Chery-JLR Freelander 8 electric SUV revealed

The Freelander nameplate has been revived with the reveal of the Freelander 8, a large electrified SUV co-developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), but Australian showroom arrivals have not yet been confirmed.

The Freelander 8 is the first production model from the newly established Freelander brand, a joint venture between Chinese automotive giant Chery and JLR.

The brand sits outside both companies’ existing line-ups and is focused exclusively on electric and hybrid SUVs for global markets.

Revealed as a production-intent model at a standalone event in China, the Freelander 8 follows the design direction previewed by the earlier Concept 97.

It adopts a boxy, upright SUV silhouette, with design cues referencing the original Freelander, including the signature triangular rear quarter window and geometric lighting elements.

Despite its chunky proportions, overseas reports suggest the Freelander 8 measures around 5.1 metres in length, making it larger than a Toyota Prado and comparable in footprint to a Land Rover Defender 110.

The vehicle features three rows of seating, with six or seven seats depending on configuration.

Interior images have not been officially released, however photographs taken at the reveal show a wide digital display spanning the dashboard, paired with a large central infotainment screen and physical controls beneath.

Second-row ‘zero gravity’ seats are fitted, while infotainment and driver assistance systems are powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 processor.

The Freelander 8 will be offered with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and range-extender drivetrains.

The range-extender variant uses a petrol engine solely as a generator to recharge the battery, rather than driving the wheels directly, and is claimed to support ultra-fast charging of up to 360kW.

Off-road capability is a key focus, with technology replacing traditional mechanical hardware.

Features include a limited-slip rear differential with a virtual centre lock, dual-chamber air suspension, and an i-ATS all-terrain drive-mode system that can adapt to surface changes in real time.

Production of the Freelander 8 will take place at Chery’s joint-venture factory with JLR in Changshu, China, while the British brand has led the vehicle’s design and development.

Freelander says around 1000 prototypes will be deployed globally, including in Australia, ahead of a staged international rollout beginning in the Middle East.

That said, a local launch has not been locked in but it's understood to be a case of when, not 'if' it happens.

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