The unique Land Rover Freelander might have died after simply two generations in 2015, however that hasn’t stopped Jaguar Land Rover from reviving the nameplate now in 2026. Besides it’s not a standalone SUV, with Chery-JLR launching Freelander as a full-fledged model.
Known as the 8, the very first mannequin from the newfound model just about continues the design course of the Idea 97, which was revealed final month. It was revealed on the Chery Worldwide Enterprise Summit in Wuhu.
Its design will drive quite a lot of opinions, each methods, as can already be seen. On one hand, it has the identical “fort physique,” the signature triangle window, interlocking headlights, floating taillights, and the dual-peak hood as the unique Land Rover Freelander in 1997.
Freelander / Cherr-JLR
Then again, the brand new Freelander 8 is a 200.7-inch (5.1-meter) lengthy, three-row SUV — a lot nearer to a Defender 130 in footprint than the unique Freelander. That successfully takes it from an city 4×4 to a full-blown household SUV with correct street presence.
However the good factor is that design hub director Phil Simmons – the one who was behind the unique Freelander and the L322 Vary Rover – is behind the brand new three-row EV. Inside, although, issues are fairly modified.
It sports activities a widescreen show that extends all the way in which, just like the Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show seen within the new BMW iX3 and i3. Beneath this show are two rotary knobs, a row of bodily (thank god!) air con controls, and a large infotainment touchscreen.
Within the second row, you’ll be able to go for twin captain’s chairs with built-in ottomans, heated, ventilated, and therapeutic massage options, in addition to a one-touch “zero gravity” recline choice. In distinction, the third row sports activities conventional twin seats, which needs to be greater than comfy for youths on the very least. In fact, the Freelander badging is slapped throughout as a lot as doable – as a result of, why not?
Freelander / Cherr-JLR
On the tech facet of issues, the car comes with a roof-mounted 896-line LiDAR system and Huawei ADS 5 clever driving help. It is going to additionally come linked to an clever all-terrain system known as i-ATS, which mixes knowledge from binocular cameras and LiDAR to acknowledge the terrain and tailor the driving expertise.
As for the motor, it’s primarily based on a brand new devoted platform, which helps BEV, PHEV, and extended-range variations. All we all know for now could be that the battery system, which was developed in collaboration with CATL, has a peak charging capability of 350 kW and a charging efficiency of as much as 6C.
Though Freelander has been established as a brand new power car (NEV) model, it’s anticipated that it is going to be out there in electrical and plug-in hybrid variations (the prototype you see right here has twin ports for gasoline and charging). Nonetheless, no technical specifics have been disclosed but.
Remember that this isn’t a series-production mannequin, however reasonably a production-intent prototype. The Freelander 8 is ready to debut in China within the second half of 2026, adopted by a world rollout thereafter.
Freelander / Cherr-JLR
What the Freelander 8 actually proves is how far the concept of a “Freelander” has drifted from the place it began. The unique was trustworthy to a fault. It was compact, a bit awkward, and refreshingly unpretentious in the way in which it went about its enterprise.
This new SUV looks like it’s been briefed for a completely totally different viewers. It’s greater, sharper, loaded with tech, and way more deliberate concerning the picture it needs to mission. You’ll be able to nonetheless spot the nods to the previous in case you look intently, however they really feel extra like design Easter eggs than the inspiration of the automobile’s identification.
And perhaps that’s the purpose. The Freelander badge right here isn’t about continuity; it’s about familiarity. In a market flooded with nameless, tech-heavy SUVs, a recognized identify provides this Chery–JLR creation a head begin. However peel that layer away, and what you’re left with is a really trendy, very international product that’s much less involved with off-road heritage and extra targeted on screens, software program, and scale.
Freelander / Cherr-JLR
Don’t neglect that Western markets already boast a ton of massive SUVs with electrical drivetrains. Certain, the obvious range-extender might quickly set it aside, however big-name producers are already making investments in REEVs. Does that imply the Freelander 8 may be just a few years too late? What’s your take?
Through: Car News China
