The Freelander 8 SUV. Credit: Autohome Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member The Freelander 8 new energy SUV from Chery and Jaguar Land Rover made its live debut in China as it is getting ready for the imminent launch in H2 2026, shortly after the first teaser images were shared. The car’s interior was also revealed, offering a giant screen that crosses the center console. The Freelander 8 is a 5.1-meter off-roader with styling inspired by the iconic Land Rover Freelander first launched in 1997. The new vehicle stands on the previously released Concept 97 vehicle. It adopts a blocky shape with rectangular headlights, an active air intake, and glossy plastic trim around the body. The Freelander 8’s glass line resembles its ancestor. More about the Freelander 8 Other highlights of the car’s exterior include semi-hidden door handles, large side-view mirrors, roof racks, and a spoiler with a block of four integrated cameras. The car’s tailgate features a large Freelander engraving, complemented by the “8 Super” and “i-ATS” inscriptions. The new model also adopts the 896-line LiDAR sensor manufactured by Huawei and supports the ADS 4.1 assisted driving system. Freelander 8 Land Rover Freelander I The interior of the Freelander 8 was seen for the first time, revealing a large screen that sits on the center console. Previously, Chery introduced the same design feature on its body-on-frame Jetour G700 off-roader that already sells overseas. So, the Wuhu-based automaker applied an already tested solution here. The Freelander 8 has a large floating screen in the center console with a block of physical buttons. The Freelander 8 adopts the i-ATS system The car’s gear shifter sits behind the four-spoke oval-shaped two-tone steering wheel with a Freelander inscription. The center tunnel adopts two rotary selectors and a pair of wireless phone chargers. It was revealed that the Freelander 8 adopts Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8397 automotive-grade chip. It is reportedly used for real-time all-terrain data processing. Interior of the Freelander 8 The Freelander 8 was tested and verified on 20 types of terrain. The car can predict road conditions and plan the best passing strategy on a millisecond level. It has a front mechanical differential lock, a rear limited-slip differential, a virtual center lock, and a closed dual-chamber air suspension. However, Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) officials didn’t disclose any powertrain specs. Market context The CJLR-made products struggle in China in terms of sales. According to China EV DataTracker, this JV sold just 2,153 China-made Land Rover-branded cars in Q1 2026, down 38.5% Year-Over-Year. It was also revealed that the CJLR facility, with an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, will cease the production of all its models by the end of 2026, including the Range Rover Evoque, the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the Jaguar XFL, the Jaguar XEL, and the Jaguar E-Pace. Land Rover domestic deliveries in China. Credit: China EV DataTracker The joint venture will focus on the Freelander project, which is an independent brand with its own model line. Although it was initially positioned as a brand developed for the Chinese market only, it was later revealed that the CJLR plans to introduce Freelander-branded cars to customers in the Middle East. It was even announced that the Freelander brand will be first launched there in 2026. Back to the Freelander 8, it will have another presentation in June with the launch ceremony following shortly in the second half of 2026. The market performance of this vehicle will determine the future of the CJLR joint venture and will have an impact on the whole Jaguar Land Rover business.
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