From:Internet Info Agency
2026-11-13 23:24:14Jaguar Land Rover CEO PB Balaji has confirmed that a new entry-level SUV positioned below the current Defender will enter production in 2027, with a pure-electric version to be launched first, according to a report on the evening of November 13, 2026. This marks the first time JLR has officially announced the production timeline for the model. The new vehicle will share the EMA platform with the Range Rover GT and offer both pure-electric and hybrid powertrain options. Balaji revealed that development work on the hybrid version is underway, with the pure-electric version planned to be ready for market launch by the end of 2027. To free up production capacity for the Range Rover GT, which is set to begin production in early 2027, the Discovery Sport will cease production within the coming weeks. The Range Rover Evoque will be gradually phased out of the production line later in 2027, replaced by the all-new model. Before JLR officially announces the name, the new vehicle is widely referred to as the "Defender Sport," with another candidate name being "Defender 80." The car is not a pure-electric replacement for the current Defender 90, but rather an entirely new product developed from the ground up. The new vehicle is expected to measure slightly over 4.5 meters in length. JLR is currently implementing its "House of Brands" strategy, elevating Defender from a model line under Land Rover to a standalone brand alongside Range Rover and Discovery. Cameron stated that the entire brand product lineup for the next 7 to 10 years is being planned.