A smaller, fully electric Defender is finally taking shape. The upcoming Defender Sport EV is expected to debut by the end of 2026, positioning itself as a more affordable sibling to the iconic off-road SUV while embracing electrification from the ground up.
Unlike the current Defender lineup, which still leans heavily on combustion and mild-hybrid options, the Sport EV will ride on Jaguar Land Rover’s new EMA platform. That means it will launch exclusively as an EV, with battery packs reportedly ranging from 70 to 90 kWh and an estimated 300–320 miles of range. For a compact luxury off-roader, that’s competitive territory.
Design-wise, the prototype suggests a familiar upright silhouette — boxy, rugged, and unmistakably Defender. Slim LED lighting and a more modern front fascia hint at a cleaner EV identity, while flared arches and off-road tires preserve the brand’s go-anywhere character. The flat battery pack should also lower the center of gravity, potentially enhancing stability on uneven terrain.
In terms of competition, the Defender Sport EV enters a small but growing niche. The Jeep Recon EV aims for similar adventure credibility, while the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology targets the high-end electric 4×4 market. In the US, it would also face larger, more expensive rivals like the Rivian R1S and GMC Hummer EV SUV.
The key difference may be price. If the Defender Sport truly lands in the £40,000–£50,000 range, it undercuts most electric off-roaders while retaining premium brand appeal. That could open the segment to buyers who want rugged styling without six-figure pricing.
My view? The Defender Sport EV could become one of the most important models in JLR’s transition. If it balances real off-road capability with everyday usability and competitive pricing, it won’t just be a “mini Defender” — it could redefine what an electric adventure SUV looks like.
