Land Rover 'Baby Defender' shifts to PHEV for 2027 launch
Land Rover to launch Baby Defender plug-in hybrid in 2027
Land Rover 'Baby Defender' shifts to PHEV for 2027 launch
Land Rover retools its 'Baby Defender' as a plug-in hybrid, targeting a 2027 debut. Velar-inspired styling, 117 kWh battery, up to 530 km range, from €60,000.
2025-10-08T16:52:31+03:00
2025-10-08T16:52:31+03:00
2025-10-08T16:52:31+03:00
Land Rover has reworked its strategy for its future compact SUV, known internally as the “Baby Defender.” The company had originally envisaged a fully electric model, but is now leaning toward a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration aimed at appealing to a broader set of buyers.According to Motor.es, the newcomer is slated for a 2027 market debut and will slot between the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Its styling, however, is expected to echo the Range Rover Velar more than the classic Defender, with horizontal headlamps and taut, dynamic proportions.The shift reflects the headwinds facing the EV market and the high cost of battery packs. The crossover is likely to adopt a 117 kWh battery, similar to the one planned for the forthcoming Range Rover Electric, promising up to 530 km of range.JLR chief Adrian Mardell indicated that the company would first expand its portfolio of plug-in hybrids before moving to full electrification. Early estimates put the SUV’s price at around €60,000, with assembly to begin at the brand’s British facilities.In effect, Land Rover is easing back from all-out electrification in favour of a hybrid middle ground—an arguably pragmatic move that could help the marque hold its footing in the premium arena while the EV landscape settles.
Land Rover, Baby Defender, plug-in hybrid, PHEV, compact SUV, 2027 debut, Velar styling, 117 kWh battery, 530 km range, €60,000 price, JLR strategy, EV market, Range Rover Electric
2025
Michael Powers
news
Land Rover to launch Baby Defender plug-in hybrid in 2027
Land Rover retools its 'Baby Defender' as a plug-in hybrid, targeting a 2027 debut. Velar-inspired styling, 117 kWh battery, up to 530 km range, from €60,000.
Michael Powers, Editor
Land Rover has reworked its strategy for its future compact SUV, known internally as the “Baby Defender.” The company had originally envisaged a fully electric model, but is now leaning toward a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration aimed at appealing to a broader set of buyers.
According to Motor.es, the newcomer is slated for a 2027 market debut and will slot between the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Its styling, however, is expected to echo the Range Rover Velar more than the classic Defender, with horizontal headlamps and taut, dynamic proportions.
The shift reflects the headwinds facing the EV market and the high cost of battery packs. The crossover is likely to adopt a 117 kWh battery, similar to the one planned for the forthcoming Range Rover Electric, promising up to 530 km of range.
JLR chief Adrian Mardell indicated that the company would first expand its portfolio of plug-in hybrids before moving to full electrification. Early estimates put the SUV’s price at around €60,000, with assembly to begin at the brand’s British facilities.
In effect, Land Rover is easing back from all-out electrification in favour of a hybrid middle ground—an arguably pragmatic move that could help the marque hold its footing in the premium arena while the EV landscape settles.
