Land Rover is preparing to broaden its electric SUV lineup with a smaller version of the Defender. Recently spotted prototypes, believed to be the Baby Defender, have drawn interest among enthusiasts. New renderings based on those sightings suggest a model that retains the Defender’s rugged design cues but adopts a more compact, city-friendly shape.
The compact Defender is built on Land Rover’s dedicated Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. It is expected to be central to the brand’s electrification efforts. Land Rover is expected to reveal it as early as next year, positioning it as a direct competitor to Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming Baby G-Wagen.
Spy Shot-Based Renderings
A More Compact, Modern Take on the Defender
Recent prototype images show a smaller, lower-profile version of the Defender. While the Baby Defender keeps the signature boxy styling and flat body panels, it features a steeper A-pillar and longer windshield for a more modern crossover look. The rising beltline and lower roofline give it a noticeably different stance than the standard Defender.
At the rear, it incorporates vertical taillights that resemble those found on the Hyundai Santa Fe and a clean tailgate design. The absence of a rear-mounted spare tire and dual shark-fin antennas on the roof gives it a neater overall appearance. The front remains camouflaged, but slim, rectangular headlights suggest a more refined front-end design.
Renderings show flush pop-out door handles, minimal wheel arches, and subtle body lines, creating a clean yet solid appearance. Overall, the Baby Defender appears to blend key elements from the Defender and the Range Rover Evoque, resulting in a distinctive model within Land Rover’s lineup.
Elevated Design, Clear Rivalry
A New Player in the G-Class Segment
The Baby Defender is positioned to rival the Mercedes-Benz Baby G-Wagen, expected in 2027. Both models aim to retain their brands’ off-road heritage while offering more approachable pricing and everyday usability via electric platforms. The Baby G is projected to start around 55,000-65,000 USD, undercutting the larger G-Class. The Baby Defender could launch at around 40,000 USD, making it more competitively priced.
The two models differ in their structures. The Baby G uses a monocoque body based on the C-Class, a shift from the larger G-Class’s traditional body-on-frame setup. In contrast, Land Rover is expected to preserve the Defender’s established off-road strengths by utilizing the EMA platform. Both models are shaping up to compete directly in the electric off-road SUV category as contemporary takes on the traditional SUV formula.
With growing interest in genuine off-road capability in the compact luxury SUV market, the introduction of the Defender Sport appears to be a strategic move to reinforce Land Rover’s brand identity rather than just expanding its lineup. In today’s landscape of urban-focused electric SUVs, the definition of toughness is about to be tested.
