02:03 14-04-2026

Freelander SUV nears launch with advanced electric and autonomous features

The Chery and Jaguar Land Rover joint venture's Freelander SUV, launching in 2026, features Huawei ADS 4.1 autonomous driving, CATL batteries, and 350 kW charging.

The joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover is nearing the launch of its new Freelander SUV. The model has successfully completed a series of extreme winter tests, confirming its readiness for series production, which is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.

This newcomer will be the first model under the new global Freelander brand, which is focused on electric vehicles. The project structure is unusual: key technologies, development, and supply chains are controlled by the Chinese side, while Jaguar Land Rover is responsible for design and positioning.

Based on spy photos, the SUV retains the angular silhouette of the concept with classic Land Rover proportions—a flat roof and vertical forms. This hints at off-road capability despite its electric powertrain.

The technological package is impressive. Freelander will feature Huawei ADS 4.1 autonomous driving system with update capabilities, along with a next-generation lidar with 896 lines. Performance is handled by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 chip, which delivers a multiple-fold increase in computing power, especially for AI tasks.

The batteries are being developed in partnership with CATL and support ultra-fast charging up to 350 kW with a 6C coefficient, significantly reducing recharge times. This makes the model competitive in the modern electric crossover segment.

Interestingly, the development cycle has been remarkably fast: from the first prototypes in summer 2025 to production readiness took less than a year. The brand plans to launch six models within five years, indicating ambitious scale.

Freelander represents a new reality: Chinese technology paired with a European brand. Where the question of which car is better once favored established marques, it increasingly goes to whoever implements innovations faster.