Freelander 8 unveiled as plug-in hybrid SUV

Chery and Jaguar Land Rover’s Freelander brand has been officially launched at an event in China, with the first model revealed as the Freelander 8 SUV.

At the launch, the Freelander 8 was shown as the first of six vehicles planned from the joint venture over the next three years, with a new model expected every six months.

Unveiled as a plug-in hybrid, the Freelander 8 is an off-road SUV measuring about 5.1 metres in length and is expected to offer seating for up to seven occupants.

It is also expected to be offered with a fully electric powertrain and a ‘Super Hybrid’ range extender system, with both the plug-in hybrid and range extender variants likely to use Chery’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with electric motors.

The Freelander 8 features an electronic rear locking differential, a virtual centre lock, and dual-chamber air suspension, with multiple terrain modes expected to optimise ride comfort.

Design takes clear inspiration from the original Freelander, with a blocky front fascia and distinctive triangular rear windows, while the interior features a large screen spanning the width of the dashboard, a secondary lower screen for controls, and rotary dials.

Right-hand drive production has been confirmed, with more than 1000 prototypes planned for global testing.

Australia is confirmed to be part of that programme, suggesting a New Zealand introduction could follow.