Chery and Land Rover’s Freelander 8 project finally gets a global rollout strategy and more details surrounding the new PHEV drivetrain system…
Chery is expanding its global footprint through a joint venture with British automaker Land Rover. The two companies recently showcased the Freelander 8 at the 2026 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China. The event featured the first public appearance of the international five-seater model. This version joins the six-seater model to give buyers two layout options. First revealed in Abu Dhabi on 29 September 2026, the vehicle introduces Freelander as a standalone brand. JLR leads the design work, while Chery provides vehicle technology and global supply chain support. The Middle East serves as the initial launch pad for the brand.
- Also read: Chery-JLR Freelander 8 interior revealed
Chery and JLR’s new powerful PHEV system
The Freelander 8 combines daily usability with long-distance capability and off-road strength. Middle Eastern models pair a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a 34.12 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack. Dual electric motors power all four wheels to deliver a combined system output of 460 kW and 662 N.m of torque. Consequently, the SUV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 5.8 seconds. Drivers can cover 110 km on electric power alone. Total range reaches 886 km with a full tank and a charged battery. However, real-world driving conditions affect these combined figures. An 11 kW AC charger powers the battery at home. Alternatively, DC fast charging replenishes the battery from 20-80% in a claimed 20 minutes.
The Land Rover Freelander 8 is built with off-roading in mind
Dual-chamber air suspension and adaptive dampers adjust to changing road surfaces. Furthermore, these systems maintain ride comfort while providing up to 266 mm of ground clearance. A virtual centre differential lock and an electronic limited-slip differential manage torque to keep the vehicle moving on loose surfaces. The Intelligent All-Terrain System connects the powertrain and chassis controls across nine drive modes. The setup includes seven terrain programmes alongside Smart and Expert modes. As a result, the Freelander 8 climbs 35-degree gradients and wades through 900 mm of water. Engineers validated these systems using 1 000 test vehicles over 2.15 million kilometres.
Embracing the digital age from the driver’s seat
A Qualcomm SA8295P processor drives the digital cabin systems and the 46.3-inch Mini LED display. Moreover, Level 2+ driver assistance includes over 30 safety functions as standard equipment. Selected markets will also receive automated valet parking where regulations permit. Additionally, an AI voice assistant uses large language models to deliver natural speech interaction.
The Land Rover Freelander 8’s global rollout strategy and local availability
The international release of the Freelander brand follows a three-stage plan. Phase one starts in the UAE in early 2027 before expanding across left-hand-drive markets. Right-hand-drive markets follow in phase two, with Australia and New Zealand taking priority. Phase three brings the brand to continental Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Meanwhile, local distributors have not confirmed South African availability.
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