Land Rover is quietly adding a long-awaited member to the Defender family, a smaller model often referred to as the Baby Defender. Confirmed in 2023, Land Rover plans to launch this fully electric “baby” Defender. Here's what the spy photos reveal.
The smaller version of the Defender will feature an all-electric powertrain. Unlike its larger siblings that offer gasoline, diesel, and hybrid options, this new model will be exclusively electric. It will utilize Land Rover's upcoming Electric Modular Architecture (EMA), designed specifically for electric vehicles. This platform will also support future Land Rover models, including the next generation of Range Rover Velar, Evoque, and even Discovery Sport.
This shift towards a fully electric lineup aligns with Land Rover's commitment to transitioning its entire range to electric vehicles within the next decade. By 2030, all Land Rover models will have fully electric versions, with the baby Defender being integral to this strategy. This move to an electric platform allows Land Rover to incorporate the latest technology and more sustainable materials, making the vehicle more versatile and capable of meeting growing demand for eco-friendly SUVs.
Despite its size, this vehicle retains the rugged aesthetics that have made the Defender a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. The prototype spotted by photographers features a semi-square body with a vertical rear and simple curves. Its front design is marked by narrow rectangular headlights paired with a slim rectangular grille, similar to the current Defender.
Does it remind me of a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon from behind? It does have quite a resemblance.
Details about the electric drivetrain of the Baby Defender remain unknown but it's expected to provide ample power for off-road performance and desert capabilities.
Land Rover's new EMA platform is anticipated to feature an adaptable chassis and suspension system that intelligently adjusts based on road conditions. It will support various four-wheel-drive systems, including configurations with one or two electric motors.
Land Rover isn't alone in creating a mini version of its luxury off-roader. The Baby Defender will enter a competitive market for compact luxury off-road SUVs, with Mercedes-Benz's upcoming smaller G-Wagon as one of its main competitors. Mercedes has already confirmed plans for a smaller electric “Baby” G-Wagon that will compete directly with Land Rover in terms of size, design, and off-road capabilities. The rivalry between these leading brands is likely to captivate car enthusiasts and buyers alike.
As for its name, Land Rover has yet to announce an official name for the new model, so we're affectionately calling it "the Baby Defender" for now.
The forthcoming baby Defender represents a new chapter in Land Rover's journey as it expands the Defender family into an electrified future. With its distinctive boxy design, all-electric drivetrain, and strong performance capabilities, it is expected to offer an attractive alternative for buyers seeking a smaller yet eco-conscious off-road vehicle when it hits markets in 2027.
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