Freelander 8 Launches in China With 800V Range Extender

According to Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Co Ltd (CJLR) on September 3, the Freelander 8, the first model under the Freelander brand, officially launched as a range-extended SUV. The vehicle is offered in five- and six-seat configurations across six variants priced from CNY 309,900 to CNY 399,900. Limited-time promotional pricing lowers the range to CNY 289,900 to CNY 379,900, while a Launch Edition is available at CNY 459,900.

Freelander 8 Dimensions and Seating Options

The SUV measures 5,118 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,898 mm in height, with a 3,040 mm wheelbase. These dimensions support the model's positioning as a large SUV, while the availability of five- and six-seat layouts gives buyers different passenger-capacity configurations. The launch lineup therefore combines a sizable exterior footprint with flexible seating choices. In China, the model enters the market with multiple variants spanning standard pricing, promotional pricing, and a higher-priced Launch Edition.

Dual-Motor AWD and Range-Extended Powertrain

The powertrain combines a 1.5T four-cylinder range extender with two permanent magnet synchronous motors in a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. The range extender produces a maximum 115 kW and peak torque of 220 Nm. The front motor delivers 360 kW and 338 Nm, while the rear motor produces 250 kW and 475 Nm. With this configuration, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h, pairing range-extension capability with high-output electric propulsion.

800V Platform and Fast Charging Capability

The model comes standard with an 800 V high-voltage range-extender platform and a 60.3 kWh CATL ternary lithium-ion battery. Its CLTC EV-mode range reaches 310 km, allowing electric driving before the range extender is needed. The charging system supports a maximum rate of 6C and can increase battery state of charge from 20% to 80% in 12 minutes. This combination gives the vehicle a high-voltage electrical architecture, a substantial battery capacity for its range-extender configuration, and rapid charging capability.

Intelligent Cockpit and Driver Assistance Technology

The cabin features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 intelligent cockpit chip, a 46.3-inch 8K far-field display, and a 15.6-inch center touchscreen. Selected variants can also receive a 17.3-inch eye-care ceiling-mounted display. For driver assistance, the SUV uses Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 Pro or Max systems. The Pro configuration includes one in-cabin LiDAR with a shared optical path with a camera, while the Max configuration adds an 896-line dual-optical-path imaging-grade LiDAR and a high-precision rear dToF solid-state LiDAR, bringing the total to 30 high-performance sensors.

Driver Assistance Functions Across Variants

Both Huawei Qiankun ADS 5 Pro and Max configurations support Highway Navigation Cruise Assist, 360° Around View Monitoring, and Reverse Assist. The shared functions provide highway navigation assistance, surrounding-view monitoring, and automated support during reversing. The differing LiDAR hardware gives the two versions distinct sensor configurations, with the Max system using two additional advanced LiDAR units described in the launch information. The technology package therefore varies by trim while retaining a common set of core driver-assistance capabilities.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The launch expands the range-extended SUV landscape in China with a model that combines an 800 V electrical architecture, high-output dual-motor AWD, rapid charging, and advanced driver-assistance hardware. For Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Co Ltd, the model also establishes the first product under the Freelander brand and gives the company a new entry in a large-SUV segment where electric driving capability and intelligent vehicle features are increasingly important purchase considerations. Pricing, variant equipment, and the uptake of its range-extender and driver-assistance technologies will be important factors as the model moves into the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main specifications of the Freelander 8?
The Freelander 8 is a range-extended SUV with dual-motor all-wheel drive, an 800 V platform, and a 60.3 kWh CATL ternary lithium-ion battery. It offers a 310 km CLTC EV-mode range and supports 6C charging, reaching 20% to 80% state of charge in 12 minutes. Its powertrain includes a 1.5T range extender and two permanent magnet synchronous motors, enabling 0-to-100 km/h acceleration in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h.