Freelander brand confirms it will launch in UK

The revived Freelander name is set to return to the UK as a standalone automotive brand, with its first model expected to arrive as part of the Chery Group's expansion in Europe.

The new marque is the result of a partnership between Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chery. While JLR has designed the vehicles and licensed the Freelander name, Chery engineers and builds the new vehicle in China. 

The first model, the Freelander 8, is a large SUV that will be offered with electrified powertrains. Its 800V architecture can support pure-electric, plug-in hybrid and range-extender powertrains.

Freelander will join the Chery Group's growing UK brand lineup, which includes Chery, Jaecoo, Omoda, and Leepas. In the Chinese market, the 8 is powered by a dual-motor electric powertrain aided by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as a range extender. Total power output is 818hp and a 0-62mph time of a mere 4.6-seconds.

Chery says the new Freelander vehicles will occupy a different position from existing Land Rover products. Instead, the Freelander brand will operate independently rather than being incorporated into JLR's Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar line-up.

The Freelander 8 will be followed by further models, with Chery planning a new vehicle roughly every six months over the next five years.

The UK launch will give fleet operators another new entrant to consider in the increasingly competitive electrified SUV market, particularly as Chinese manufacturers continue to expand their presence in Britain.

UK pricing and final specifications have yet to be announced, while sales are expected to take place through a dedicated, Chery-run retail network rather than existing JLR dealerships.

Click here to read all news from FleetWise 

Similar Stories

Back to blog