Defender is preparing to launch its first fully electric SUV, a compact off-roader that’s expected to debut by the end of the year.
When will Defender launch the Sport EV?
After the Range Rover Electric finally went on sale earlier this week, JLR is preparing to introduce its first EV under the Defender brand.
The electric SUV is expected to arrive in 2027, likely as the Defender Sport EV, and could make its official debut by the end of the year.
While the Range Rover Electric is fairly expensive, starting at £154,070 in the UK and about $140,000 in the US, the Defender “Sport” EV is expected to be positioned below the standard entry-level Defender SUV.
JLR has been talking about a “mini Defender” for years now, but it’s finally coming together. Ahead of its debut, expected later this year, a prototype was spotted testing around the Nürburgring.
Although it’s still disguised, the new spy images from @Wilcoblok reveal the Defender Sport EV will retain its signature boxy, rugged design in electric form.
It will also be just as capable, if not even more so with electric propulsion. Defender’s electric SUV will be the first to use JLR’s EMA platform, which will also underpin the upcoming Range Rover Velar EV.
The platform is expected to support battery packs ranging from 70 to 90 kWh, which should provide a range of at least 300 to 320 miles.
JLR’s EMA platform supports 800V fast charging and, although it was initially expected to be a dedicated EV platform, it will also support hybrid powertrains.
Although it will be the brand’s smallest SUV and first EV, Mark Cameron, global managing director of Defender, told Autocar earlier this year that the electric SUV will still feature the “epic, built-to-last, go anywhere capability” that Defender is known for.
As such, it’s expected to have a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain and JLR’s Terrain Response system.
Inside, it will feature a setup similar to the full-size Defender, but with larger display screens and a new user interface.
The Defender Sport EV, as it will likely be called, is expected to make its official debut by the end of 2026.
The sighting comes after Jaguar Land Rover’s CEO, PB Balaji, confirmed during an investor update in June that the company will focus on the Defender brand to drive growth in the US.
“Our aspiration, in the coming years, is to grow our US business to the size of the entire JLR business as it exists today,” Balaji explained.
JLR also recently announced a partnership with Jeep maker, Stellantis, to potentially develop and produce vehicles for the US. We should learn more soon. Check back for updates.
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