The Freelander 8 is the first production model from the new Freelander brand, established through a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). The luxury range-extended electric SUV is designed to combine high performance, off-road capability and advanced intelligent vehicle technology as the newly repositioned brand expands into China’s new energy vehicle market.
The Freelander 8 will officially make its global debut in Beijing on September 3. It began pre-sales in China on August 14 with a starting price of 339,900 yuan ($50,120) before incentives. Updated prices announced on August 21 reduced the starting price to 329,900 yuan ($48,650).
Freelander 8 Pricing and Variants
The Freelander 8 is offered in three variants following incentives.
The Pro is priced at 329,900 yuan, while the Max costs 359,900 yuan. The range-topping Max+ is priced at 409,900 yuan.
The model generated more than 10,000 pre-orders within 48 hours of the beginning of pre-sales. However, such pre-orders are generally based on refundable deposits and should not be considered equivalent to confirmed vehicle deliveries.
Powertrain and Performance
The Freelander 8 uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder range extender combined with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.
The powertrain produces a combined maximum output of 610 kW (818 hp) and peak torque of 813 Nm.
The SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, giving it performance figures more commonly associated with high-performance vehicles than traditional large SUVs.
Battery and Electric Range
The Freelander 8 is equipped with a 60.3 kWh ternary lithium battery supplied by CATL.
The battery provides a claimed CLTC battery-only range of 310 km, allowing the vehicle to operate as an electric vehicle for shorter journeys before the range extender is required.
The vehicle is built on an 800-volt 6C high-voltage range-extended platform.
Freelander says the SUV can charge from 20% to 80% in as little as 12 minutes, giving the large SUV a particularly short charging window for its battery size.
Off-Road Hardware
Despite its luxury positioning, the Freelander 8 includes hardware designed to improve performance on challenging terrain.
The SUV features a 250 kW two-speed rear motor, allowing the electric drivetrain to provide different gearing characteristics for various driving conditions.
It also features ±10-degree rear-wheel steering, which can improve maneuverability and handling.
Additional hardware includes a closed-system dual-chamber air suspension and a mechanical front differential lock, providing greater traction and suspension capability for off-road driving.
Intelligent Driving and Computing
The Freelander 8 features Huawei Qiankun ADS 5, bringing Huawei’s intelligent driver-assistance technology to the new luxury SUV.
It is also among the first vehicles to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8397 automotive-grade chip.
According to the specifications provided, the Snapdragon 8397 delivers approximately three times the CPU and GPU performance of the previous-generation Snapdragon 8295 platform, while its NPU computing power is 12 times higher.
The combination of advanced computing hardware and Huawei’s driver-assistance system positions the Freelander 8 as a technology-focused model within the luxury SUV segment.
Dimensions and Seating
The Freelander 8 has a 3,040 mm wheelbase and measures 5,118 mm in length.
With optional equipment, its overall length increases to 5,185 mm.
The SUV is available in either a five-seat configuration or a 2+2+2 six-seat layout, giving customers different interior arrangements.
Interior and Comfort
The cabin features a 15.6-inch Mini LED central display and a large 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted rear screen.
The second row is available with zero-gravity seats, emphasizing passenger comfort in the luxury-oriented SUV.
The combination of multiple large displays and premium seating is intended to make the Freelander 8 suitable for both family transportation and long-distance travel.
Freelander Brand and JLR Connection
Freelander originally existed as a model line under Jaguar Land Rover. On March 31, it was repositioned as an independent brand focused on new energy vehicles.
The brand was developed through the joint venture between Chery and JLR, combining Chery’s new energy vehicle development capabilities with the Freelander name and JLR’s established automotive heritage.
Freelander plans to introduce six models over the next five years.
The first production Freelander 8 rolled off the assembly line at the Changshu plant in Jiangsu province on July 30, marking the beginning of production for the new brand.
International Expansion
The Freelander 8 is also expected to become the starting point for the brand’s international expansion.
Its first overseas version will be a left-hand-drive model for the Middle East, with a launch expected between the end of this year and early next year.
This gives the Freelander brand an initial pathway beyond China as it develops a broader portfolio of new energy vehicles.
Freelander 8 Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Freelander 8 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle type | Luxury range-extended SUV |
| Powertrain | EREV |
| Drive | Dual-motor all-wheel drive |
| Range extender | 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Combined power | 610 kW (818 hp) |
| Peak torque | 813 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.6 sec |
| Battery | 60.3 kWh ternary lithium |
| Battery supplier | CATL |
| CLTC battery-only range | 310 km |
| Electrical architecture | 800V 6C |
| Charging | 20%-80% in as little as 12 min |
| Rear motor | 250 kW, 2-speed |
| Rear-wheel steering | ±10 degrees |
| Suspension | Closed-system dual-chamber air suspension |
| Front differential | Mechanical locking differential |
| Wheelbase | 3,040 mm |
| Length | 5,118 mm |
| Length with optional equipment | 5,185 mm |
| Seating | 5 or 2+2+2 six-seat |
| Driver assistance | Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 |
| Computing platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 |
| Center display | 15.6-inch Mini LED |
| Rear display | 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted |
| Second-row seats | Zero-gravity |
| Starting price after incentives | 329,900 yuan |
| Top price after incentives | 409,900 yuan |
| Global launch | September 3 |
| First overseas market | Middle East |
Conclusion
The Freelander 8 gives the newly established Freelander brand a high-performance entry into China’s luxury range-extended SUV market. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivers 610 kW of power and 813 Nm of torque, while its 60.3 kWh CATL battery provides a claimed 310 km of CLTC electric range.
The SUV also combines an 800-volt 6C platform with charging from 20% to 80% in as little as 12 minutes, alongside off-road hardware such as a two-speed rear motor, rear-wheel steering, dual-chamber air suspension and a mechanical differential lock.
With Huawei Qiankun ADS 5, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8397 platform, a six-seat option and premium cabin technology, the Freelander 8 is positioned as a technology-heavy luxury SUV. Its launch also marks the first step in Freelander’s planned six-model expansion and the brand’s move toward international markets, beginning with the Middle East.
