5 Minutes
Land Rover's upcoming Defender Sport shows Velar-inspired face
Land Rover's new Defender Sport, expected to replace the Discovery Sport, has begun road testing in Germany — notably near the Nürburgring's Green Hell. Cloaked prototypes reveal a compact, full-electric SUV that borrows styling cues from the Range Rover Velar while asserting its own, sharper identity.
The camouflaged mule rides on generic wheels wearing Continental rubber and features a noticeably jutted front bumper that echoes the outgoing Velar. Slim headlights, low-mounted taillights and an aggressively raked windshield give the profile a taut, modern stance. A relatively flat roofline and the 'high voltage' sticker on the windshield confirm this is a BEV rather than an internal-combustion variant.
Design and packaging
Rather than stretching into three rows, the Defender Sport — sometimes referred to as Defender 80 — appears to be configured as a strict five-seater. Its upright, boxy proportions retain Defender DNA but in a more urban-friendly footprint. Visual highlights from the test cars include:
- Velar-like front bumper with pronounced edges
- Narrow, high-tech headlight units and slim rear lamps
- Flat roofline with a sporty rake to the windshield
The overall look is crisp and modern, aimed at buyers who want Defender character in a compact electric package.
Platform, production and timeline
The Defender Sport will sit on Jaguar Land Rover's new Electric Modular Architecture, a flexible 800-volt platform shared with the next Range Rover Evoque. JLR confirmed the platform supports up to 350 kW DC charging, and company estimates suggest a 10–80% recharge could take roughly 30 minutes under ideal conditions, though final battery capacities have not been disclosed.
Production is slated for the Halewood plant in the UK, which is undergoing a multimillion-pound transformation to handle BEV body-in-white, paint and final-line battery integration. JLR committed a significant investment to upgrade Halewood and lengthen production lines to accommodate high-voltage battery installation.
Powertrain and performance expectations
Early spy indications point to a dual-motor setup for the mainstream Defender Sport, providing all-wheel drive and strong on-road traction. While tri- or quad-motor arrangements would offer advanced torque vectoring, JLR is likely prioritizing production pragmatism and costs. Still, a high-performance tri-motor variant could arrive later in the lifecycle.
Weight will be a factor: the EV is expected to tip the scales north of two tonnes. For heavy electric SUVs, instantaneous torque matters as much as peak horsepower, and insiders expect output in the ballpark of eight to nine hundred-plus metric horsepower equivalents of torque combined — numbers that should translate to brisk acceleration and solid towing capability. For context, the Defender OCTA's BMW-sourced V8 makes about 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque and 626 hp in its most potent tune.
Market positioning and what it means for buyers
Positioned below the full-size Defender but above entry-level crossovers, the Defender Sport aims at buyers seeking a compact luxury EV with genuine off-road DNA and premium on-road manners. It should appeal to urban families and outdoor enthusiasts who want a smaller footprint without giving up capability.
Likely launch timing places showroom arrival in 2027 in the UK and other markets, translating to a 2028 model year introduction in the United States. Expect a single body style at launch, with several power and trim variants to follow.
Quick takeaways
- Full-electric Defender Sport likely replaces the Discovery Sport
- Built on JLR's 800V Electric Modular Architecture with 350 kW charge capability
- Five-seat layout, compact dimensions, Velar-influenced styling
- Dual-motor expected at launch; high-performance variants possible later
The Defender Sport looks set to broaden Land Rover's electric portfolio with a vehicle that blends iconic design cues and modern EV packaging. As testing continues, more details on battery size, range and performance figures will emerge, but early signs point to a compelling compact EV for buyers who want Defender character in a more nimble package.
Source: autoevolution
Leave a Comment