Report: Defender Sport and Baby G-Wagen to Go Head to Head

Land Rover is set to launch a smaller Defender, with Mercedes-Benz also introducing a scaled down version of its G-Class.

According to Autocar, the Defender Sport will go on sale in 2027 and will be built on Land Rover’s new EMA electric vehicle platform, which it will share with the next Range Rover Evoque and Velar. Although primarily designed for electric power, a hybrid option is highly likely. Toward the end of 2024, JLR announced it was rolling back its full-electrification plans in light of the demand for hybrids.

Autocar has snapped a number of spyhsots of the car, revealing that it is significantly smaller than the Defender, and also appears to ride lower to the ground, suggesting that off-road prowess won’t be at top of the agenda.

Meanwhile, in Germany Mercedes-Benz is preparing a “Little G,” says Autocar. Also due to arrive in 2027, the smaller Gelandewagen is expected to only be sold in EV form. Mercedes boss Ola Källenius first mentioned the idea at the 2023 Munich auto show and now it’s edging closer to production.

Autocar predicts that the smaller G, which may well feature lower-case ‘g’ badging, will use Mercedes’ MB:EA architecture and an 800-volt electric system. Next-generation batteries could deliver a range of over 400 miles, and a pair of eATS 2.0 electric motors may offer up to 480hp in their most potent four-wheel-drive setup.

Although the Little G won’t benefit from the separate ladder frame chassis of its bigger brother, go-anywhere ability is said to be guaranteed thanks to features such as air suspension, and a new four-wheel-drive system that can match that of the combustion-driven G-Class, with its three differential locks.

The U.S. will certainly be the biggest market for both of these newcomers as Land Rover and Mercedes aim to tempt buyers away from their Broncos and Wranglers.