Revival of the Freelander: Chinese-British SUV ready for the global market
Just a few weeks after the Freelander brand was revived with an impressive concept jointly created by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, the production version of the vehicle was fully unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show. Officially named the Freelander 8, it will be sold worldwide, including left-hand drive and right-hand drive versions.
Platform and technical specifications
The Freelander 8 is based on the new company’s own iMAX platform, which is flexible enough to support battery electric vehicles, range-extended electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Although many important details about it remain unknown, we do know that it is longer, taller, and wider than the Land Rover Defender 110, and it may start poaching customers from that model.
Land Rover let the Freelander go. China brought it back as an electrified SUV
Design and exterior
The design of the new model largely follows the Concept 97, which is undoubtedly a positive aspect. At the front, there is a pair of intriguing square headlights, while the traditional radiator grille is absent. Instead, there are small black air intakes on the bumper. A lidar sensor has also been added above the windshield.
Several official photos of the Freelander 8 have also been published, showing that it features darkened flared wheel arches like the concept, as well as a set of rugged side sills. It also sits on a set of intriguing black-and-silver wheels and has roof rails. Although the concept had rear doors that opened in the opposite direction of travel, the production model has abandoned them in favor of conventional doors, which is unfortunate.
Other design features
Other intriguing design elements of the Freelander 8 include an angled D-pillar reminiscent of the old three-door Freelander. The rear is quite simple, with a darkened roof spoiler, black bumper accents, and small rear lights.
Interior and technology
The newly formed company has not yet published photos of the SUV’s interior but says it will include the largest ‘mini-LED integrated screen’ in its segment, likely similar to the pillar-to-pillar display in the Concept 97’s cabin. There will also be so-called ‘zero-gravity’ seats up front.
Technical specifications and future
Technical specifications have not yet been confirmed, but we know that all models use an 800-volt electrical architecture. Battery electric motors will support charging speeds of up to 350 kW.
More is expected from the new Freelander brand by JLR. It plans to launch six production models over the next five years, many of which will be sold in other markets. Unfortunately, the United States is not expected to be among them.
Freelander Concept 97
The revival of the Freelander under the joint JLR and Chery brand is a strategic move aimed at combining British design and engineering with Chinese technology and production capabilities. The use of the versatile iMAX platform, which supports various types of electrified powertrains, reflects the company’s commitment to meeting modern environmental requirements and market demands. The abandonment of the traditional radiator grille and the integration of lidar underscore a focus on aerodynamics and autonomous driving technologies. Although some design decisions, such as the replacement of the rear doors, may be controversial, the overall direction of the brand’s development looks promising, especially given the plans to launch six models in five years. The absence of plans for the US market may be due to trade barriers or a strategic focus on other key markets, such as Europe and Asia.