Overview
- Autocar India reports a compact, all-electric Defender widely expected to be called the Defender Sport, with development described as “well advanced” by brand director Mark Cameron.
- The vehicle is being developed on JLR’s EMA platform, which will also underpin future Range Rover Evoque and Velar models.
- Engineers acknowledge EMA’s underfloor battery brings suspension travel constraints, and Cameron says the boxy design poses efficiency and range challenges.
- The EV is expected to measure just over 4.5 metres, sit below the current Defender 90, and retain four-wheel drive likely via a dual-motor setup.
- JLR plans to keep petrol, diesel and hybrid options across the broader Defender range due to varied regional demand, including slower EV uptake in the United States and strong UK diesel sales.