Quick Takeaways
  • Freelander 8 pre-sales start at 339,900 yuan.
  • Advanced range-extender SUV targets China's premium segment.

Freelander 8 Enters China's Premium SUV Market

Freelander 8 pre-sales have officially opened in China, marking the first major market launch for the revived Freelander brand created through the joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover. The large extended-range SUV is offered in five versions, with the entry-level five-seat model priced from 339,900 yuan ($50,080). Six-seat versions start at 349,900 yuan for the Pro, while the Max and Max+ are priced at 379,900 yuan and 429,900 yuan respectively. A launch limited edition is capped at 1,000 units and carries a listed price of 459,900 yuan, reduced to 449,900 yuan for customers receiving the locked-order benefit.

Advanced Driving and Computing Technology

The Freelander 8 combines a broad suite of advanced electronic and perception technologies, with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5 offered as standard across the range. The SUV is also among the world's first vehicles to use Qualcomm's latest-generation Snapdragon 8397 automotive-grade chip, which provides 320 TOPS of computing power. According to the brand, its NPU computing capability is 12 times higher than that of the previous-generation 8295. For environmental perception, the vehicle uses an 896-channel LiDAR supplied by Huawei, which can detect a 14-centimeter obstacle at distances of up to 120 meters. The system is complemented by Huawei's in-cabin laser vision Limera solution and a dToF solid-state rear LiDAR.

Range-Extended Powertrain and High-Voltage Charging

Every Freelander 8 version uses a 1.5T four-cylinder range extender with ENC active noise cancellation and a claimed thermal efficiency of 45.79%. Its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces a combined 610 kW, equivalent to 818 hp, with peak torque of 813 Nm and a 0-to-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. Energy storage comes from CATL, using a 60.3 kWh Shenxing Pro all-terrain-specific ternary lithium battery that provides a CLTC electric driving range of 310 km. The SUV is built around an 800-volt 6C high-voltage range-extended platform, enabling the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in as little as 12 minutes.

Off-Road Hardware and Chassis Systems

The Freelander 8 also places strong emphasis on all-terrain capability, combining dedicated hardware with electronically controlled chassis systems. Its rear axle uses a 250 kW two-speed motor capable of producing maximum wheel-end torque of 8,000 Nm. Standard rear-wheel steering provides up to 10 degrees of adjustment, limiting the turning radius to no more than 5.15 meters and enabling crab mode. The chassis incorporates closed dual-chamber air suspension and CCD continuously variable damping shock absorbers, together with a front mechanical differential lock, rear e-LSD and virtual center lock. An intelligent i-ATS all-terrain system, tuned jointly with Huawei, manages the vehicle's terrain response. In wading mode, ground clearance can automatically increase by up to 270 mm, while the vehicle warns occupants when the water line exceeds 800 mm.

Six-Seat Cabin and Premium Interior Features

The cabin adopts a 2+2+2 six-seat configuration and focuses heavily on passenger comfort and digital presentation. The dashboard incorporates a 46.3-inch 8K far-field display and a 15.6-inch Mini LED center touchscreen, while rear occupants receive a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted display. The second row is equipped with twin zero-gravity seats offering heating, ventilation and 16-point hot stone massage functions. The SUV measures 5,118 mm in standard form and 5,185 mm with the optional configuration, while its width and height are 2,050 mm and 1,898 mm respectively. The wheelbase reaches 3,040 mm, positioning the vehicle firmly within the large premium SUV category in China.

Freelander Brand Expansion and Production Strategy

The pre-sales event was initially scheduled for August 10 but was delayed by four days as Typhoon Dolphin approached the east coast of China. The first production Freelander 8 subsequently rolled off the assembly line on July 30 at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, Jiangsu province. Freelander was previously a model line within Jaguar Land Rover before being elevated into a standalone brand on March 31 with a focus on new energy vehicles. The joint venture plans to introduce six models over the next five years and has added 3 billion yuan of investment at the Changshu facility to support the transformation. The first overseas version is planned as a left-hand-drive Middle East model, with sales expected between the end of this year and early next year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting price of the Freelander 8 in China?
The Freelander 8 starts at 339,900 yuan in China, positioning the new extended-range SUV within the premium segment alongside advanced electric and range-extended competitors. The six-seat Pro version starts at 349,900 yuan, while Max and Max+ versions are priced at 379,900 yuan and 429,900 yuan. A limited launch edition, restricted to 1,000 units, is listed at 459,900 yuan, with a locked-order benefit price of 449,900 yuan. The vehicle combines an 800-volt 6C platform, 60.3 kWh battery, dual-motor all-wheel drive and extensive intelligent driving hardware.

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