by Revived Freelander: First production SUV presented in Beijing
Just a few weeks after the Freelander name was brought back to life by an impressive concept from Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, the production version has already been fully presented at the Beijing Auto Show. The model is officially called the Freelander 8, and it is preparing to enter global markets. The manufacturer plans to produce both left-hand drive and right-hand drive versions.
iMAX platform and powertrains
The Freelander 8 is based on the new company’s own iMAX platform. This platform is flexible and supports different types of powertrains: fully electric (EV), extended-range electric vehicles (EREV), and plug-in hybrids (PHEV). Although many important technical details remain unknown, it is already known that the new SUV is longer, taller, and wider than the Land Rover Defender 110. This could allow it to attract some buyers away from that model.
Read also: Land Rover released the Freelander. China brought it back as an electrified SUV
Design: From concept to production
The design of the new model largely follows the Concept 97 concept, which is an undoubted plus. At the front, interesting square headlights are installed, and the traditional radiator grille is absent. Instead, small black air intakes are located on the bumper. A LiDAR is also added above the windshield.
Published official photos of the Freelander 8 show that the production model has retained the darkened extended wheel arches, like the concept, as well as massive side sills. The car sits on interesting black-and-silver wheels and has roof rails. Unfortunately, unlike the concept, the production version has abandoned the rear-hinged back doors in favor of conventional ones.
Other features and interior
Among other interesting design solutions of the Freelander 8 is the angled D-pillar, which resembles the old three-door Freelander. The rear end is quite concise: a darkened roof spoiler, black accents on the bumper, and small taillights.
The newly formed company has not yet released photos of the interior, but reports that it will receive the largest “integrated Mini LED screen” in its segment. It is likely to resemble the pillar-to-pillar display in the Concept 97’s cabin. So-called “zero-gravity seats” will also be installed in the front.
Technical specifications and plans
Technical specifications have not yet been confirmed, but it is known that all models use an 800-volt electrical architecture. Battery electric versions will support charging speeds of up to 350 kW.
The new Freelander brand from JLR has ambitious plans. Over the next five years, it plans to launch six production models, many of which will be sold in other markets. Unfortunately, the United States is likely not to be among them.
The revival of the Freelander brand in collaboration with Chinese manufacturer Chery is a strategic move for Jaguar Land Rover, allowing the company to enter the electric vehicle market faster, especially in China. The use of its own iMAX platform and flexibility in choosing powertrains (EV, EREV, PHEV) indicates a desire to reach a wide audience. The abandonment of some conceptual solutions, such as rear-hinged doors, is typical for production, but the preservation of the overall styling and key technologies, such as the 800-volt architecture and LiDAR, makes the Freelander 8 a competitive player in the premium electrified SUV market. The lack of plans for the US market may be due to trade barriers or a different market strategy focused on Europe, China, and other regions.
