- The downsized 2028 Land Rover Defender EV has been spotted for the first time in prototype guise.
- The squared-off SUV will debut in 2027 and might go by either Defender 80 or Defender Sport.
- The SUV shares Jaguar Land Rover's EMA platform with the electric version of the Evoque and will compete against Mercedes' smaller G-Wagen EV.
JLR has had to temporarily halt shipments to the U.S. because of Donald Trump’s import taxes — taxes that might complicate things for the fully electric 2028 mini Defender EV spotted during initial tests.
Set for release in 2027, this robust electric SUV is significantly more compact compared to the current model of the Defender, which itself will receive an all-electric version. Although they share certain design elements such as broad rear sections, flared wheel arches, vertical taillights, and extended flat roofs, each vehicle maintains its distinct look.
Related: A smaller ' Defender Sport' is reportedly set to join the Land Rover lineup in 2027.
Compared with the current Defender This prototype, similar in size to the Skoda Kodiaq, features a more sloping windshield for a sporty look, thinner headlights, and the C-pillar angles forward instead of standing upright. Mechanically, however, it's an entirely distinct vehicle, built on Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) new EMA platform designed for multiple upcoming electric vehicles such as the Evoque, Velar, and Discovery Sport.
So far, the company has officially acknowledged just those three models; however, these images clearly indicate that a Defender derivative is also in development. This addition logically follows suit because the Defender represents the most robust sub-brand within the automaker’s lineup.
Boasting an advanced 800-volt technology enabling ultra-fast charging with up to 350 kW power delivery for under 18 minutes per refill, these vehicles will be manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s facility in Halewood located in Merseyside within northwest England. The production process will utilize cells sourced from their recently established battery plant. Somerset facility several hours further south.
Certain speculations propose that the compact Defender might be named Defender 80 or Defender Sport upon hitting the market to compete with Mercedes' forthcoming model. baby G-wagon The second name would be fitting due to several factors. Since Land Rover has utilized the Sport designation for a derivative of the Discovery, consumers could readily grasp its usage here. Additionally, this prototype features a rising beltline and an angled C-pillar—design elements characteristic of theDiscovery Sport.
Regardless of what it might be named, we anticipate the compact Defender will launch in 2027 as a 2028 model year vehicle. It’s sure to create waves in the UK market, which continues to embrace electric vehicles enthusiastically. However, without alterations to the present U.S. tariff landscape, this petite version of the Defender may come with quite a hefty price tag when displayed in American dealerships.
