- Our spy photographers caught a camouflaged Land Rover prototype throughout testing.
- The SUV with the boxy stance is anticipated to undertake the Defender Sport nameplate.
- It is going to reportedly get an electrical powertrain, concentrating on the upcoming child G-Class.
Land Rover is getting ready to construct on the Defender’s legacy with a brand new, extra compact SUV that trades conventional energy for a completely electrical setup. Rumored to put on the Defender Sport badge, the mannequin has been caught testing in Europe’s summer season warmth, exhibiting off a boxy, upright stance that echoes its bigger sibling.
Extra: The Firm That Owns Land Rover Is Making A Child Defender Of Its Personal
We first caught a prototype instance of the SUV final April, however these newest pictures give a clearer sense of its form and detailing. Up entrance, the design leans extra towards the Vary Rover facet of the household tree, with slim horizontal LED headlights, a closed-off grille, a sturdy bumper, and a flat hood that emphasize its fashionable but purposeful look.
Distinctive Proportions
The profile options the attribute curved shoulders of the Defender resulting in an upright tail. The flat roof and the boxy rear finish will definitely assist with practicality, particularly when in comparison with sleeker crossovers. It is going to additionally assist the Defender Sport distinguish itself from the ocean of similarly-sized SUVs which have flooded the market.
Different highlights embody the flush door handles and the five-spoke alloy wheels that look fairly massive for the dimensions of the car, properly filling up the wheel arches. Anticipate a wraparound greenhouse and and a floating roof with bi-tone choices. The corporate may additionally supply a spread of optionally available equipment, making the infant Defender extra appropriate for all types of adventures.
SH Proshots
Electrical Underpinnings
The camouflage wrap doesn’t have any openings for cooling intakes up entrance and there’s no seen exhaust pipe on the again. This all however confirms earlier rumors a couple of zero emission powertrain. It is going to more than likely comprise twin electrical motors with superior AWD capabilities to be able to keep true to Land Rover’s off-road heritage.
Extra: Land Rover’s New Velar Trades V8 Roar For Electrical Muscle
The Defender Sport is anticipated to trip on JLR’s EMA platform and have an 800-volt electrical structure and 350 kW fast-charging capabilities. Land Rover is planning on constructing its future electrical SUVs on the Halewood plant in England, sourcing battery packs from its Somerset facility.
The brand new member of the Defender household is anticipated to hit the roads in 2027, however might be unveiled in direction of the tip of 2026. Its largest rival would be the upcoming child G-Class by Mercedes-Benz, which can be anticipated to reach in 2027.
Each SUVs will characteristic rugged styling, compact footprints, and EV tech, though the Mercedes may also supply a hybrid choice following the gross sales flop of the electrical G-Wagen.
