- The Freelander 8 is an extended-range SUV, measuring 5,118 mm in length with a curb weight of 2,980 kg.
- The model is expected to be launched in China in the second half of this year.
(A filing image of the Freelander 8.)
The reborn Freelander brand has filed for its first model in China, marking a crucial step in the electrification transition of the joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover.
The new model, officially named the Freelander 8, is an extended-range SUV (sport utility vehicle) that entered a declaration catalog of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Saturday.
It measures 5,118 mm (5,185 mm as an option) in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,898 mm in height, with a wheelbase reaching 3,040 mm, according to its filing information.
The all-terrain SUV, which adopts a classic boxy design, has a curb weight of 2,980 kg.
It is a six-seater model equipped with a 1.5-liter engine produced by Chery as a range extender. The engine has a maximum net power of 105 kW and a declared fuel consumption of 0.76 L/100 km.
The filing showed that the model will use ternary lithium batteries provided by CATL (HKG: 3750).
According to previous official information, the peak charging rate of this all-terrain dedicated battery reaches 6C.
The new car will come standard with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS smart driving system across all trims, and will be equipped with an 896-channel LiDAR to enhance autonomous driving capabilities. Consumers can opt for a roof-integrated LiDAR.
The model is developed based on the new iMax platform architecture and will also be one of the first mass-produced models globally to be equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon’s latest generation 8397 automotive-grade chip.
Freelander was originally a classic model line under Jaguar Land Rover. It was officially upgraded to an independent brand dedicated to new energy by its joint venture with Chery on March 31 this year.
The brand plans to intensively release six new EV models to the Chinese and global markets over the next five years. The first model is expected to make its debut in the Chinese market in the second half of this year.
To support this massive product lineup, the joint venture will add an investment of 3 billion yuan ($441 million) to its manufacturing plant in Changshu, Jiangsu province. The funds will be primarily used for production line upgrades.
Freelander’s global headquarters is located in Shanghai, and it has already completed the signing of over 60 stores in 50 cities across China.
The revived Freelander brand from Chery and Jaguar Land Rover released official images of its first production model, officially named the Freelander 8.
($1 = 6.8006 yuan)
