All-new Freelander previewed

More than a decade after it was dropped from Land Rover’s range, the Freelander SUV is set to make a comeback. The original Freelander was built across two generations (1997-2006, 2006-2015) in three-door and five-door versions, with petrol and diesel engine options. The Freelander broke new ground as the first Land Rover with monocoque construction, and was very popular when new, but would eventually be replaced by the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque

A Freelander revival was announced in 2024, after Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chinese brand Chery created a new joint venture, with the intention to bring back the Freelander nameplate as a premium electric SUV. Using Chery platforms, drivetrains and engineering, the new Freelander will also be built in China, at a factory shared by the two brands.

As with the current Defender, Freelander will be positioned as a standalone brand. The first new Freelander production vehicle – labelled as the ‘Freelander 8’ – was recently revealed in “production intent” form at an event in China.

Described as a new-generation premium SUV, the all-new Freelander 8 draws on JLR’s expertise for its design, Chinese EV technology, and “global R&D, manufacturing and marketing resources”.

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,” Simmons said. “That means clean, confident design paired with genuinely useful technology.”

Styling elements from the original, first-generation Freelander include headlights scalloped into the front bumper, and the diagonally bisected rear-quarter window from the three-door version. What JLR call a ‘castle body’ design theme underpins the exterior, combining a solid, planted stance with a lighter upper cabin – a look they say balances 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, presenting vehicle data, navigation and real-time driving information over a single interface.

While no details have been revealed as to the Freelander 8’s EV drivetrain, the upcoming SUV will stay true to Land Rover’s tradition of off-road capability. Key to this is a new Intelligent All-Terrain System (i-ATS) that’s designed to automatically adapt to changing surfaces. The system offers nine selectable terrain modes and works in conjunction with hardware that includes electronic limited-slip diffs, air suspension and a virtual centre locking function.

While the original Freelander never an outright luxury model, the new version will be a premium, technology-focused SUV, aimed at global markets. Further details on the Freelander 8, including Australian launch timing, are expected closer to production.