Defender, a rugged SUV brand family from Jaguar Land Rover, has started testing their first electric vehicle, whose global debut is anticipated by late 2026. The nameplate for the upcoming all-electric smaller off-roader is still pending, but reports suggest it is to be known as the Defender Sport EV globally. Recently, it was spotted testing near the Nürburgring in Germany.
The upcoming off-road SUV from the Defender is also referred to as ‘Baby Defender’; the recently spied image shows the prototype (test mule) in heavy camouflage, hiding the design before the global unveiling. The most recent spy shots for this upcoming car are shared on an Instagram account with the username Wilcoblok.
What does the Defender Sport Spied spied image reveal?
In the spied image the car is heavy camouflage, though it reveals few details, such as a Boxy Defender-inspired shape with an upright and rugged silhouette. Upfront, it is anticipated to get integrated LED headlights with slim horizontal daylight running lights and projector headlamps, a closed-off grill and lower horizontal air intakes on the rugged bump.
The side is set to have sculpted bodywork with hidden door handles, adding a premium, large outside rear view mirror on the A-pillar, rugged wheel arch cladding, five-spoke single-tone alloy wheels, and a roof-integrated spoiler. Its rear has a large roof-integrated spoiler and an LED taillight just above the bumper on the edge, but the actual shape, i.e., the lighting signature, is still behind the wrap.
What else do we know about this small off-road Defender EV?
In the Defender line-up, this upcoming electric car is all set to make its position below the Defender 90, 110 and 130. Some reports suggest that this EV will replace the existing Discovery Sport. Details regarding its underpinning are now officially confirmed; it is set to be based on EMA (Electrified Modular Architecture) that is specially developed by the JLR for electrified SUVs.
A key feature of the EMA platform is its 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables ultra-fast charging to address the range anxiety, currently a primary concern with electric vehicles. As an off-road SUV, it is set to get two electric motors, on one each axle, and features an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, one of the key requirements of an off-road vehicle, as it not only maximises the traction but also keeps it stable on types of terrain.
A lithium-ion battery pack between 70 kWh and 90 kWh is anticipated, giving the range up to 320 miles (515 km) and adding range around 150 miles (241 km) with the charging of just 10 minutes. The report confirms the cabin is feature-rich with a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a wireless phone charging pad, and ventilated front seats.
Will this Defender EV come to the Indian market?
The defender hasn’t yet revealed the plan for launch across the globe. Following the global debut, which may happen in the next few weeks, its market launch will firstly happen in Europe and then in North America. For Indians, things are still uncertain. They may start booking for this electric car in the Indian market with the global unveiling, similar to what we get to see with the Range Rover Electric.
The Defender is already present in India; currently they are selling four models: Defender 90, Defender 110, Defender 130, and Defender OCTA. They are all internal combustion engine powered. The upcoming small off-road electric SUV will be the first model to go on sale in India with a battery-electric powertrain. This upcoming EV, if launched in India, will compete with the imminent Jeep Recon EV.