The name Freelander returns to the global stage, but in a completely new guise. Previously, it was a single model, but now it is a separate brand, created through the joint efforts of Jaguar Land Rover and Chery. The official premiere is scheduled for March 31, 2026, but the first real images of the new model have already 'escaped' to the network directly from the test site, where the car underwent crash tests.
Design in a Brutal Style and the Legacy of Discovery
The new Freelander features a distinctly angular silhouette reminiscent of classic Land Rover Discovery models. The front part of the body has a closed panel instead of the traditional grille, indicating the vehicle's electric nature. Rectangular headlights are a direct citation of the design from the early generations of Discovery.
A lidar is noticeably prominent on the roof, and cameras are integrated into the front fenders—this is part of the autonomous driving complex. The rear part looks monumental: flat tailgate doors with a large 'Freelander' inscription and rectangular lights that repeat the style of the front optics. The estimated price of the novelty will be about 400,000 yuan, which is equivalent to $55,000.
Technological Cocktail: Huawei, Qualcomm, and CATL
Despite the British design roots, the technical content of the Freelander is a showcase of achievements of the Chinese auto industry. The Huawei Qiankun solution is responsible for the Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS). This means that the car will be able to move independently in most road situations with minimal human intervention.
Front of the new Freelander. Photo: Mydrivers
The multimedia system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, and the motors are supplied with energy from CATL-produced batteries. It is expected that the Freelander will have two versions: electric (BEV) and hybrid with a range extender (EREV), where the internal combustion engine only functions as a generator for charging the battery.
Interior and Comfort of 'Zero Gravity'
Inside, the Freelander offers a three-row seat configuration in a 2+2+2 scheme. A large central touchscreen is installed on the front panel, and an additional 'remote screen' is in front of the passenger, similar to solutions in Avatr branded vehicles. For the driver's convenience, a row of physical buttons remains beneath the main display, which is becoming rare for models of Chinese origin today.
Interior with separate second-row seats. Photo: Mydrivers
Particular attention is drawn to the second-row seat. Judging by the arrangement of the seat belts, it will have a 'zero gravity' mode that allows the passenger to assume a maximally relaxed position during travel. Also planned are two wireless smartphone chargers and a spacious niche under the central console.
The Chery Jaguar Land Rover project is aimed not only at the domestic market of China. The Freelander is positioned as a global model, and by the end of this year, the SUV is expected to appear in Middle Eastern markets. Despite the change in concept, developers promise to retain Land Rover's signature off-road capabilities, adapting them to the electric platform.