- Land Rover is developing a smaller model. Defender That is scheduled for release in 2027 and has been seen during test sessions camouflaged.
- The more compact version of the Defender will be offered solely as an electric vehicle, utilizing the EMA platform which will also support the following generation. Range Rover Velar and Evoque.
- The images captured of the spy car reveal a vehicle with a suitably square-shaped frame, featuring slim rectangular headlamps and taillights positioned at a lower level.
For many years, there have been speculations suggesting that Land Rover intends to broaden the Defender lineup with a more compact off-road vehicle, often referred to as the "mini" Defender. Despite missing several anticipated release timelines during recent years, Land Rover officially announced in 2023 their plan for launching an all-electric mini variant of the Defender set for 2027. Recently, our undercover photojournalist managed to snap images of what appears to be a test mule of this diminutive Defender model. Defender Sport while being tested, showcasing its nearly production-ready exterior.
The images depict a highly box-shaped chassis, featuring almost completely upright rear styling. At the front, the slim, rectangular headlamps align seamlessly with the surrounding panels and seem to border a slender, rectangular radiator opening. The vehicle also showcases well-defined wheel arches along with a compact rooftop wing, whereas the tail lamps look positioned quite low, reminiscent of those found on the Mercedes-Benz G-class .
The smaller version of the Defender is anticipated to utilize the forthcoming EMA platform, indicating that this SUV will only be available as an all-electric vehicle. Known as the Electric Modular Architecture, this platform will serve as the foundation for future electrified versions of both the Range Rover Velar and the mentioned model. Range Rover Evoque , with the latter scheduled for 2026. An EMA-based Discovery Sport and Discovery are also forthcoming. Previous reports indicated that this compact version of the Defender might be approximately 180 inches in length, similar to the two-door Defender 90 model but about 20 inches shorter than the four-door Defender 110.
The name for this new model remains uncertain, but one potential option is “Defender 80,” aligning with the current nomenclature based on wheelbase measurements within Land Rover’s Defender lineup. Another possible moniker could be “Defender Sport.” This compact version of the Defender will probably go head-to-head with Mercedes’ similarly sized G-Class—referred to informally as the "baby” G-Class—which was previously announced and slated for release at approximately the same time frame. As development progresses over the coming few years, more specifics about the miniaturized Defender should come into focus.
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