JLR confirms new 'Baby Defender' in the works; unveil in 2027

The upcoming baby Defender will be based on JLR's upcoming EMA electrified vehicle platform

According to a media report, JLR is planning to extend the model lineup of its Defender brand with the addition of a smaller off-roader. The new 'baby Defender', as it is referred to, is currently under development and will join the model lineup in 2027, as confirmed by the company's CEO Adrian Mardell.

The new baby Defender will reportedly be offered as a four-door SUV and will be 420 mm shorter than the Defender 110 - making it around the same size as a Skoda Kodiaq.

The upcoming baby Defender will be based on JLR's upcoming EMA electrified vehicle platform, which will also underpin the next-generation iterations of other small SUVs such as the Range Rover Evoque and the Discovery Sport. The new EMA platform allows JLR to offer the models with either a hybrid powertrain or introduce their fully-electric versions at a later stage.

JLR recently underwent a major restructuring, with the Discovery, Defender and Range Rover nameplates becoming brands in their own right. The company took a step-back with the 'Land Rover' name, making use of it as a Trust mark. It has also changed its name from Jaguar Land Rover to 'JLR', while introducing a simplified new logo.

Source: Autocar UK