The Land Rover Freelander, which ended production in 2015, is making a comeback in 2026. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chery are launching Freelander as a new brand. Their first model is an all-electric SUV called the Freelander 8.
The Freelander 8 was shown at the Chery International Business Summit in Wuhu. Its design takes cues from the Concept 97, revealed last month.
A New Look for a Familiar Name
The new Freelander 8 has design elements that nod to the original 1997 Land Rover Freelander. These include a "castle body," a triangle window, interlocking headlights, floating taillights, and a dual-peak hood.
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Start Your News DetoxHowever, the Freelander 8 is much larger than its predecessor. It's a 200.7-inch (5.1-meter) long, three-row SUV. This size makes it more like a Defender 130, transforming it from an urban 4x4 into a full-sized family SUV. Phil Simmons, who designed the original Freelander, is also behind this new electric vehicle.
Inside, the Freelander 8 features a wide display screen. Below it are two rotary knobs, physical air conditioning controls, and a large infotainment touchscreen. The second row offers optional captain's chairs with built-in ottomans, heating, ventilation, massage, and a "zero gravity" recline. The third row has traditional twin seats, suitable for children.
Advanced Technology and Future Plans
The Freelander 8 includes a roof-mounted 896-line LiDAR system and Huawei ADS 5 intelligent driving assistance. It also has an intelligent all-terrain system called i-ATS. This system uses data from cameras and LiDAR to recognize terrain and adjust the driving experience.
The vehicle is built on a new platform that supports battery electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and extended-range versions. The battery system, developed with CATL, has a peak charging capacity of 350 kW and a charging performance of up to 6C. While it's a new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, it's expected to offer both electric and plug-in hybrid options. The prototype shown has dual ports for gasoline and charging.
This Freelander 8 is a production-intent prototype, not a final production model. It will launch in China in the second half of 2026, with a global release to follow.
The new Freelander 8 shows how much the brand has changed. The original was compact and unpretentious. This new SUV is larger, more advanced, and packed with technology. While it has design cues from the past, its focus is on modern features and a global market. The Freelander name provides familiarity in a crowded SUV market.
Deep Dive & References: Chery-JLR Freelander 8 unveiled with Huawei ADS 5 and CATL 6C charging - Car News China, 2026
