Banned by Land Rover, the Freelander makes a surprise comeback in China!

JLR and Chery have just unveiled the Freelander 8, the very first model from the new independent brand Freelander.

Presented in recent days at an event parallel to Auto China 2026, this large three-row SUV is already generating a lot of buzz.

With a length of over 5.10 meters, the Freelander 8 adopts a square and robust look that recalls the spirit of the original Freelander, while embracing a completely new identity. There is no Land Rover badge on the bodywork: it is a standalone brand, born from a 50/50 joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery. The design, created by the JLR team, stays true to British DNA, while Chery manages engineering, production, and the integration of Chinese technologies at the Changshu factory.

Retro style, resolutely techno

On the technical side, this SUV is based on an 800-volt architecture and offers three powertrains: 100% electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). The batteries are supplied by CATL, featuring ultra-fast charging. Inside, there is a giant LED screen that spans the width of the windshield, the advanced autonomous driving system Huawei ADS 5, and a cabin focused on comfort and high-end technology.

This Freelander 8 marks the start of an ambitious offensive: no fewer than six models are planned over five years, with a new launch approximately every six months. Initial deliveries in China are expected as early as the second half of 2026, followed by a rapid international rollout, including in Europe and right-hand drive markets like the UK (expected in 2027).

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• 28/04/2026 13:08

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This smart partnership allows JLR to access competitive production costs and advanced Chinese technologies, while retaining its expertise in premium design. For Chery, it is an opportunity to upscale with British know-how. A great example of Sino-British collaboration that could shake up the segment of large electrified SUVs.

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