Key highlights
- Chery-JLR Freelander 8 exterior revealed
- To get petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV powertrains
- Global launch expected by late 2026
Chery-JLR’s partnership is advancing with a new brand called Freelander. The Freelander nameplate takes inspiration from the original first-gen Freelander model, and it will launch 6 models in the next 5 years, with the Freelander 8 as its first production model.
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Chery-JLR Freelander 8: Everything we know so far
While the Chery-JLR partnership is nearly 14 years old, both carmakers have revealed their new nameplate under which they plan to launch new-age SUVs. This nameplate is called Freelander, and a few weeks ago, its first Concept 97 prototype model was unveiled.
Now, the ongoing Auto China Show 2026, aka Beijing Motor Show 2026, has become the reveal ground for the Freelander brand as the “8” SUV breaks cover. It will be the first model of the Freelander nameplate, and Chery-JLR plans to launch 6 other SUVs under the same brand in the next 5 years.
The production model of the Concept 97, called Freelander 8, boasts a conventional SUV design with modern bits. The front fascia features squared-off LED headlamps, a closed grille with Freelander lettering, and vertical air dams on the bumper with a mid-mounted skid plate.
The side profile features the dual-tone alloys with a tri-star shape and conventional door handles. The rooftop is mounted with functional roof rails to mount luggage, while the unique rear quarter glass design resembles the original Freelander model.
At the rear, it features the vertically-mounted LED taillights and a clean design with Freelander lettering on the boot. The Freelander 8 is 5.1 metres in length, which positions it between the Defender 110 and Defender 130.
Similar to the Range Rover nameplate sold by Land Rover, the Freelander brand will be an international SUV brand focusing on ruggedness and off-roading capabilities. While the interior is yet to be revealed, official information states that the cabin layout will be largely similar to the Concept 97 prototype.
The production-spec Freelander 8 will offer a windscreen full-width display that will show the vehicle analytics, navigation, road conditions ahead, and weather information. A vertically-mounted floating infotainment screen will also be offered with features like LiDAR-based autonomous safety suite.
The Freelander 8 is likely to hit the roads in China later this year. It will be subsequently introduced in the other markets like the Middle East.
