LAND Rover is preparing to launch a smaller, all-electric version of its iconic Defender – aiming to tap into the booming compact SUV market.
The timing of this new model’s launch could prove crucial for Jaguar Land Rover, following a difficult period marked by Jaguar’s challenging all-electric transition and a cyberattack that halted production for several weeks.
Land Rover is lining up a baby version of the iconic Defender – set to be an ‘entry-level’ model[/caption]
The new vehicle, dubbed the ‘baby Defender’, is expected to sit below the current Defender in both size and price – effectively creating an entry-level model to replace the Discovery Sport.
According to Auto Express, it will be built on an advanced EV platform and will closely resemble its larger sibling.
Fans can expect a boxy, upright silhouette boasting modern touches such as slimmer headlights and a sleeker front end, resulting in a look that is both fresh and familiar.
Naturally, a wide range of customisation options will be offered, including contrasting roof colours, wheel arch extensions, decal packs and a selection of off-road accessories.
Inside, the cabin will have a more digital feel, featuring larger screens and a new user interface.
While there will be no seven-seat option, an additional jump seat at the front could take total capacity to six.
The car is predicted to measure 4.6 metres in length, 2.0 metres in width and under 1.8 metres in height, making its dimensions similar to those of the Dacia Bigster and Skoda Kodiaq.
In terms of specs, Auto Express suggests an estimated range of between 300 and 320 miles per charge, with genuine Land Rover off-road capability – though some geometric limitations are inevitable given the compact size.
As an entry model, prices are expected to start in the upper £40,000s to around £50,000, with higher-spec versions set to cost more.
The official reveal is penciled in for 2025, although don’t expect sales until early 2027.
In terms of rivals, the aforementioned Duster and Kodiaq will be keeping an eye out – but the real competitors will be the premium electric SUVs such as the BMW iX3 and Mercedes GLC EQ Tech.
MUCH NEEDED BOOST
Auto Express says Land Rover will see this new motor as a crucial launch to boost sales and profits in a tough market.
The British brand aims to attract a broader audience and increase global sales, essentially picking up where the Freelander – which was discontinued in 2015 – left off.
While JLR’s main focus for the future is on EVs, the brand has somewhat scaled back its electric plans in recent times in favour of plug-in hybrids.
The Defender, which has been on sale in the UK for roughly five years, is JLR’s best-selling product of all – with 115,400 Defenders delivered globally, outpacing sales of the Range Rover (77,000) and Range Rover Sport (79,800).
Land Rover is also considering more Defender family models, possibly using the EMA platform to allow for a seven-seat version in the future.
It is likely that a new small Defender may reduce Discovery sales – which have already lagged behind the more popular Defender – and JLR has admitted its focus is more on the Range Rover and Defender brands at present.
BIG RESTART
A recent cyberattack on JLR forced the company to shut down its global IT network and halt production across all facilities worldwide.
Production remained paused for over a month, with operations initially extended until October 1, 2025 before JLR began a phased restart of manufacturing operations in early October.
The shutdown, estimated to cost approximately £120 million, also saw retail sales drop sharply in the quarter ending September 30, 2025.
The attack also significantly affected parent company Tata Motors‘ financial performance, while also creating major uncertainty for JLR’s extensive supply chain.
To support suppliers, JLR introduced a new financing scheme providing upfront cash payments with accelerated payment terms
In a statement, published October 7, Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer of JLR, said: “This week marks an important moment for JLR and all our stakeholders as we now restart our manufacturing operations following the cyber incident.
“From tomorrow, we will welcome back our colleagues at our engine production plant in Wolverhampton, shortly followed by our colleagues making our world‑class cars at Nitra and Solihull.
“Our suppliers are central to our success, and today we are launching a new financing arrangement that will enable us to pay our suppliers early, using the strength of our balance sheet to support their cashflows.
“I would like to thank everyone connected to JLR for their commitment, hard work and endeavour in recent weeks to bring us to this moment.
“We know there is much more to do but our recovery is firmly underway.”
JLR’s main focus for the future is on EVs, the brand has somewhat scaled back its electric plans in recent times[/caption]
The Defender is JLR’s best-selling product of all – with 115,400 Defenders delivered globally[/caption]
