by New Land Rover Defender Sport: Electric Successor with Style
Photographers managed to capture a camouflaged Land Rover prototype during testing. This off-roader with angular shapes will likely be named Defender Sport. The model is expected to be equipped with an electric powertrain, aimed at competing with the future compact G-Class.
Design and Proportions
Land Rover is preparing to expand the Defender legacy with a new, more compact off-roader that will abandon traditional engines in favor of a fully electric configuration. The front of the car resembles the Range Rover design, with narrow LED headlights, a closed radiator grille, and a sturdy bumper.
The model’s profile showcases characteristic curves typical of the Defender, which transition into a vertical rear end. The flat roof and boxy rear will improve practicality compared to more streamlined crossovers. Other details include hidden door handles and large alloy wheels that fill the wheel arches well.
Electric Platform and Technologies
The absence of cooling openings at the front and visible exhaust pipes confirms that the model will have zero emissions. Most likely, it will be equipped with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, in line with Land Rover’s off-road traditions.
The Defender Sport will likely be built on JLR’s EMA platform, with an 800-volt architecture and the capability for 350 kW fast charging. Production is set to begin at the Halewood plant in England, with batteries supplied from Somerset.
Competition and Prospects
The new model is expected to hit the roads in 2027, with its unveiling possibly happening as early as the end of 2026. Its main competitor will be the future compact G-Class from Mercedes-Benz, also planned for release in 2027. Both models will combine a rugged design, compact dimensions, and electric technologies, although Mercedes may also offer a hybrid variant.
The electrification of off-roaders is becoming an increasingly noticeable trend, and the Defender Sport could become a key player in this segment. Its success will depend not only on technical specifications but also on the ability to preserve the spirit of the original Defender, adapting it to modern requirements for safety, ecology, and comfort. This model could attract attention from both brand enthusiasts and new buyers looking for eco-friendly yet powerful solutions for off-roading and the city.
