- Freelander 8 enters China’s MIIT filing as a new extended-range SUV with advanced smart driving technologies.
- Chery and Jaguar Land Rover plan major EV expansion with six new Freelander models over five years.
The Freelander brand has taken a major step toward electrification after its first production model officially appeared in a declaration catalog released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China. The newly revealed Freelander 8 SUV represents the first model under the reborn new-energy brand created through the joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover. The filing confirms several technical details about the upcoming extended-range SUV, including its dimensions, powertrain setup, advanced autonomous driving technologies, and battery configuration.
The Freelander 8 measures 5,118 mm in length, with an optional extended version reaching 5,185 mm. The SUV has a width of 2,050 mm and a height of 1,898 mm, while the wheelbase extends to 3,040 mm. The large all-terrain vehicle adopts a rugged boxy exterior design and carries a curb weight of 2,980 kg. Designed as a six-seater SUV, the vehicle is positioned to target consumers looking for premium off-road capability combined with electrified performance and advanced intelligent driving functions.
Freelander 8 SUV Technical Specifications
The filing documents also reveal important mechanical and battery-related specifications for the upcoming SUV.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Extended-Range SUV |
| Length | 5,118 mm |
| Optional Length | 5,185 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,040 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 6 Seats |
| Range Extender Engine | 1.5-liter Engine |
| Maximum Net Power | 105 kW |
| Declared Fuel Consumption | 0.76 L/100 km |
| Battery Type | Ternary Lithium Battery |
The SUV uses a 1.5-liter range extender engine supplied by Chery, delivering a maximum net power output of 105 kW. The official filing lists a fuel consumption figure of 0.76 L/100 km. Battery supply for the model will come from CATL, which will provide ternary lithium battery packs for the vehicle. Previous official information also confirmed that the dedicated off-road battery system supports a peak charging rate of 6C, enabling significantly faster charging performance for an electrified SUV of this size.
Advanced Smart Driving and Computing Features
The Freelander 8 will include advanced intelligent driving capabilities as standard across all variants. The SUV will use Huawei Qiankun ADS smart driving technology, supported by an 896-channel LiDAR system designed to strengthen autonomous driving performance and environmental perception accuracy. Buyers will also have the option to select a roof-mounted integrated LiDAR setup depending on configuration preferences.
The new SUV is developed on the iMax platform architecture and will become one of the first mass-produced vehicles globally to integrate Qualcomm Snapdragon’s latest-generation 8397 automotive-grade chip. The inclusion of this high-performance computing platform highlights the brand’s strategy to combine electrification with next-generation software-defined vehicle capabilities, intelligent cockpit functions, and enhanced processing power for future autonomous features.
Freelander Brand Expansion Strategy
Freelander originally existed as a model line under Jaguar Land Rover before being transformed into an independent new-energy vehicle brand through the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover partnership earlier this year. The company officially relaunched the brand on March 31 with a dedicated focus on electric and electrified mobility solutions for both domestic and international markets.
The brand plans to launch six new EV models globally over the next five years as part of its long-term expansion strategy. The first model is expected to officially enter the Chinese market during the second half of this year. To support future production demand, the joint venture plans to invest 3 billion yuan, equivalent to approximately $441 million, into upgrading manufacturing operations at its Changshu facility located in Jiangsu province. The investment will primarily focus on production line modernization and capacity improvements.
Freelander has established its global headquarters in Shanghai and continues to expand its retail footprint rapidly across China. The company has already signed agreements for more than 60 stores spanning 50 cities, signaling an aggressive market expansion strategy as competition in the new-energy SUV segment intensifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Freelander 8 SUV?
The Freelander 8 SUV is a newly revealed extended-range electric SUV developed by the Chery and Jaguar Land Rover joint venture in China. The model marks the first production vehicle under the reborn Freelander new-energy brand and combines electrified performance with advanced intelligent driving technology. It features a 1.5-liter range extender engine, CATL ternary lithium batteries, Huawei Qiankun ADS smart driving technology, and Qualcomm’s latest automotive computing chip for enhanced autonomous and connected vehicle functions.
What battery and charging technology does the Freelander 8 use?
The Freelander 8 uses ternary lithium battery packs supplied by CATL for its electrified powertrain system. According to previously disclosed official information, the battery system supports a peak charging rate of 6C, allowing significantly faster charging capability compared to conventional EV battery systems. The SUV combines this battery technology with an extended-range powertrain setup, helping improve driving range while supporting high-performance charging and energy efficiency for long-distance and all-terrain applications.
What autonomous driving technologies are included in the Freelander 8?
The Freelander 8 comes standard with Huawei’s Qiankun ADS intelligent driving system across all trim levels. The SUV also features an 896-channel LiDAR system designed to improve environmental sensing and autonomous driving capabilities. Customers can additionally choose a roof-integrated LiDAR option depending on the selected configuration. Combined with Qualcomm Snapdragon’s latest automotive-grade chip, the vehicle supports advanced software-defined vehicle functions, intelligent processing, and enhanced autonomous driving performance.
What are Freelander’s future expansion plans?
Freelander plans to launch six new EV models globally over the next five years as part of its electrification strategy. The brand has already established its global headquarters in Shanghai and secured agreements for more than 60 retail stores across 50 cities in China. To support future vehicle production, the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover joint venture will invest 3 billion yuan into upgrading manufacturing facilities in Changshu, focusing on production line modernization and expanded manufacturing capability.
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