2026 Freelander 8: production-ready SUV is bigger and heavier than ever

The revived Freelander 8 has emerged in production-ready form ahead of its Chinese launch later this year, revealing a dramatically larger and heavier version of the once-compact Land Rover nameplate.

Fresh images and Chinese government filings have confirmed key specifications for the first model from the new Freelander brand, a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, with the SUV set to spearhead a global expansion push that could eventually include New Zealand.

First seen at the Beijing Auto Show, the first Freelander model is far removed from the original sold by Land Rover in the late 1990s and 2000s. The new Freelander 8 measures up to 5185mm long, 2050mm wide, and 1898mm tall, riding on a 3040mm wheelbase.

That makes it significantly larger than both previous Freelander generations and closer in size to a full-size Range Rover.

The plug-in hybrid and range-extender SUV also tips the scales at 2980kg, with a gross vehicle weight of 3495kg.

By comparison, the original Land Rover Freelander weighed roughly 1600kg and measured 4433mm long.

The new SUV is based on Chery’s iMax platform and will be offered with battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and range-extender electric powertrains.

Chinese regulatory documents reveal the range-extender version uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 105kW, acting purely as a generator for the electric drivetrain.

The Freelander 8 rides on an 800V electrical architecture and supports DC fast-charging speeds of up to 350kW using CATL ternary lithium batteries.

Technology highlights include twin-chamber air suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, roof-mounted LiDAR, and Huawei’s Qiankun ADS intelligent driving system.

According to overseas reports, the SUV can automatically adjust its terrain modes by scanning the road surface ahead using its sensor suite.

Inside, the Freelander 8 features a wide dashboard-spanning display, a secondary central touchscreen, physical rotary controls, and a six-seat 2-2-2 cabin layout.

The styling draws heavily from the original Freelander, most notably through its diagonal C-pillar treatment and boxy proportions, although the overall design is far more premium and technology-focused.

Design work has reportedly been led by Phil Simmons, a former Jaguar Land Rover designer who previously worked on the original Freelander, as well as the modern Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Defender.

While the Freelander 8 will launch in China first through dedicated Freelander dealerships, right-hand-drive production has already been confirmed. The brand has confirmed three international variants from launch: left-hand drive, right-hand drive, and a dedicated European specification. All three will be built on a single global architecture, which Freelander says has been engineered to meet every major regulatory standard from day one.

Australia is reportedly part of the vehicle’s global testing program ahead of a potential 2027 launch there, opening the door for a possible New Zealand introduction. The Middle East has been confirmed as the brand’s first international launch market.

Chery already operates locally in New Zealand with its Chery and Omoda Jaecoo brands, although it remains unclear whether Freelander would join that dealer network or establish a standalone presence.

The Freelander 8 is first of six new models planned over the next five years.