Land Rover develops smaller electric Defender 'Sport' with baby‑G Class vibes
Published on Sep 04, 2025 at 9:33 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Sep 05, 2025 at 7:46 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
The electric Defender Sport is being developed to go up against the baby G-Class, giving Land Rover a new option in the compact SUV segment.
Prototypes have been seen in testing on European roads, carrying the same boxy profile and upright stance as the larger Defender.
The Land Rover SUV will use a dedicated EV platform and is expected to feature a fully electric powertrain.
A launch is scheduled for 2027, setting up direct competition with Mercedes’ baby G-Class.
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Smaller size, familiar look
Camouflaged test cars show the electric Defender with a flat hood, squared roofline, and upright rear.
The Defender Sport carries the same blocky proportions as its larger sibling but scaled down to a smaller footprint.
Slim LED headlights and flush door handles suggest a cleaner and more modern approach to styling.
Early reports point to a dual-motor system, delivering four-wheel drive capability for the Land Rover SUV.
The prototype’s closed front grille and lack of exhaust pipes reinforce expectations that it will be offered only as an electric model.
The new platform is also expected to support rapid charging, matching other premium EVs entering the market.
The compact dimensions are balanced by a design that should favor practicality.
A flat roof and upright tail will create more interior space, while large alloy wheels and optional roof treatments will provide some variety within the Defender Sport lineup.
Electric Defender showdown ahead
The electric Defender will be built at Land Rover’s Halewood facility in England, with batteries supplied from Somerset.
Production is due to begin in 2027, following a possible unveiling in late 2026.
Positioned beneath the full-size Defender, the Defender Sport will give buyers a smaller Land Rover SUV with an electric drivetrain and off-road ability.
Its main rival will be the baby G-Class, which is expected to arrive around the same time.
Both SUVs will compete with rugged styling, compact sizes, and electric drivetrains aimed at the premium end of the market.
Mercedes may also consider offering a hybrid version, while the electric Defender Sport is expected to remain fully electric.
The Defender Sport represents part of Land Rover’s wider shift to electric vehicles.
Adding a compact EV to the Defender range will allow the brand to reach new buyers while continuing to compete with other premium manufacturers.
The matchup with the baby G-Class is set to be one of the defining contests in the compact SUV segment by the time both models reach the market.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
