Chery-JLR's Freelander 8 EREV SUV debuts in China on September 3 before global rollout

Freelander, the nameplate revived under the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture, has confirmed a September 3 Chinese launch for its new flagship, the Freelander 8. The model brings back a name Land Rover retired in 2014 when the Discovery Sport arrived, and prototypes have already been spotted road testing in the UAE, pointing to an international expansion after the domestic debut.

During the presale stage, the SUV was listed at 339,900–459,900 yuan (about $50,580–68,440). As a range-extender electric vehicle, it uses a 1.5-liter engine to feed a 60.3 kWh LFP battery that delivers 310 km of CLTC electric driving. Dual motors drive all four wheels with 610 kW (818 hp) and 813 Nm, enabling a 4.6-second run from 0 to 100 km/h.

Measuring 5,118 mm long with a 3,040 mm wheelbase, the new crossover is 736 mm longer than the original Freelander. Its chassis kit includes dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering that trims the turning circle to 5.15 meters, 220 mm of ground clearance, a 2,000 kg towing capacity, and 21- or 22-inch wheels shod exclusively with Pirelli P Zero Elect tires.

Inside, buyers can pick five- or six-seat layouts. A 46.3-inch panel spanning the base of the windshield serves as the instrument display, while a 15.6-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Huawei HiCar support. Second-row passengers receive 16-point massage seats, and the cabin also packs a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen, folding tables, and a 10-liter fridge.