The Freelander makes its grand return!
- Published on 31/03/2026 16:23
- Modified on 31/03/2026 16:30
An electric adventure breeze is blowing through the automotive world: the Freelander is back, and it’s never been bolder!
After more than a decade of absence, the legendary Freelander name from Land Rover is resurrecting in 2026 in a completely reimagined form. The first model from the new independent brand born from the Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) joint venture was officially unveiled on March 31, 2026, in Shanghai.
An imposing and modern SUV
Unlike the urban compact of the 2000s, this new Freelander presents itself as a large three-row SUV with a six-seat configuration, closer in size to a Discovery than the old model. The images show robust lines inspired by the Defender: boxy look, generous ground clearance, and a strong presence on the road. The design blends Land Rover’s adventurous heritage with a modern and technological aesthetic, crafted to appeal to demanding Chinese consumers.
Under the hood, the revolution is electric: the first version is set to be a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) based on Chery’s T1X platform, featuring a 1.5L turbo engine paired with an electric motor. There are already talks of a powerful version flirting with 560 hp! 100% electric variants will follow, confirming CJLR’s ambition to position the Freelander as a complete range of “tech-savvy” and versatile vehicles, combining road comfort with light off-road capabilities. The starting price is estimated to be around 400,000 yuan (approximately €55,000), an accessible positioning for a premium vehicle.
A bold strategy for JLR
This revival is not insignificant. For Jaguar Land Rover, the partnership with the Chinese giant Chery allows it to conquer the Chinese market while developing electrified technologies at a lower cost.
The Freelander will not necessarily carry the Land Rover badge in all markets: it will become a fully-fledged brand, with export potential to Asia, the Middle East, and later, Europe. Qing Pan, head of JLR in China, speaks of a model that “echoes the original spirit of the Freelander” while being modernized for the electric era.
You might be interestedin this article:
This surprise return shakes up the family SUV segment. In the face of BYD, Toyota, and other Chinese rivals, the new Freelander bets on British prestige revisited by Chinese industrial efficiency. It remains to be seen if this successful marriage will persuade 4×4 purists… or if it will open a new accessible era for Land Rover adventure.
This page is translated from the original post "Le Freelander fait son grand retour !" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
