19:13 12-05-2026

Freelander 8: JLR and Chery's new large electrified SUV

The Freelander name returns as a large electric SUV from JLR and Chery. The Freelander 8 features 800V architecture, 350 kW charging, and advanced off-road tech.

The Freelander name is back, but not as a Land Rover model this time. It's now a standalone brand created by JLR in partnership with Chery, and the first model is a large SUV called the Freelander 8. The production version's design was revealed through filings with Chinese regulator MIIT.

The vehicle is significantly larger and heavier than the old Freelander. The plug-in hybrid version has a curb weight of 2,980 kg and a gross weight of 3,495 kg. That puts it firmly in the large family and premium SUV segment, where range, comfort, charging speed, and electronics matter as much as off-road ability and styling.

The Freelander 8 rides on an 800-volt architecture. JLR and Chery promise fully electric, range-extender, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With a maximum charging rate of 350 kW — assuming the infrastructure can handle it — that's a compelling feature for a heavy electrified SUV.

The tech specs include dual-chamber air suspension, an electronic locking differential, and an off-road mode that uses a roof-mounted LiDAR to scan terrain changes and automatically select the best drive mode. In short, Chery and JLR aim to blend the original Freelander's off-road heritage with modern Chinese expertise in sensors and software.

Inside, there's a wide display spanning nearly the entire dashboard, a separate central multimedia screen, and a row of physical buttons. That last detail matters: for a large SUV used daily, relying solely on touchscreen menus often falls short.

The Freelander 8 launches first in China, but Chery is already eyeing international markets, including Europe. A right-hand drive version is under development, making the UK a likely destination. Freelander boss Wen Fei stressed that export models won't simply be rebadged Chinese cars; they'll be tailored to each market.

If the plan succeeds, Freelander won't be a one-off nostalgia play but a full-fledged lineup: they promise a new model every six months for the next five years. The old British name is now attached to a very different project — heavy, electrified, and thoroughly Chinese in its development pace.