The Baby Off-Roaders Are Coming

2027 is shaping up to be the year of the shrunken titans. Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, not known for building things small or subtle, are both getting ready to drop compact versions of their iconic off-roaders, the Defender Sport and the Little G.

Here’s a quick look at what’s cooking under the surface:

Land Rover Defender Sport:

• Launch Year: 2027

• Platform: Land Rover’s all-new EMA (Electric Modular Architecture), which will also underpin the next-gen Range Rover Evoque and Velar

• Powertrain: Primarily electric, but hybrid versions are almost certain — especially since JLR has hit the brakes on going full-EV for now

• Design: Recent spy shots suggest it's noticeably smaller and lower than the full-size Defender, which means it may be more urban explorer than rock crawler

• Off-Roading: Not a top priority — ground clearance looks modest

Highlights:

• Designed for EV-first, with hybrid fallback

• Targeting a new, possibly younger buyer set

• More suited to city streets than sand dunes

Mercedes-Benz Little G:

• Launch Year: 2027

• Platform: Mercedes’ new MB:EA electric platform

• Powertrain: All-electric only

• Battery & Range: Next-gen cells with a claimed range of over 640 km

• Motors: Dual eATS 2.0 motors, pushing up to 480 bhp and around 800 Nm of torque

• Off-Road Cred: Despite lacking the iconic ladder frame, the Little G is said to pack:

  • Air suspension

  • A clever new 4WD system

  • Likely triple differential locks, like its bigger sibling

Highlights:

• Compact G-Class with real off-road chops

• Uses 800-volt architecture for fast charging

• Lower-case “g” badging could make it into production — cute

Global Goals

Both the Defender Sport and Little G are being tailored with an eye firmly on the U.S. market, where compact SUVs are hot property — especially among buyers tempted by Broncos and Wranglers. But expect India to get a look-in too, especially with hybrids in the mix.In Summary:

They’re smaller, sleeker, and smarter. But whether they can carry the torch of their legendary big brothers in spirit, not just size, remains to be seen. Still, don’t be surprised if they become the darlings of the urban jungle.