The Freelander 8, the first model of the Freelander brand revived by the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover partnership, has been officially registered. Appearing in files from the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, this SUV stands out with its 5.1-meter length, 3.495 kg gross weight, and CATL battery; it also features Huawei-supported driving technologies.
The Freelander 8 symbolizes the rebirth of the Freelander brand and is appearing in official application processes in China as the first vehicle of this initiative. The model, which is also included in official regulatory applications within China after the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, is positioned as a luxury, technology-focused off-road SUV and is expected to be officially launched in the second half of 2026.
From a design perspective A box-shaped design with simple and sharp lines has been chosen. The closed front, vertically oriented body, and square headlight structure create a look that harmonizes with the wide surfaces, reinforcing its off-road character. Details such as the semi-hidden door handles, large side mirrors, roof rails, and rear spoiler with camera block, seen in previous presentations, are also noteworthy. The tailgate features the Freelander lettering along with the inscriptions 8 Super and i-ATS.
Official dimensions are listed as 5.118 mm or 5.185 mm in length, 2.050 mm in width, and 1.898 mm in height, depending on the configuration. The wheelbase is also 3.040 mm, the vehicle's curb weight is 2.980 kg, and its gross weight is 3.495 kg; these values place the vehicle just 5 kilograms under the 3,5-ton limit.
Body architecture and powertrain The Freelander 8 is built on the new iMax platform, supporting fully electric, range-extending, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Chinese market version features the standard 800V high-voltage EREV platform and utilizes the CATL-developed Freevoy hybrid battery, which boasts a maximum discharge of 6C and 350 kW of fast charging capacity.
Huawei plays a prominent role in intelligent driving systems. The Huawei Qiankun ADS V4.1 driving system, featuring a LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof, is one of the first vehicles to offer this system as standard. According to information shared by CnEVPost, the vehicle has an 896-channel LiDAR setup, with an optional roof-integrated LiDAR system also available.
The cockpit utilizes an infrastructure based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 automotive-grade processor; this makes the Freelander 8 one of the first mass-production models to use Snapdragon's new generation 8397 processor. The center console, seen in previous presentations, features a large screen, physical button blocks, a four-spoke oval steering wheel, and a layout that positions the gear selector behind it; it also includes comfort features such as two rotary controls and dual wireless phone charging ports.
In terms of land capability The i-ATS system stands out; the vehicle was tested on 20 different terrain types and can sense road conditions and determine the transition strategy in milliseconds. In terms of mechanical equipment, it includes features such as a front mechanical differential lock, rear limited-slip differential, virtual center lock, and closed dual-chamber air suspension.
The rebirth of the Freelander brand reflects a new phase in the collaboration between JLR and Chery. A letter of intent was signed in 2024, announcing the licensing of the Freelander brand to produce a new product family based on Chery's electric vehicle architecture. This approach is seen as part of a plan to gradually expand to global markets, starting with models sold in China.
Looking at current Land Rover sales in China, the brand has sold an average of around 1.000 vehicles per month over the past 12 months. The highest monthly sales figure was recorded in May 2025 with 1.297 units, while the lowest was in September 2025. Furthermore, it is noted that Chery Jaguar Land Rover sold 2.153 units of its Chinese-made Land Rover models in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 38,5% decrease year-on-year.
