The Freelander 8, the first model from the new Freelander brand, is rolling off the production line in China. Developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, this large SUV marks a new chapter for the historic name, now with electrified technology.
The first units of the Freelander 8 have left the Chery Jaguar Land Rover factory in Changshu, China, signaling the start of a new era for the Freelander name. Unlike its predecessors, this model will not carry the Land Rover badge, but instead launches as the debut vehicle of the newly established Freelander brand, created through a partnership between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover.
Pre-sales for the Freelander 8 are set to begin on August 10, targeting the Chinese market before any international expansion. The project is part of a broader agreement between Chery and JLR to develop a family of electrified vehicles, with China as the initial focus. The Freelander 8 is positioned as a premium SUV, aiming to combine Chery's manufacturing capabilities with Jaguar Land Rover's design expertise.
While the Freelander name carries significant weight among Land Rover enthusiasts, the new model shares little with the original compact SUV that debuted in the 1990s. Instead, the Freelander 8 is a large, three-row SUV designed to meet the demands of the Chinese market, featuring a 2+2+2 seating configuration and generous dimensions: 5.12 meters long, 2.05 meters wide, and 1.90 meters high, with a 3.04-meter wheelbase.
Technologically, the Freelander 8 stands out with a 46.3-inch panoramic dashboard display, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 processor powering its infotainment system. The vehicle uses an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) setup, where a 1.5-liter petrol engine acts as a generator for the main electric motor, extending the battery's range when needed. The battery itself is a 60.3 kWh NMC unit, offering a claimed 221 km of electric-only range under the Chinese CLTC cycle, though real-world figures are likely to be lower.
Additional features include dual-chamber air suspension, a mechanical front differential lock, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg. These specifications place the Freelander 8 firmly in the premium segment, with a clear emphasis on technology and comfort.
The Freelander 8's launch in China is a strategic move, as the local market is increasingly receptive to electrified SUVs and EREV technology. The model will face competition from established Chinese brands, providing valuable experience for the Freelander brand before any potential expansion to other regions.
For context, the original Freelander was a compact SUV introduced by Land Rover in the late 1990s, aimed at buyers seeking a smaller, more accessible alternative to the brand's traditional models. The new Freelander 8, however, is a product of changing market dynamics and the rapid electrification of the automotive industry, especially in China, where joint ventures and new brands are reshaping the landscape.
