Land RoverRange RoverDefender Compact All-Electric SUV Spied, Likely Named Defender Sport EV

The Land Rover Defender brand is accelerating its electrification strategy, and its first all-electric SUV — a compact, rugged off-roader — has recently been spotted undergoing intensive testing near the Nürburgring circuit.

Although heavily camouflaged, the latest spy photos clearly reveal its signature Defender boxy silhouette and rugged off-road DNA. According to sources, the vehicle is highly likely to be named the Defender Sport EV, serving as the entry-level Defender model — priced significantly below the current fuel-powered Defender 110 and also well below the already-launched Range Rover electric variant (starting at £154,070 in the UK and ~$140,000 in the US).

The vehicle will be built on the EMA platform, part of JaguarLand Rover's new EVA2+EMA hybrid architecture — the first time the Defender brand has adopted this platform. The EMA platform supports battery packs ranging from 70–90 kWh, with an estimated WLTP range of 480–515 km (300–320 miles), and is compatible with 800V high-voltage fast charging. Notably, although EMA was initially conceived as a dedicated EV platform, the automaker has officially confirmed it will also support plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Mark Cameron, Global Managing Director of Defender, told Autocar that despite its smaller size and new electric powertrain, the new model will uphold the core Defender values of "epic durability and all-terrain capability." It is therefore expected to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and Defender's signature Terrain Response all-terrain management system.

The cabin design will retain the current Defender's styling language but will incorporate larger displays and a refreshed user interface. No official confirmation has yet been issued regarding specific powertrain specs, battery capacity options, or final naming — everything remains subject to formal announcement at the vehicle's global debut in late 2026.