JLR and Chery resurrect Freelander name for plug-in hybrid SUV
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover have resurrected the Freelander nameplate as a joint venture brand for electrified global markets, launching the Freelander 8 plug-in hybrid SUV with a 620-horsepower powertrain and a 46.3-inch interior display, according to Car and Driver.
Reviving an Off-Road Nameplate Through Joint Manufacturing
The Freelander badge once anchored Land Rover’s accessible off-road lineup before disappearing from the British brand’s catalog. Now, a direct collaboration between JLR and the Chery Group brings the moniker back as an independent automotive brand. Chery handles the electrified architecture behind models like Omoda and Jaecoo, while JLR retains ownership of the name and directs the vehicle design. The partnership previewed the design direction at the Beijing Auto Show with the Freelander Concept 97, which has now transitioned into the production-ready Freelander 8.
Freelander 8 Features Premium Dimensions and Signature Styling
The Freelander 8 measures 5.2 meters long, 2.1 meters wide, and 1.9 meters high, positioning it in the international premium segment. JLR retained signature design elements from the original model, including square headlamps featuring a distinct corner teardrop detail, a prominent front bumper, and a diagonal C-pillar line. Extended wheel arches house alloy wheels measuring up to 22 inches.
Cabin Layout and In-Car Display Technology
Inside the cabin, the dashboard houses a panoramic 8K resolution display spanning 46.3 inches across 1.2 meters, comparable in scope to modern BMW Neue Klasse layouts. The system manages driving metrics, navigation, environmental monitoring, and off-road configurations. A secondary 15.6-inch central touchscreen operates on a Qualcomm SA8295P processor, while rear passengers access an optional 17.3-inch roof-suspended screen. Physical buttons remain for essential cabin functions alongside a 256-color ambient lighting system. Seating arrangements feature an elevated first-row driving position, zero-gravity second-row seats, and a third row sized for adult passengers.
Hybrid Powertrain Delivers 620 Horsepower and Fast Charging
The plug-in hybrid drivetrain pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a 34 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and an all-wheel-drive system. Total output reaches 620 horsepower and 662 Nm of torque, driving the SUV from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.8 seconds. The powertrain delivers a combined driving range of 886 kilometers, with 110 kilometers available on battery power alone. Direct-current fast charging restores the battery from 20 to 80 percent in approximately 20 minutes. For rough terrain, the vehicle utilizes the i-ATS system, which supplies nine operational driving modes.
Freelander Will Release European Launch Schedules
Freelander will release complete specifications and market-by-market data in the coming months, including commercial launch schedules for Europe and Spain.
