An electric Defender prototype has been spotted testing at Germany’s Nürburgring with an unusual large box mounted at the rear, offering a possible clue about how Land Rover could handle charging equipment in one of its upcoming electric models.
Electric Defender Prototype Gets a Large Rear Box
Following an earlier sighting at Eastnor Castle in England, Land Rover was recently seen testing what is believed to be an all-electric Defender prototype at the Nürburgring in Germany.
The heavily camouflaged vehicle was captured by CarSpyMedia driving around the track with a large box attached to its rear. The setup is reminiscent of the Design Box offered on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Electric.
If the box was inspired by that system, it could primarily be used to store charging equipment. That could make it easier to access charging cables when the cargo area is packed for a weekend getaway, while also keeping wet or dirty cables outside the main cargo area and preserving interior storage space.
The Prototype Could Be the Smaller Defender Sport
There is, however, another possibility. The full-size all-electric Defender was reportedly pushed back to the early 2030s, meaning the prototype spotted at the Nürburgring could instead be the Defender Sport, also known as the baby Defender.
The smaller Defender is expected to use JLR’s newer Electrified Modular Architecture, or EMA. The platform was initially developed around battery-electric vehicles, but JLR has since confirmed that it will also support a full-hybrid setup.
As a result, the Defender Sport could be offered with both battery-electric and full-hybrid powertrains. The shift comes as EV demand has softened in some markets, particularly in the U.S., where the Trump administration has rolled back several EV-friendly policies.
Reports suggest the model could arrive as soon as 2027, although its official name has yet to be confirmed.
Defender Sport Could Join JLR’s Expanding EV Lineup
If the Nürburgring prototype is the baby Defender, it would not directly challenge the Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology because of the difference in size.
Mercedes-Benz is also developing a smaller version of the G-Class, often referred to as the “Little G,” which is expected to offer both electric and hybrid powertrains.
Once launched, the model would join JLR’s expanding EV lineup. The Range Rover Electric has already been revealed, while the Range Rover Sport Electric and Range Rover GT are also on the way.
Jaguar is also preparing its next electric model, with the revitalized British brand set to fully reveal the Type 01, an all-electric luxury grand tourer producing about 1,000 horsepower.
