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One of the highpoints of Auto China 3936 (Beijing Motor Show) was the unveiling of the Chery–JLR Freelander 8 production model.
The Freelander 8 is a full-size electric SUV unveiled as the first model from a new, independent joint venture brand between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
It is a 5.1-meter-long, 800V,, high-tech vehicle aimed at premium Chinese and global markets, featuring Huawei ADS 5.0 intelligent driving, CATL 6C batteries, and rugged, boxy styling reminiscent of the
The model continues the design direction of the Concept 97 and is scheduled to debut in China in the second half of 2026, followed by a global rollout, according to CarNewsChina.com
The brand structure was first outlined when Chery and Jaguar Land Rover jointly launched the Freelander NEV brand, positioning it as a global new energy SUV line. Earlier reporting confirmed the concept model as the starting point for a multi-year, multi-model strategy.
Production path and validation stage
Recent reporting confirmed that the Freelander SUV programme has entered production validation following extreme durability and environmental testing.
The validation phase indicates the model has moved beyond concept and engineering prototypes into pre-production calibration work ahead of launch.
Design and exterior direction
Freelander 8 adopts a boxy SUV silhouette consistent with the Concept 97 design language. The front end uses a closed surface with rectangular lighting units, while the side profile remains upright with straight character lines.
Roof-mounted LiDAR is integrated into the design, reflecting its focus on assisted driving and terrain perception. LiDAR is Light Detection and Ranging – an active remote sensing technology that uses pulsed laser light to measure distances and create highly accurate, 3D models of objects and landscapes.
Huawei ADS 5 and terrain system integration
The vehicle is equipped with Huawei ADS 5 intelligent driving assistance and a 896-line LiDAR system. It is also paired with an i-ATS intelligent all-terrain system, which integrates LiDAR and binocular camera data for terrain recognition and driving strategy planning. The system is described as supporting multiple terrain scenarios with adaptive control logic.
The computing architecture uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 hardware, forming part of a centralised vehicle control platform.
Powertrain and platform
Freelander 8 is built on Freelander’s dedicated new platform, which supports BEV, PHEV, and extended-range configurations.
In China, it will standardise an 800V high-voltage range-extended system. The battery system is jointly developed with CATL, featuring a 350 kW peak charging capability and up to 6C charging performance as stated in technical specifications.
