The Land Rover Defender is one of the most popular SUVs in India, especially due to the sheer road presence and looks, making it quite a desirable SUV! Witnessing this love, it looks like Tata-JLR has decided to make the Defender more affordable and accessible to all, as they have decided to bring in a “Baby Defender” – a smaller version of the existing Defender, so more people can achieve their dream. And now, a few new details have surfaced, revealing the future powertrains of this baby Defender, so let’s take a look!
Baby Defender New Details Revealed!
When the initial plan for the baby Defender came into the picture, it was going to be underpinned by JLR’s electric-only EMA architecture. However, the baby Defender will also be introduced in hybrid form, and the EMA-architecture is being tweaked to accommodate a hybrid powertrain. As this SUV is aimed at all international markets, consumer preferences have been taken into consideration by the brand, leading them to add a hybrid as a powertrain option. Hybrid powertrains offer impressive fuel economy figures and driving range, and even subsidies provided by the Government in some countries.
This is why buyers prefer hybrid powertrain options, and Land Rover will ensure to offer it with its upcoming Baby Defender. There have been instances of smaller Defender BEV testing, leading us to believe that Land Rover will soon introduce it. However, now with the addition of a hybrid powertrain, the launch of this baby Defender may take longer than expected. That said, will the baby Defender make it to the Indian shores?
Coming To India?
As of now, no details have been revealed about whether this SUV will make it to India. However, we believe that JLR could launch the SUV here, considering the popularity of the current Defender. We can expect this baby Defender to go up against the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and MG Majestor. JLR India could also offer petrol or diesel engine options for the India-spec model – could be borrowed from the Evoque. The smaller Defender will stay true to its off-road characteristics – it will likely get 4X4 and off-road-focused features. If Tata-JLR are able to make the baby Defender a CKD unit, Land Rover will be able to price the SUV aggressively. We expect the Baby Defender to be introduced by 2028, with an expected price tag of around Rs 60 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).