Category Archives: electric vehicles

A baby Land Rover Defender SUV is on the way

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**A Baby Land Rover Defender SUV Is on the Way**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 04:02 PM*

Land Rover is gearing up to launch a smaller, entry-level version of its iconic Defender SUV. Although the new model has been in development for years without an official announcement from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), recent test sightings suggest its arrival is imminent. The company aims to introduce this highly anticipated vehicle as part of its electric car lineup as early as 2027.

### Design Evolution

The upcoming Defender will maintain the chunky, straight-edged proportions that define its full-sized counterpart. However, expect a smaller, lower-riding silhouette with a design that leans less towards rugged off-road capability and more toward everyday road use. Interestingly, the name **‘Defender Sport’** briefly appeared on Land Rover’s website, hinting that JLR may adopt this naming convention for its sportier, road-focused variants—similar to the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Sport.

### Model Transition: Could It Replace the Discovery Sport?

Positioned below the full-sized Defender, this new model—sometimes referred to as the **‘Defender 80’**—may replace the aging Discovery Sport, which has been part of JLR’s range since 2014 and is currently available only as a plug-in hybrid. With its chunky proportions and strong off-road heritage, the baby Defender could also serve as a spiritual successor to the Freelander, a beloved model that was phased out in favor of the Discovery Sport.

### Market Strategy and Platform Sharing

Priced lower than the larger Defender but boasting similar features and a clear family resemblance, the baby Defender aims to broaden JLR’s appeal and become a volume seller globally. It will share its platform with the next-generation Range Rover Evoque and Velar, all built on JLR’s new 800V EMA (Electric Modular Architecture) platform. This strategy promises to deliver a modern, efficient vehicle with strong electric capabilities.

### Manufacturing Plans

Production of the baby Defender will take place at JLR’s Halewood plant in Merseyside, which is currently undergoing upgrades to support electric vehicle manufacturing. This EV will be equipped with in-house electric motors and batteries sourced from Tata’s upcoming Somerset plant. However, it’s worth noting that JLR recently announced a strategic scaling back of its pure EV plans in favor of increased production of plug-in hybrids, responding to shifting market demand.

**In summary**, the arrival of a smaller, electric-powered Land Rover Defender is set to expand the brand’s footprint in the SUV market by offering a versatile, family-friendly option that balances ruggedness with road-ready refinement. With production slated to begin by 2027, enthusiasts and potential buyers alike have plenty to look forward to.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/land-rover-s-baby-defender-in-works-could-be-ev-only-model/story

Mercedes-Benz working on an entry-level car to replace A-Class

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**Mercedes-Benz Developing New Entry-Level Car to Replace A-Class**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 24, 2025 – 1:35 PM*

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch a new entry-level model as part of its strategy to boost sales volume. This move comes on the heels of the company extending the lifecycle of its popular A-Class hatchback and sedan by an additional two years, pushing production until 2028. This decision underscores how automakers sometimes reassess market demands and customer preferences to stay competitive.

### Strategic Shift: Hybrid Over Fully Electric

Previously committed to a fully electric lineup by 2030 “where market conditions allow,” Mercedes-Benz has updated its approach. The automaker now plans to keep combustion engines alive well into the next decade, possibly beyond, signaling a shift towards a hybrid strategy. This broader change includes developing a new entry-level model designed to fill the pricing gap between existing vehicles in its portfolio.

### Filling the Price Gap

The upcoming entry-level car will occupy the space between the current A-Class and the forthcoming electric CLA. In Germany, the A-Class starts at approximately €34,400. Meanwhile, the combustion-powered CLA, although less expensive than its electric counterpart, remains pricier than the A-Class, creating a significant price gap. Once the A-Class is eventually phased out, Mercedes-Benz’s base offering will likely start in the mid-€40,000s range.

### Official Confirmation

Mathias Geisen, Mercedes-Benz’s management board member for marketing and sales, confirmed that the new entry-level car is in development. He remarked, “Believe me: in the long term, there will be an entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz world,” affirming the company’s commitment to catering to a broader customer base.

### Market Strategy: Balancing Volume and Premium Appeal

While launching a more affordable vehicle may not generate as much profit per unit compared to higher-end models, increased sales volume can help balance Mercedes-Benz’s overall financials. This approach mirrors strategies from other premium brands like BMW and Audi, which continue to offer competitively priced models without compromising their luxury image.

### Design and Features: What to Expect?

Details about the design and features of the new entry-level model remain under wraps. Automotive publication Automobilwoche speculates the vehicle might be a crossover, though many enthusiasts hope for a CLA hatchback or a similar stylish offering rather than yet another SUV.

For now, Mercedes-Benz will continue to produce the A-Class in both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan variants across global markets until the new model arrives.

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Stay tuned for more updates on Mercedes-Benz’s exciting plans to evolve its entry-level lineup and redefine premium accessibility.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/mercedes-benz-to-develop-new-entry-level-model-ditching-ev-only-strategy/story