Land Rover developing smaller electric Defender SUV expected to debut next year
Land Rover is reportedly working on a new compact electric SUV that will join the Defender lineup. The model is expected to debut next year and will sit below the current Defender range, potentially expanding the brand’s reach to a wider audience.
The upcoming model is likely to be based on Jaguar Land Rover’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA), a platform developed specifically for next-generation electric vehicles. The architecture is expected to support advanced EV technologies and could form the foundation for several upcoming models within the company’s portfolio.
Reports suggest that the compact Defender could feature a dual-motor setup, offering all-wheel drive capability as standard. The electric SUV may also adopt an 800-volt electrical architecture, which would enable high-speed charging of up to around 350 kW under suitable conditions.
Battery packs for the vehicle are expected to be supplied from Tata Group’s upcoming gigafactory in the United Kingdom. Production of the new model could take place at Land Rover’s Merseyside facility, although official confirmation from the company is yet to be announced.
In terms of size, the new electric SUV is expected to measure roughly 4.6 metres in length, around 2 metres in width and less than 1.8 metres in height. These dimensions would make it smaller than existing Defender models while potentially offering better usability in urban environments.
Design-wise, the model is likely to retain the styling cues associated with the Defender family. Reports indicate that it could feature an upright stance, squared-off proportions and pronounced wheel arches similar to its larger siblings, albeit in a more compact form. Protective body cladding and distinctive LED lighting elements are also expected to be part of the design.
Inside the cabin, the SUV could adopt Land Rover’s latest interior design approach. Large digital displays, connected car technologies and advanced driver assistance systems are likely to be offered, along with premium materials typically seen in the brand’s vehicles.
Once launched, the smaller electric Defender could compete with compact luxury off-road EVs in the global market. Some reports also suggest it could rival future electric variants or smaller versions of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
The model could also be evaluated for markets such as India, where the Defender nameplate has established a strong presence. However, details regarding its market positioning and potential local assembly remain unclear at this stage.
