The Freelander name is back. First used in 1997, the badge is being revived not as a Land Rover model this time, but as an independent new-energy vehicle (NEV) sub-brand created by the Chery-JLR (CJLR) joint venture. The first model under the new brand is the Freelander 8, unveiled at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show.
The Freelander 8 sits on Chery’s modular iMAX platform. It measures just over 5,100 mm in length and 2,050 mm in width, making it longer and wider than today’s Land Rover Defender 110. It isn’t as tall as the Defender, standing at 1,898 mm tall versus 1,967 mm. Its wheelbase is 3,040 mm, a touch longer than the Defender 110’s 3,022 mm.
Under the iMAX framework, the Freelander 8 can run BEV (electric), PHEV (plug-in hybrid), or REEV (range-extended electric) powertrains, with rear- or all-wheel drive options. The REEV version uses an 800-volt architecture and a CATL Freevoy battery that supports DC fast charging of up to 350 kW.
On the adventure side, the Freelander 8 gets a front mechanical differential lock, a rear limited-slip differential, and a virtual centre lock. It also features a closed dual-chamber air suspension and rear-wheel steering.
Design-wise, the car is penned by Phil Simmons, who previously worked on the current Defender and the Range Rover Velar. Exterior styling borrows several cues from the original Freelander generations, most notably in the rear quarter windows.
Inside, details for the production model haven’t been released yet, but we know it will seat up to six people.
Production will take place at CJLR’s Changshu plant in China, with manufacturing set to begin in late 2026. While there’s no confirmation yet about bringing the Freelander 8 to South Africa, the model is planned for a global launch in 90 markets, in both left- and right-hand-drive configurations.
