Freelander 8: Specs, Price, Range and Global Launch

Release Date : 2026-08-21

Views :

Chery and JLR revive the Freelander name with a new 818-hp luxury SUV — launching in the Middle East this September, Europe and Australia in 2027.

The Freelander 8 opened for pre-orders in China on August 14, 2026, and debuts at the Chengdu Auto Show on August 21. It is the first model from a standalone Freelander brand jointly developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The vehicle carries no Land Rover badge — it operates as an independent marque, separate from both JLR's Range Rover/Defender/Discovery/Jaguar portfolio and Chery's own brand matrix.

The Freelander 8 launches with 818 hp, 800-volt architecture, 310 km pure-electric range (CLTC), and a synchronized global rollout: left-hand-drive, right-hand-drive, and EU-specific versions engineered from the outset. The UAE receives the first international units in September 2026, with Europe and Australia following in 2027.

What Is the Freelander 8?

The Freelander name originally belonged to Land Rover. The first-generation Land Rover Freelander launched in 1997 and became Europe's best-selling SUV for several consecutive years before being replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2015.
In June 2024, JLR and Chery signed a letter of intent to build vehicles on Chery's E0X platform under the Freelander marque. JLR's UK design team, led by chief creative officer Gerry McGovern and global design director Phil Simmons, handled exterior and interior design. Chery supplied the platform, powertrain, and intelligent-driving stack.

The Freelander brand officially launched in Shanghai on March 31, 2026. The production Freelander 8 was revealed on April 25, and the first mass-production unit rolled off the line in July 2026. (Autocar)
The Freelander 8 is manufactured at the Chery-JLR plant in Changshu, Jiangsu province — JLR's first full-scale vehicle factory outside the United Kingdom. The facility received a 3 billion yuan ($420 million) investment for NEV production and has an annual capacity of 200,000 units. (China Daily)

Freelander 8 Specs and Performance

Specification	Value
Powertrain	EREV (range-extended electric)
Total power	610 kW / 818 hp
Total torque	813 Nm
0-100 km/h	4.6 seconds
Battery	CATL Freevoy NMC, 60.3 kWh
Pure-electric range	310 km (CLTC)
Charging	800V platform, 6C, 20-80% in 12 min (peak 350-360 kW)
Range extender	1.5T turbo four-cylinder, 115 kW (154 hp)
Drive	Dual-motor AWD
Rear motor	250 kW (335 hp), two-speed gearbox, 8,000 Nm wheel-end torque
Dimensions	5,118 x 2,050 x 1,898 mm
Wheelbase	3,040 mm
Braking	Six-piston calipers, 404-mm discs, 35.7 m from 100 km/h
Off-road	i-ATS (virtual front/centre/rear locks), dual-chamber air suspension
Steering	Rear-wheel steering, +/-10 degrees (crab-walk mode)
BEV/PHEV	Confirmed for later release

The 800-volt platform supports 6C fast charging, replenishing the battery from 20% to 80% in 12 minutes at a peak rate of 350-360 kW. The 310 km pure-electric range is rated under the CLTC cycle; real-world range under WLTP or EPA conditions will be lower. Buyers in international markets should expect official WLTP figures when the EU-spec version launches in 2027.

Freelander 8 Price and Configurations

Pre-sale prices in China range from 339,900 yuan (approximately $50,000) to 449,900 yuan (approximately $66,200), according to CarNewsChina. International pricing has not yet been announced.

Configuration	Pre-Sale Price (CNY)	Approx. USD	Seats
Large Five-Seater	339,900	~$50,000	5
Pro Edition	349,900	~$51,500	6
Max Edition	379,900	~$55,900	6
Max+ Edition	429,900	~$63,200	6
First Edition	449,900 (promo)	~$66,200	6 (limited 1,000 units)

Design and Interior

The exterior draws on the 1997 original: a diagonal D-pillar echoes the three-door Freelander's removable hardtop, and black trim beneath the headlights references the 2003 facelift. Aluminium finishes on the hood, grille, and skid plate reinforce the Land Rover design vocabulary. Three exclusive colours are offered: Thermal Lemon Gold, Streaming Silver, and Twilight Purple.

Interior features include a 46.3-inch panoramic dashboard display, a 15.6-inch centre touchscreen, a 17.3-inch rear entertainment screen, and a 10-litre centre-console refrigerator. Second-row captain's chairs offer zero-gravity recline, heating, ventilation, and 16-point massage. The Freelander 8 also uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8397 automotive chipset and Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5 driver-assistance system, supported by an 896-line roof LiDAR and 33 high-performance sensors.

Global Launch: Where and When

Unlike most Chinese EVs that launch domestically first and export later, the Freelander 8 was engineered from the start as a global vehicle. Three regional variants — left-hand drive, right-hand drive, and a dedicated European specification — are built on a single global architecture designed to meet every major regulatory standard (CarExpert).

Freelander has 1,000 prototype vehicles undergoing testing worldwide, including in the UAE (The Electric Viking) and Australia. Overseas retail channels will be independent of JLR's existing dealer networks.

Market	Version	Expected Launch
China	Domestic	August 2026 pre-sales, Q4 deliveries
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait)	Left-hand drive	September 2026 (UAE first)
Europe (27 EU markets)	EU-specific spec	2027
Australia, UK, Southeast Asia	Right-hand drive	2027
South America	Regional spec	TBD

CEO Wen Fei stated: "We are not exporting a Chinese car to the world. We are building a world car, for the world, from the very beginning." Exported models will be bespoke regional derivatives, not adapted versions of the Chinese-market car. The brand plans six new models over the next five years, covering BEV, PHEV, and EREV powertrains.

FAQ

What is the Freelander 8?

The Freelander 8 is a full-size luxury all-terrain SUV and the first production model from the Freelander brand, jointly developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Pre-sales opened in China on August 14, 2026.

Is the Freelander 8 a Land Rover?

No. The Freelander 8 carries no Land Rover badge and operates as an independent brand, separate from JLR's Range Rover, Defender, Discovery, and Jaguar lineup. Its design was led by JLR's UK team, and the name references the Land Rover Freelander sold from 1997 to 2015.

How much does the Freelander 8 cost?

In China, pre-sale prices range from 339,900 yuan (~$50,000) to 449,900 yuan (~$66,200). International pricing has not yet been announced. Contact us for the latest updates on regional pricing.

When will the Freelander 8 be available internationally?

The Middle East (UAE first) will receive the Freelander 8 in September 2026. Europe is expected in 2027, followed by Australia, the UK, and Southeast Asia in the same year. South American markets are pending confirmation.

Which countries will receive the Freelander 8 first?

The UAE is the first international market, followed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Europe (27 EU markets) and right-hand-drive markets (Australia, UK, Southeast Asia) follow in 2027.

Is the Freelander 8 available for export?

Yes. The Freelander 8 is engineered as a global vehicle with dedicated left-hand-drive, right-hand-drive, and EU-specific versions. Freelander's overseas retail channels are independent of JLR's existing dealer networks.

What is the Freelander 8 price in the UAE?

Pricing for the UAE and other Middle East markets has not yet been officially announced. Pre-sale prices in China range from approximately $50,000 to $66,200. Register below to receive regional pricing as soon as it is confirmed.

Is the Freelander 8 left-hand drive or right-hand drive?

Both. The Freelander 8 is engineered in three regional variants: left-hand drive (Middle East, South America), right-hand drive (Australia, UK, Southeast Asia), and a dedicated EU specification (Europe). All variants are built on a single global architecture.

Can dealers inquire about international distribution?

Yes. Freelander is building an independent global dealer network with dedicated regional specifications. Dealers and distributors interested in availability in their market can contact our partnerships team below.

What battery and charging does the Freelander 8 use?

The EREV version uses a 60.3 kWh CATL Freevoy NMC battery pack. The 800-volt platform supports 6C fast charging, bringing the battery from 20% to 80% in 12 minutes at a peak of 350-360 kW. Pure-electric range is 310 km under the CLTC cycle.

How fast is the Freelander 8?

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 610 kW (818 hp) and 813 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Request Freelander 8 International Pricing and Availability
Receive regional specifications, pricing, and launch timelines for your market. Dealers and distributors can also inquire about international distribution opportunities.
Chat with us on WhatsApp — we respond within one business day.

BYD Da Han vs Tesla Model S: 1,008 km Range at Half the Price

Back to list