Spied: Land Rover’s electric baby Defender edges closer to reality

After years of whispers and speculation, the long-awaited Electric Baby Defender is finally showing signs of life. Recent spy shots have surfaced of what appears to be a near-production prototype undergoing testing, giving us our best look yet at the compact off-roader Land Rover confirmed for a 2027 launch.

Land Rover first teased the idea of a smaller Defender SUV early last decade, but the project seemed to stall—until now. Official confirmation came in 2023, with the British marque revealing that the so-called “baby” Defender would be fully electric, riding on the brand’s all-new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. This flexible EV-first platform is also set to underpin upcoming electric iterations of the Range Rover Velar, Evoque, and Discovery Sport.

From what we can see, the prototype, potentially badged as the Defender Sport, carries forward the Defender’s iconic boxy silhouette, complete with a vertical rear end, squared-off edges and pronounced wheel arches. Slim rectangular headlights sit flush with the front fascia, while a compact roof spoiler and unusually low-mounted taillights add a touch of rugged flair. The latter appears to channel vibes from Mercedes-Benz’s G-Class, another heritage off-roader going electric in the near future.

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While final dimensions are yet to be confirmed, the Electric Baby Defender is expected to measure around 4.5m in length. That’s roughly on par with the Defender 90, yet significantly shorter than the full-size Defender 110. The compact size positions it as a nimble urban adventurer with proper off-road credentials—a formula that could appeal to younger buyers and lifestyle-focused drivers.

What remains unclear is the final nameplate. “Defender 80” has been floated, following Land Rover’s traditional wheelbase naming convention, but the more lifestyle-friendly Defender Sport also remains a strong contender.

With Mercedes already confirming an electric “baby” G-Class, Land Rover’s compact EV off-roader is set to land in a highly competitive segment. And judging by this prototype’s sharp proportions and rugged design, the Electric Baby Defender could very well become one of the most desirable compact EV SUVs when it hits showrooms in 2027.