- The production-ready Freelander 8 modernizes the unique Freelander design.
- Freelander is a standalone model created by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover.
- The Freelander 8 sits on a platform that helps EVs, PHEVs, and range-extending EV drivetrains.
It’s barely been just a few weeks for the reason that Freelander Idea 97 broke cowl in China, and now the manufacturing model is prepared for the limelight. Unveiled on the 2026 Beijing Auto Present, the Freelander 8 is the primary product to emerge from a collaboration between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery to type a definite model. It revives a well-recognized nameplate as a standalone marque targeted on New Power Automobiles, which may embody plug-in hybrids, EVs, and range-extending EVs.
The Freelander 8 sits on a platform that may accommodate all of those drivetrain varieties in a boxy SUV with some design cues from the unique. The rear pillar reminds us of the first-generation, three-door Freelander with its triangular three-quarter glass. The sq. headlights additionally vaguely reference the unique.
The closed-off entrance grille is a typical EV trait and options debossed Freelander script. A roof-mounted LiDAR unit has develop into frequent on automobiles in China outfitted with superior driver help techniques. Though full technical specs haven’t been launched, we do know the Freelander 8 is imposingly giant, measuring about 5.1 meters (200.7 inches) lengthy. That places it someplace between a Defender 110 and a Defender 130.
Photograph by: Freelander
On the again, we’re upset to see the shortage of a rear spare wheel, which might have emphasised the off-road vibe whereas reminiscent of the “L134” mannequin offered between 1997 and 2006. As soon as once more, the Freelander lettering is debossed into the tailgate, and there doesn’t seem like a correct badge for the newly based firm.
The production-intent mannequin is predictably just like the Idea 97 earlier than it, but it surely swaps the rear-hinged doorways for a traditional setup with B-pillars. Pictured on the backside, the present automobile additionally had utterly flush door handles, however these have just lately been banned in China. To adjust to the brand new rules, the ultimate Freelander 8 makes use of a semi-enclosed setup. BMW needed to make an identical design change for the long-wheelbase iX3 and i3, that are additionally debuting on the Beijing Auto Present.
From the few particulars shared thus far, we do know the manufacturing model has three-row seating and CATL batteries with assist for 350-kW charging. It’s mentioned to function air suspension and a rear digital limited-slip differential. Whereas the inside has but to be revealed, the idea had a pillar-to-pillar display and a central infotainment show.
Thoughts you, the Freelander 8 received’t be unique to China. JLR and Chery intend to roll out the electrified SUV in further markets, together with these with right-hand drive. It’s the primary of six fashions launching over the subsequent 5 years, and to the shock of nobody, all of them will probably be SUVs.
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Supply: Freelander
Motor1’s Take: Previous Freelander fashions didn’t precisely excel when it comes to reliability, particularly the primary era. It’s shocking to see the identify return, as JLR and Chery may have began recent with a very completely different moniker. Freelander is a 50:50 three way partnership and can search to search out its place in China’s extremely crowded market, the place a brand new model appears to seem each different week.
It’s not going to be any simpler for the Freelander 8 outdoors China, given the abundance of huge SUVs with electrified drivetrains. The range-extender may make it stand out for some time, however different automakers are additionally investing in REEVs. Manufactured at a manufacturing unit in Changshu, the mannequin will probably be offered by means of a “distinct retailer community,” so that you’re unlikely to search out one at a JLR supplier.
