JLR to Launch the Iconic Defender as an electric 4x4 in 2027

JLR is planning to launch the electric version of the legendary Defender. It would be the smaller version of the Defender and is been rumoured as “Baby Defender”. According to several reports from, the smaller defender is under development phase and is expected to launch sometime in 2027.

The compact Defender is set to be constructed on JLR's EMA platform and may be introduced as the Defender Sport, potentially taking the place of the existing Discovery Sport model. JLR aims to position this SUV to rival the forthcoming smaller electric G-Wagon.

Defender Electric electric 4x4 Expected Design.

The electric Defender will have a striking resemblance to the legendary Defender, as it would get the same upright stance and squared-off boxy proportions, but will be compact in size and much aerodynamically sharper than the regular SUV.

The all-new electric model will be exclusively engineered for urban commutes and will be less focussed towards off roading. In terms of dimensions, the new electric Defender is expected to measure approximately 4.6 meters in length, 2 meters in width, and stand under 1.8 meters in height.

The compact defender may utilize JLR's EMA platform, which will also serve as the foundation for the upcoming electric versions of the Range Rover Evoque and Velar SUVs. Every model will feature an 800V architecture, utilizing motors produced internally.

4*4 Electric SUV

It is expected that the Defender electric will get robust powertrains that will give it a go-anywhere DNA that is a signature of the Defender models.

Could be Sold as Defender Sport

The compact electric SUV might be referred to as the "Defender Sport" SUV, although this has yet to be officially verified. This name truly justifies the characteristics of the SUV, as historically, the ‘Sport’ branding has been used to differentiate more performance-oriented versions of the JLR SUV, like for example, the Discovery and Discovery Sport.

Could take over the Aging Discovery Sport

There is a higher possibility of the new electric Defender replacing the old Discovery sport and updating the JLR’s lineup, by similar positioning of the SUVs, as sales of Discovery Sport is also significantly reduced in these years.

The new electric Defender will be launching sometime in 2027. If we look at the competition, Mercedes-Benz is also developing a smaller version of its own G-Class, known as the ‘Little G’, thus car makers are creating their own segment for diverse consumers in order to become market leaders.