Land Rover has lengthy been rumoured to develop its Defender line-up, and new render photos and knowledge recommend {that a} smaller, absolutely electrical model – possible referred to as the Defender Sport – is within the works. Right here’s what we all know up to now…
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Whereas talks of a “child Defender” have been round for fairly a while, that is the primary time a prototype has been noticed on the highway, giving us the clearest indication but that the mannequin is on observe for a reveal, probably by as early as 2026.
The brand new photos present a downsized model of the Defender that retains lots of the visible cues from its greater siblings. Chunky strains, squared-off bodywork, and slim, rectangular headlights recommend it’ll keep true to the Defender’s established design language. However at round 4.6 metres lengthy and sitting decrease to the bottom, this new mannequin will clearly be extra road-focused and compact – aimed toward those that need the Defender’s picture with out the full-size footprint.
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The most important change, nevertheless, is what’s beneath the pores and skin. In response to studies, the Defender Sport will trip on a brand new EMA platform – a devoted electrical structure by JLR– and can possible include twin electrical motors providing all-wheel drive. Energy figures are nonetheless a thriller, however on the spot torque from the electrical setup might nonetheless give it some gentle off-road skill, even when the mannequin is clearly skewed towards city use.
There’s rising hypothesis that this smaller electrical Defender might finally exchange the Discovery Sport, a mannequin whose future has been unsure. Each occupy the same house out there and with the Defender badge persevering with to develop in energy, the transfer would make sense. This compact electrical SUV is anticipated to be considered one of six new fashions JLR plans to introduce by 2026. Positioned as a extra inexpensive and accessible entry level into the Defender household, the Sport might turn into a key mannequin because the model shifts additional into electrification.
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