Land Rover Defender Sport to be based on the new EMA electric vehicle platform
Land Rover is set to introduce a new addition to its lineup called the Defender Sport by 2027. It will share its platform with electric vehicles and will be positioned as a rugged sibling of the Evoque in the Land Rover family.
It will be built on the company’s new EMA electric vehicle platform, which will also be used for other models like the next-generation Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport. This platform is designed for electric-only vehicles as the brand is focusing on going all-electric in the next few years.
The ‘Baby Defender’ will be smaller than the current Defender. It will be about 4.6 metre long, 2 metre wide and less than 1.8 metre tall. Despite its smaller size, it will retain the rugged and adventurous design language that the Defender is known for.
The new Defender Sport will come with a strong emphasis on off-road capabilities. It will have a typical boxy design with squared-off lower quarters, body cladding and simple panels to exhibit its off-road character.
The SUV will have electric technology, including 800V charging architecture that allows for quick charging and high energy density batteries. This will provide long driving range and relatively strong performance. The batteries will be slimmer offering more space in the cabin.
The new model is expected to be a significant addition to Land Rover’s lineup, aiming to capture a substantial portion of the premium SUV market with high volumes. Land Rover’s other compact SUVs like the Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport have been successful in the past, indicating a strong demand for smaller versions of renowned SUVs.
This move is part of Land Rover’s strategy to expand and diversify its product offerings, making each of its core brands distinct – Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover and Defender.
The SUV will likely be produced in Merseyside, UK and it will use batteries manufactured in Somerset. We can expect the new Defender Sport to launch in India soon after its global debut.
