Land Rover’s Baby Defender Is Real, With Production Starting in 2027

The Defender Gets a Sibling

While the next-generation Land Rover Defender has reportedly been pushed back to the early 2030s, the new Defender Sport now has a production timeline. During a second-quarter earnings call, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) CEO PB Balaji, via Autocar, confirmed that production of the smaller Defender model will begin at the Merseyside plant in the UK by the end of 2027.

The Defender Sport will arrive at a time when JLR is making significant lineup changes under its House of Brands approach. The Defender brand will continue strengthening its off-road appeal, starting with the Defender Sport, which will mark its first completely new model since becoming a standalone brand. Moreover, Defender will have a rival to the smaller version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often referred to as the Baby G.

The Defender Identity

However, many details remain unknown, including the name. Reports suggest that Defender 80 is another possibility, which would complement the existing lineup of Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130, while emphasizing its position as the smallest model in the range. Design details are also scarce, though Mark Cameron, managing director of the Defender and Discovery brands, said the challenge is to preserve the Defender’s identity while optimizing range given its boxy proportions.

The Defender Sport will use JLR’s new Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA), which it will share with the upcoming Range Rover GT. The platform was initially designed exclusively for EVs but was later revised to accommodate hybrid powertrains. Given the massive EV-related write-downs across the industry, particularly in the U.S., this flexibility could make the smaller Defender a more commercially viable product.

After all, the Defender Sport could make the luxury off-roader more accessible. It will also likely occupy the more affordable side of the JLR lineup, as Range Rover looks to move further into luxury territory with plans to discontinue its cheaper SUVs, the Evoque and Velar.

The Race Is On

While the smaller Defender is expected next year, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said the Baby G could arrive before October 2028. The Baby G is also expected to offer a hybrid option after U.S. dealers pushed Mercedes to adopt a multi-powertrain strategy.

In the future, Land Rover could also introduce a Defender pickup truck, reportedly being considered for production in the U.S. through a partnership with Stellantis. That could further widen the appeal of the off-roader nameplate alongside the Defender Sport, especially in the U.S., where models like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado continue to enjoy strong demand. These potential additions could strengthen the Defender brand while helping JLR improve profitability amid financial challenges.