Freelander 8 unveiled as Chery JLR’s first of six upcoming models
Chery JLR unveils the Freelander 8, a production SUV closely based on Concept 97, marking the start of a six-model Freelander lineup rollout
Chery JLR has taken the covers off the first production model under the Freelander brand, called the Freelander 8. The SUV is based on Concept 97, which was revealed earlier. The launch marks the arrival of six other models that will debut under the Freelander brand over the next five years.
The Freelander 8’s design does not stray far from that of the Concept 97. It also pays homage to the original Freelander with its triangular glass arrangements. The concept featured suicide doors, which would have been a bit much for an SUV, so they have been replaced with conventional doors in the production version. The dual-tone alloy wheel design has been carried over from the concept, along with Freelander branding on the grille and the tailgate.
More from AutoChery JLR will feature a dash-integrated mini LED screen, as seen on the concept. The car is also expected to get an infotainment screen that stretches across the breadth of the dashboard. The automaker has also told Autocar that the Freelander gets elevated front-row seats offering a commanding view of the road ahead, and zero-gravity rear seats, which suggests high recline angles for enhanced comfort in the second row. The Freelander 8 will come in a six-seat configuration.
The Freelander 8 has been developed on a dedicated platform that can adapt to electric, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender powertrains. While specifications have not been revealed, the electric versions will sit on an 800V architecture. ADAS duties will be handled by a Huawei-developed system, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 chip. The Freelander 8 is likely to arrive in the second half of 2026. It will be announced in China first, followed by a global rollout much later.
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