Reduced-Size Land Rover Defender Set to Compete with Baby G-Class | Carscoops

      The latest addition to the Defender family will merge a compact design with electric driving power.

      Our spy photographers managed to capture a camouflaged Land Rover prototype while it was undergoing testing.

      This SUV, characterized by its boxy shape, is anticipated to be named the Defender Sport.

      It is said to feature an electric powertrain, aiming at competing with the forthcoming smaller G-Class.

      Land Rover is set to expand on the Defender’s legacy with a new, more compact SUV that replaces traditional power with a fully electric option. Speculated to bear the Defender Sport name, the vehicle has been spotted testing under the summer sun in Europe, showcasing a boxy, upright design reminiscent of its larger counterpart.

      We initially observed a prototype of this SUV last April, and these latest images provide a clearer view of its form and details. At the front, the design leans towards the Range Rover lineage, featuring slender horizontal LED headlights, a sealed grille, a robust bumper, and a flat hood that assert a modern yet purposeful appearance.

      Distinctive Proportions

      The side profile showcases the signature curved shoulders of the Defender, leading to an upright rear. The flat roof and boxy back end will certainly enhance practicality, particularly when contrasted with sleeker crossovers. This design will also help the Defender Sport stand out among the influx of similarly sized SUVs in the market.

      Notable features include flush door handles and five-spoke alloy wheels that are relatively large for the vehicle size, filling the wheel arches nicely. Anticipate a wraparound greenhouse and a floating roof with bi-tone options. The manufacturer may also provide a variety of optional accessories, making the baby Defender versatile for different adventures.

      Electric Underpinnings

      The camouflage cover lacks any openings for cooling intakes at the front, and there is no visible exhaust pipe at the rear. This strongly suggests earlier speculations about a zero-emission powertrain. It is likely to include dual electric motors with advanced all-wheel-drive capabilities, staying true to Land Rover’s off-road legacy.

      The Defender Sport is expected to be based on JLR’s EMA platform, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture and 350 kW fast-charging capabilities. Land Rover plans to manufacture its future electric SUVs at the Halewood plant in England, sourcing battery packs from its Somerset facility.

      This new member of the Defender family is anticipated to reach the market in 2027, but it may be revealed toward the end of 2026. Its main competitor will be the upcoming smaller G-Class from Mercedes-Benz, also expected to launch in 2027.

      Both SUVs will embody rugged styling, compact designs, and EV technology, although the Mercedes might introduce a hybrid variant following the disappointing sales of the electric G-Wagen.