Chery and Jaguar Land Rover presented the Freelander 8 at the 2026 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China, giving the international five-seat version its first public showing. The model joins a six-seat configuration, and Freelander is being established as a standalone brand. The SUV was first revealed in Abu Dhabi on September 29, 2026. JLR is responsible for design, while Chery contributes vehicle technology and global supply-chain support.
For Middle Eastern versions, the plug-in hybrid system combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, a 34.12 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery and two electric motors driving all four wheels. Combined output is 460 kW and 662 Nm, with a claimed 0–100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds. The stated electric-only range is 110 km, while the claimed combined range is 886 km. Charging options include 11 kW AC and DC fast charging from 20 to 80 percent in a claimed 20 minutes.
The Freelander 8 also has dual-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers and up to 266 mm of ground clearance. Its all-terrain controls offer nine drive modes; the maker says it can tackle 35-degree gradients and ford water up to 900 mm deep. Cabin technology includes a 46.3-inch Mini LED display, a Qualcomm SA8295P processor and Level 2+ driver assistance.
The rollout is planned in three stages, beginning in the UAE in early 2027, then moving to left-hand-drive markets and, in the second phase, right-hand-drive regions led by Australia and New Zealand. Continental Europe, the UK and Ireland are planned for the final stage. South African availability has not been confirmed; Chery says it intends to introduce the brand in 90 countries.