Freelander has presented details of the Freelander 8 in China, ahead of the new JLR-Chery brand’s planned Australian launch in 2027. Australia and New Zealand are priorities for its right-hand-drive rollout, but local pricing, final specifications, warranty and servicing details, and an exact arrival date have not been announced. The model is shown in five- and six-seat layouts.
The international left-hand-drive plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.0-litre turbo engine with dual-motor all-wheel drive. Freelander quotes 460kW, 662Nm and a 0–100km/h time of 5.8 seconds. For the Middle East version, the stated figures include a 34.12kWh LFP battery, at least 110km of WLTC electric range and a combined range of at least 886km; a 20–80 per cent DC charge is said to take no more than 20 minutes. These figures may vary by market and trim, and Australian specifications remain unconfirmed.
The SUV measures 5118mm long and has a 3040mm wheelbase. Its equipment includes a 46.3-inch dashboard display, a separate 15.6-inch touchscreen and optional rear entertainment and refrigeration. Off-road features include height-adjustable dual-chamber air suspension, up to 266mm of ground clearance and a claimed 900mm wading depth. More than 30 driver-assistance functions are planned for the international model, with Australian availability still to be confirmed.
Freelander is being relaunched as a standalone brand through Chery Jaguar Land Rover, with production at the joint venture’s Changshu base in China. The company plans six SUVs over five years, with the 8 as its first model. After left-hand-drive markets including the Middle East, the rollout is set to move to right-hand-drive markets such as Australia and New Zealand.