- Land Rover has confirmed that it is still working on a ‘baby’ Defender.
- The company says it will be ‘advanced’ and very capable.
- The baby Defender will likely use an all-electric platform.
We haven’t heard much about Land Rover’s long-rumored “baby” Defender lately. The last major update comes in 2024, when reports suggest that the pint-sized off-roader is still in the works. But now, the project is gaining momentum—and the company is finally ready to share some details.
In a recent conversation with automatic carLand Rover brand director Mark Cameron confirmed that a smaller Defender is still on the way. He added that development was “advanced” and predicted the compact SUV would have almost the same capabilities as its larger sibling.
Land Rover Defender 80 Rendering By Motor1
The new model will be the second vehicle in the newly established Defender sub-brand, which will expand into a full range of off-road focused SUVs. Just like the Range Rover family, each Defender will have its own distinct design language and engineering, while remaining true to what makes each Defender SUV special.
According to Cameron, the broader aim is to position Defender as a “luxury lifestyle brand”. Cameron noted that “we have a portfolio of one model with multiple variants,” and said he is working “the next seven to 10 years to build this entire portfolio of brands.”
What We Know So Far
Photo by: Land Rover
While most of the key details are still under wraps, the compact Defender is expected to ride on JLR’s Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, which will underpin several upcoming electric SUVs. In other words, the baby Defender will be fully electric. The likely setup is dual-motor, with standard all-wheel drive.
In terms of size, this SUV is estimated to be around 177 inches long—slightly larger than the Ford Bronco Sport (172.7 inches). It should match Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming baby G-Class.
Photo by: Land Rover
Of course, the smaller size and electric platform may limit it compared to the full-size Defender. However, Land Rover insists this compact model will stay true to its name, providing real off-road capability.
As Cameron says, “My job is to make sure we maintain the Defender DNA—otherwise we’re just going to be another SUV brand, and there’s a lot more to it.”
Motorcycle Pickup1: Luxury brands like Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz making smaller versions of their iconic off-road SUVs isn’t a bad thing. Offering similar capabilities at a more affordable price opens the door to more enthusiasts.
