and 130 bodystyles.
The baby Defender may replace the ageing Discovery Sport, given the apparent shared positions of both vehicles and the questions over the Discovery Sport’s future.
Now sold as a plug-in hybrid only, the Discovery Sport is the oldest model in JLR’s stable, having arrived in 2014 and been given a substantial facelift in 2019.
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Ref USA plant, while appreciating the idea, if Trump hasn't already tanked his economy by then chances are there will be a change of government in 3 years time with consequential removal of tariffs/return of economic sanity, which is within a normal planning/investment time horizon.
JLR might want to build vehicles in Brazil again and personally I would prefer to see a plant in Canada.
Re the comment about popout flush door handles, China is reported to be banning them due to safety concerns, eg in an accident/electrical failure.
I knew China was planning to ban pop out handles but I don't think JLR is responding to that. This car is too far along its development for that to be the case. Getting rid of them probably saves a lot of money and simplifies production.
In regards to a USA plant, JLR would be wise to start producing vehicles in the U.S. USA was in the running for a plant, but ultimately they selected Nitra. I think there's zero chance they would go with a Canadian plant for the NA market over one in the U.S.
JLR could also source batteries for forthcoming EV models in the U.S. and the Somerset factory would take care of the rest of the World.
looking at the pictures of this Baby Defender I'm really liking what I'm seeing. If they have an EV variant this might be my next car. I only drive about 5000 to 6000 miles per year so an EV would be my preferred choice..I had four Land Rovers prior to my two I-Pace, and as the new Jags will likely start at around $130K (US) this might be the better option.
If JLR isn't pivoting to make EMA compatible with ICE they're making a collosal mistake. ICE will be around for at least 15 more years imo. That's at least two to three model cycles. If they offer multiple propulsion options this Baby Defender is potentially a home run. I'm glad they seem to have ditched the pop out door handles. The ones on both of the I-Pace I've owned are hit or miss when I push the little button to deploy them.
*Colossal