Looking to the future, building on the past.
The Land Rover Defender current Land Rover Defender was built on the same platform that the Discovery. The Discovery suffered a terrible year despite the fact that the Defender was a huge success. The next version of the Discovery will be equipped with JLR’s Electric Modular Architecture.
Bollore told the Financial Times that the Defender’s platform needs are different to the one that will carry Discovery, Discovery Sport and Velar.
The Defender will continue to use Modular Longitudinal Architecture, (MLA) which allows for battery-only models and maintains compatibility for a longitudinally-positioned engine. This is where the crankshaft is oriented along its long axis. JLR would be able to offer a variety of electrified internal combustion engine options for those who are skeptical about plug-in drivestrains.
The Defender with long wheelbase will be available in 12-18 months. This will increase Discovery’s sales. This larger model will be targeted at luxury SUVs and will have seating for seven.
Although the announcement of a new platform may be exciting, most potential buyers should remain on the ground. According to rumours, the Discovery’s new EMA platform will be available at the close of British Automakers 2024 on March 31.