New Mini Defender (Defender Sport) Likely To Be Badged As Defender 100

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New Land Rover Defender 100 (Mini) will sit below the Defender 90 and support both hybrid and electric propulsion through the EMA architecture

The smaller Defender could become a strategically important model for JLR as its powertrain plan includes more than a BEV system. Hybrid propulsion was confirmed recently for the EMA architecture as it provides more flexibility in regions where EV adoption has slowed. The United States matters a lot due to it being Defender’s largest market and diesel still holds a huge share of Defender sales in the United Kingdom.

The production SUV is expected to sit below the Defender 90 and measure a little over 4.5 metres in length. The dimensions would place it in a more compact SUV class than the present Defender family as upright proportions, steep glass angles and a tall rear section are expected to preserve the visual character associated with the badge. A four-wheel drive system is also expected to stay central to the brief.

The final production name has not been announced. However, Defender Sport has frequently been linked to the new model but we believe that the ‘Defender 100’ may become the chosen badge. The EMA platform was conceived primarily for electric vehicles and positions the traction battery beneath the passenger compartment.

Future Range Rover Evoque and Velar generations are also expected to utilise EMA and larger JLR vehicles are set to rely on a different technical asset. The electric Defender 100 could employ one motor on each axle to provide four-wheel drive. The arrangement nevertheless suits the traction requirements of a compact Defender and could permit precise electronic control of torque between the front and rear axles on loose surfaces.

The underfloor battery creates a tougher challenge away from tarmac. Battery placement can reduce the space available for suspension travel and axle articulation compared with the current Defender. Chassis calibration, wheel control and traction electronics will consequently become more critical during terrain driving.

Meanwhile, aerodynamics also create another issue as the tall roof, upright windscreen and steep rear bodywork conflict with the efficiency requirements of an electric SUV. The compact Defender 100 could open the door to other body styles later such as a pickup truck tailored to the United States or more compact vehicles suited to tighter European roads. As for India, the prices of the Defender have dropped by up to Rs. 34 lakh as it has entered local production and the upcoming more compact model could appeal to more consumers.

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