The Defender Sport EV is to debut by the top of 2026 as a smaller, extra reasonably priced sibling to the enduring off-road SUV.
What to anticipate from the Defender Sport EV
Jaguar Land Rover gave the Defender a facelift for the 2026 mannequin 12 months, however the rugged off-roader is due for a a lot larger improve.
The Defender already has a novel model as one of many few real luxurious off-road manufacturers, distinct from Vary Rover, and even different premium automakers like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche.
Though JLR has been speaking a couple of “mini Defender” for years now, it’s lastly coming collectively. A brand new prototype was noticed by AutoExpress in near-production kind.
Like its huge brother, the Defender Sport is anticipated to retain its upright, boxy design however with a couple of minor tweaks. For one, the entrance finish is up to date with a extra fashionable look that includes slim LED lights and an improved entrance nostril design.
The prototype featured off-road tires, blacked-out decrease bumpers, and flared wheel arches, including to the Defender’s already rugged look. Different current spy photographs, just like the one posted under from AutoEvolution, present an analogous rugged design.
Not like the usual Defender, the electrical Sport will likely be underpinned by JLR’s EMA platform, that means it is going to be out there solely as an EV.
The brand new battery pack lies flat on the ground, which ought to assist open up extra inside house. Inside, the Defender Sport EV will characteristic a setup just like the full-size mannequin, however with bigger show screens and a brand new person interface.
Though it’ll solely provide two-row seating, AutoExpress mentioned there’s a risk of a sixth seat between the motive force and entrance passenger.
JLR’s EMA platform is anticipated to be out there with battery packs starting from 70 to 90 kWh, which ought to present a variety of 300 to 320 miles within the smaller Defender Sport EV.
The electrical SUV will nonetheless be outfitted with the model’s off-road capabilities, together with four-wheel drive and probably JLR’s Terrain Response system. Because of its electrical powertrain, the Defender Sport EV will doubtless be much more succesful than an inner combustion engine as a consequence of exact, instantaneous torque distribution and a decrease heart of gravity.
The Defender Sport EV is anticipated to debut by the top of 2026, with gross sales starting in early 2027. Defender could have a possibility with a couple of electrical off-road SUVs presently available on the market.
Jeep is launching the Recon EV (pictured above) within the UK later this 12 months (early 2026 within the US), whereas Mercedes-Benz presents the G580 with EQ Expertise.
The electrical Sport will sit under the entry-level normal Defender, with costs anticipated to begin at round £40,000 to £50,000 ($54,000 to $67,500). To offer you a greater concept, the Jeep Recon EV is anticipated to begin at round £75,000 ($101,000) when it launches within the UK later this 12 months.
Within the US, the 2026 Jeep Recon EV begins at $65,000, however the electrical Defender can even face extra competitors from the Rivian R1S and the GMC Hummer EV within the electrical off-roader section.
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