Freelander 8 SUV Debuts in China With Huawei ADS and Qualcomm 8397 Chip

The reborn Freelander brand has taken a major step toward electrification after its first production model officially appeared in a declaration catalog published by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China. The newly revealed Freelander 8 SUV represents an important milestone for the joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, as both companies accelerate their focus on new energy vehicles and intelligent mobility technologies for domestic and global markets.

The Freelander 8 is positioned as an extended-range SUV and adopts a rugged box-shaped exterior intended for all-terrain applications. According to the filing details, the SUV measures 5,118 mm in length, with an optional configuration extending the body to 5,185 mm. The vehicle is 2,050 mm wide and 1,898 mm high, while the wheelbase stretches to 3,040 mm. The SUV has a curb weight of 2,980 kg and is configured as a six-seater model designed for premium utility and long-distance driving requirements.

Freelander 8 Technical Specifications and Dimensions

The newly filed SUV combines range-extender technology with advanced electronics and high-performance battery systems. The powertrain includes a 1.5-liter engine supplied by Chery, which functions as a range extender to support the electric drivetrain. The engine delivers a maximum net power output of 105 kW, while the declared fuel consumption is rated at only 0.76 L/100 km according to the official filing information.

Battery Technology and Smart Driving Features

The filing information confirmed that the Freelander 8 will use ternary lithium battery packs supplied by CATL. Previous official disclosures also revealed that the battery system supports a peak charging rate of 6C, highlighting the model’s fast-charging capability for improved long-distance usability. The SUV is built on the new iMax platform architecture, which has been developed to support intelligent electric vehicle technologies and future product expansion across the Freelander portfolio.

The vehicle will come equipped with Huawei's Qiankun ADS smart driving system as standard across all trims. The intelligent driving package includes an 896-channel LiDAR system designed to strengthen autonomous driving performance and environmental sensing capabilities. Buyers will also have the option to select a roof-mounted integrated LiDAR configuration. In addition, the Freelander 8 is expected to become one of the first mass-produced vehicles globally to adopt the latest-generation 8397 automotive-grade chip from Qualcomm Snapdragon, strengthening onboard computing and digital cockpit performance.

Chery and Jaguar Land Rover Expand Freelander EV Strategy

Freelander originally operated as a model line under Jaguar Land Rover before being transformed into an independent new energy vehicle brand earlier this year through the partnership with Chery. The companies officially relaunched the brand on March 31 as part of their broader electrification roadmap focused on both Chinese and international markets. The strategy aims to strengthen competitiveness in the growing intelligent EV sector while combining manufacturing, software, and mobility technologies from both companies.

The new brand plans to introduce six new electric vehicle models globally over the next five years. The first Freelander production model is expected to enter the Chinese market during the second half of this year. To support future manufacturing capacity, the joint venture plans to invest an additional 3 billion yuan into its Changshu production facility located in Jiangsu province. The funding will primarily support production line upgrades and modernization efforts to accommodate the upcoming vehicle lineup and increased manufacturing demand.

Freelander has also accelerated its retail network expansion strategy across China. The company confirmed that more than 60 stores across 50 cities have already signed agreements ahead of the commercial launch phase. The brand’s global headquarters has been established in Shanghai as the joint venture prepares for broader international expansion and future new energy vehicle launches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Freelander 8 SUV?
The Freelander 8 SUV is a new extended-range sport utility vehicle developed by the Chery and Jaguar Land Rover joint venture in China. It represents the first production model under the reborn Freelander new energy vehicle brand. The SUV combines range-extender technology, ternary lithium battery systems, and advanced smart driving technologies including Huawei’s Qiankun ADS platform and LiDAR integration. The model is designed as a six-seater premium SUV targeting intelligent mobility and electrification markets.

Which technologies are used in the Freelander 8?
The Freelander 8 uses several advanced automotive technologies focused on electrification and intelligent driving performance. The SUV includes CATL ternary lithium batteries with a peak charging rate of 6C, Huawei Qiankun ADS smart driving technology, and an 896-channel LiDAR system for enhanced sensing capability. The model is also built on the new iMax architecture platform and will feature Qualcomm Snapdragon’s latest-generation 8397 automotive-grade chip for computing and digital cockpit applications.

How much investment is planned for the Freelander EV project?
The Chery and Jaguar Land Rover joint venture plans to invest an additional 3 billion yuan into its manufacturing plant located in Changshu, Jiangsu province. The investment will mainly be used to upgrade production lines and support manufacturing expansion for future Freelander electric vehicle models. The companies intend to launch six new EV models globally over the next five years while strengthening their intelligent mobility and electrification capabilities in both China and international markets.