2026 Freelander revealed as EV off-roader with classic design cues and modern powertrain

Freelander, a new marque that is born out of a partnership between Chery and JLR, has revealed its first-ever mid-sized off-road family SUV. The new addition will be based on the 800-volt architecture, which is able to accommodate electric, range-extender, and plug-in hybrid drivetrain options.

The new SUV will be one of the first models of a lineup of Freelander models that are expected for global sale soon. The amalgam of JLR and Chery plans to introduce a new model every six months over the next five years, each offered with the choice of pure EV, REx, or PHEV power.

Design Cues from the original Freelander

The new EV Freelander has borrowed quintessential design cues from the original a diagonal C-pillar, a motif which is mirrored in the brand’s two-triangle logo and the headlight arrangement. The car was revealed at a dedicated event in Beijing ahead of its public debut at the city’s international motor show next week. The Freelander will replace the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque at JLR’s Chinese factory in Changshu.

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While the Freelander has been designed for the local market, the brand has confirmed that variants will be exported to other countries as well. With these directives, Chery and JLR seek to break into the global premium SUV market. During the launch, the top brass from Chery further confirmed that the Freelander prototypes have undergone extensive testing in Europe and that the car is compliant with Euro NCAP rules. The brand has extensive plans for export goals and suggests that Freelander models will not be merely adapted versions of the China-market cars, but bespoke derivatives tailored to individual market demands.

To ensure that the Chery-JLR models can be easily sold, Chery and JLR have established an expansive network of retail partners for the new brand in China. The brand has not yet revealed how they plan to pitch the new vehicle abroad. The question remains whether JLR will be involved directly to market a new brand for the vehicle, or if Chery would take the lead.

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