New Land Rover Defender Sport: Electric Successor
Photographers managed to capture a camouflaged Land Rover prototype during testing. This off-roader with angular shapes is likely to be named Defender Sport. The model is expected to be equipped with an electric powertrain, making it a direct competitor to the future compact G-Class.
Design and Proportions
Land Rover is expanding the Defender legacy by introducing a new, more compact off-roader that abandons traditional engines in favor of a fully electric configuration. The model, rumored to be named Defender Sport, was spotted during testing in Europe. It showcases an angular, vertical stance reminiscent of its bigger brother.
Earlier prototypes of this off-roader were spotted back in April, but new images provide a better idea of its shape and details. The front of the car leans more towards the Range Rover style, with slim horizontal LED headlights, a closed-off grille, a sturdy bumper, and a flat hood that emphasizes a modern yet practical look.
Characteristic Features
The car’s profile has distinctive curved lines that flow into a vertical rear end. The flat roof and boxy rear will certainly enhance practicality compared to more streamlined crossovers. This will also help the Defender Sport stand out among the numerous SUVs of similar size that have flooded the market.
Other features include flush door handles and five-spoke alloy wheels that look quite large for the car’s size, nicely filling the wheel arches. The model is expected to have wraparound glazing and a floating roof with two-tone options. The company may also offer a range of additional accessories, making the compact Defender more suited for various adventures.
Electric Foundation
The camouflage wrap has no openings for cooling intakes at the front, and no exhaust pipe is visible at the rear. This almost indisputably confirms the zero-emission rumors. Most likely, the model will receive two electric motors with all-wheel drive to match Land Rover’s off-road heritage.
The Defender Sport is expected to be built on JLR’s EMA platform and will feature an 800-volt electrical architecture with 350 kW fast-charging capability. Land Rover plans to produce its future electric off-roaders at the Halewood plant in England, sourcing battery packs from its facility in Somerset.
Competition and Prospects
The new member of the Defender family is expected to hit the roads in 2027 but could be unveiled as early as late 2026. Its main competitor will be the future compact G-Class from Mercedes-Benz, also expected in 2027. Both off-roaders will have a rugged design, compact dimensions, and electric technology, although Mercedes may also offer a hybrid variant following poor sales of the electric G-Wagen.
The electrification of the automotive market continues to gain momentum, and Land Rover seems to be betting on a combination of classic design with modern technology. The Defender Sport could become a key player in the compact electric off-roader segment, especially given the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles that retain off-road capabilities. This model will not only continue the brand’s traditions but could also attract a new audience looking for a stylish yet practical car for both the city and the outdoors.