Discover the 2026 Freelander 8, a 5.1m premium SUV from JLR-Chery joint venture. With CATL battery, 360 kW charging, and €45k starting price, it rivals Defender. Global launch details inside.
One of the biggest surprises of 2026, the Freelander 8 measures 5.1 meters long and was developed by the joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, with a global market in mind. Freelander 8 is set to hit Europe at a price between €45,000 and €55,000, making it more affordable than a Defender and a strong competitor in the premium SUV segment, as reported by journalists from SPEEDME on April 26.The project moved fast: just three weeks separated the concept from the production version. Around a thousand test vehicles are already undergoing trials in multiple countries, including Australia. From the start, the Freelander 8 was designed as a global product, with left- and right-hand drive variants and adjustments to meet European regulations.Technically, it rides on Chery’s T1X platform and features a modern 800-volt architecture. The lineup will include fully electric, hybrid, and range-extender options. Key highlights include a CATL battery pack supporting up to 360 kW charging, Huawei’s ADS 4.1 driver assistance system with LiDAR, and a powerful Snapdragon-based digital platform.Notably, Freelander becomes a stand-alone brand without any Land Rover badging. Chery handles the tech and production, while JLR oversees design and positioning. This approach reflects a new market strategy that blends Chinese engineering with a European image.
Automobile Magazine – USA
