BEIJING: At Auto China 2026, the reborn Freelander brand has revealed its first model, the Freelander 8, in production-intent form.
The Freelander brand is a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), with vehicles produced at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu.
It combines global research and development, manufacturing and marketing resources, with Chery bringing advanced Chinese technology to the partnership, while JLR is bringing expertise in world class design.
Designed under the direction of Phil Simmons – whose previous work includes the Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Defender – the Freelander 8 blends familiar British design cues with a more contemporary, technology-led focus.
“The opportunity with Freelander was to respect its heritage while making it relevant for modern customers,” said Simmons.
“That means clean, confident design paired with genuinely useful technology.”
The Freelander 8 carries over several signature elements from the original model, including the distinctive silhouette and trademark rear-quarter window, while introducing a more technical, squared-off lighting signature and stronger road presence.
A ‘castle body’ design theme underpins the exterior, combining a solid, planted stance with a lighter upper cabin – a look aimed at balancing urban appeal with off-road credibility.
Inside, the focus shifts to space, visibility and digital integration.
A large-format Mini LED display dominates the cabin, bringing together vehicle data, navigation and real-time driving information in a single interface.
Freelander is positioning the 8 as a genuine all-rounder, with a new Intelligent All-Terrain System (i-ATS) designed to automatically adapt to changing surfaces.
The system offers nine terrain modes and works in conjunction with hardware including an electronic limited-slip differential, air suspension and a virtual centre locking function – features expected to resonate with buyers who regularly transition between urban driving and regional or off-road environments.
The Freelander nameplate, first introduced in the late 1990s, is being repositioned as a premium, technology-focused SUV (sport utility vehicle) brand for global markets.
