At a recent JLR investor conference, Autocar got a confirmation from the brand’s CEO, Adrian Mardell about the smaller version of the Defender that is expected to drop by 2027. The upcoming Defender will be a compact 4x4 SUV with an electric powertrain.
JLR's Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform will be used to build the new Defender EV which Autocar calls ‘baby’ Defender. There are three more cars that will be built on the same platform. These next-generation models include the Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, and Land Rover Discovery Sport. In a statement to Autocar, Adrian Mardell said, “Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery brands will come off that platform”.
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No other information has been given. However, the ‘baby’ Defender SUV might take up the “Defender Sport” nameplate. Autocar also reports the arrival of the next-generation Defender in 2026. It will expand the lineup and will have the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) platform which is used for fully electric SUVs but it also supports hybrid ICE powertrains.
Meanwhile, the junior Defender will be a great addition to the “Defender” subbrand itself after the establishment of ‘JLR’ as the house of brands. Furthermore, the EMA platform will allow the baby Defender to be 15 feet (180 inches) in length and 6.5 feet (78 inches) in width. Since the 2027 Defender EV is based on the EMA, it will receive 350-kW fast charging and an 800-Volt electrical system.
The new smaller Defender will hit the US dealership in 2027 as the 2028 model year SUV with just as incredible off-roading prowess. That being said, the 2023 Land Rover Defender has a base price of $55,100.
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