Small JLR ‘Defender Sport’ EV expected by 2027

A “baby Defender Sport” EV is likely to join the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) compact SUV range by 2027.

That’s according to Autocar UK, which suggests the “baby” Defender will have new, torque-dense electric motors, share the full-size model’s off-road ability and will probably be built at JLR’s Halewood plant.

Autocar UK picks the EV will share JLR’s EMA electric vehicle platform with the Evoque, Velar and Discovery Sport.

Range Rover, Defender and Discovery brands will come from the EMA platform, says chief executive Adrian Mardell, as part of JLR’s aim to separate each of its core brands – Jaguar, Discovery, Range Rover and Defender – into distinct product lines.

New electric models include the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Range Rover Velar, with the long-awaited fourth EV now revealed.

Batteries for the new EVs will come from Tata’s new UK factory, says Autocar UK.