All-Electric Land Rover "Baby Defender" Spotted, Launch Expected by Year-End

Recently, the all-new Land Rover electric "compact Defender" was spotted undergoing road tests in China, with spy photos shared by blogger @SugarDesign. The vehicle is expected to be officially unveiled by the end of this year. Positioned below the current Defender model, it will replace the Discovery Sport. Overseas media reports suggest it may be named the "Defender Sport," retaining the Defender family’s signature boxy and rugged design but featuring slimmer headlights and a more raked front end for a more modern appearance. Built on Land Rover’s new EMA all-electric platform, the vehicle adopts dual motors on the front and rear axles without a mechanical driveshaft, enabling more precise all-wheel-drive control while retaining the Terrain Response all-terrain system. Its proportions resemble those of the Defender 90/110, with a longer front overhang and shorter rear overhang, enhancing interior space utilization. Two variants will be offered—one geared toward off-roading with all-terrain tires, and another urban-focused version with larger alloy wheels. Jaguar Land Rover CEO previously revealed that the EMA platform will underpin additional new models within the Defender family.