by A New Interpretation of a Classic
The Freelander name has returned, now as a sub-brand, although the Concept 97 clearly points to a large three-row SUV. However, not everyone likes this direction. Independent digital artist Sugar Design took a different path, imagining something smaller, lighter, and much more in line with the spirit of the original 1997 Land Rover Freelander.
This reworked SUV retains the core design language of the Freelander Concept 97 but shrinks it with a significantly shorter wheelbase. It abandons modern flush door handles in favor of conventional ones and becomes a two-door, giving it the look of a cheeky counterpart to the Land Rover Defender 90.
The details here do the heavy lifting. The triangular rear side windows and the characteristic diagonal pillar are brought forward, recreating the proportions of the original. Up front, the graphics of the LED headlights nod to the past, while the black plastic cladding at the bottom effortlessly ties it to the revived Freelander.
Illustrations by Sugar Design / Instagram
Rear Design and Details
The rear design mirrors the Concept 97 and has a barely noticeable impression, similar to a Volvo. This look is largely due to the extended black pillars, hidden LED taillights, and a smoothly curved profile inspired by the Defender.
Sugar Design’s renders depict the Freelander with a removable hardtop that integrates a spoiler. The original, however, was also offered in a “Softback” version with a fabric roof. One noticeably missing detail here is the rear-mounted spare wheel, which might have looked out of place due to the size of the alloy wheels.
The concept also raises an interesting possibility. A short-wheelbase, open-top Freelander could potentially serve as a lifestyle pickup with folding or removable rear seats.
Will It Be Produced?
Illustrations by Sugar Design / Instagram
Recent spy shots and leaked photos suggest that the first production model of the new Freelander brand will be a large five-door, three-row SUV, essentially a toned-down version of the Concept 97. However, this will only be the beginning of a full lineup of electrified SUVs planned for sale in China and global markets.
More specifically, the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture has confirmed six Freelander model launches over the next five years. An official teaser showing silhouettes hints that at least two of these models will have more compact dimensions.
Three-door SUVs have become rare, but there is still room for optimism. Something like this compact open-top interpretation could still find its way into production.
The return of the Freelander name as a separate brand opens up interesting prospects for the company. While the first official steps are aimed at the large family SUV market, digital concepts like the work of Sugar Design demonstrate the community’s lively interest in more adventurous and compact form factors that were defining for the original model. Market conditions, especially in Europe where compact and eco-friendly models are gaining popularity, could create an environment where such an interpretation finds its buyer. The success of the lineup may depend on the brand’s ability to balance mass-market trends with authentic heritage, leaving room for unexpected and bold decisions in the future.
