Freelander is coming to Australia in 2027, and the first model has a considerably bigger footprint and a very different drivetrain to the Land Rover that originally wore the name.
The new Freelander 8 is a large electrified SUV from Chery and Jaguar Land Rover’s joint venture. In China, it combines dual-motor all-wheel drive with a petrol engine that generates electricity, plus adjustable suspension and a claimed 900mm wading depth.
That gives us something more interesting to talk about than another SUV promising an adventurous lifestyle. However, Australian pricing, specifications and the exact arrival date remain unconfirmed, so the overseas figures are a preview of what could be coming.
Freelander is returning as a standalone brand developed through Chery Jaguar Land Rover, the 50:50 joint venture established in 2012. JLR licensed the Freelander name to the partnership in June 2024. The arrangement brings together JLR’s British design and all-terrain heritage with Chery’s electrified technology, engineering and manufacturing resources.
The Freelander 8 is built in Changshu, China, with the first vehicle leaving the production line in July 2026. Australia and New Zealand have been named priority right-hand-drive markets. Both will receive the brand in 2027, following its launch in China and international debut in the United Arab Emirates.
According to CarExpert’s reporting, the Chinese-market Freelander 8 uses an extended-range electric vehicle drivetrain, commonly shortened to EREV. Electric motors drive the wheels. A 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine acts as a generator to recharge the battery, rather than driving the wheels directly.
The idea is to provide electric driving with a petrol-powered backup when the battery runs low. For touring buyers, that raises an obvious question: how effectively will it work over long distances, particularly when loaded or towing? Australian specifications and testing will be needed to answer that.
The Chinese model’s reported figures are substantial:
| Specification | Chinese-Market Freelander 8 |
|---|---|
| Drive | Dual-motor all-wheel drive |
| Combined motor output | 610kW and 813Nm |
| Battery capacity | 60kWh |
| Claimed electric driving range | 310km on the WLTC test cycle |
| Electrical architecture | 800V |
| Maximum DC charging rate | 350kW |
| Petrol generator | 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder |
| Reported vehicle weight | 2980kg |
| Claimed 0-100km/h | 4.6 seconds |
These figures have not been confirmed for Australia. The quoted electric range is also a lab test result, rather than a measure of loaded touring or towing range.
The Chinese-market specification includes more than big power numbers. CarExpert reports a front differential lock, selectable modes labelled 4H and 4L, and adjustable suspension. Reported standard ground clearance is 270mm, with the ability to raise the vehicle another 70mm for rough terrain or lower it by 50mm for easier access.
The 4H and 4L labels need some clarification before we draw comparisons with conventional 4WDs. The information release doesn’t explain how those modes work with the electric drivetrain, or establish that it uses a traditional two-speed transfer case.
The reported wading depth is 900mm, supported by elevated engine and air-conditioning intakes and additional sealing around the vehicle. As always, a claimed wading figure is only one part of assessing a crossing. Current, the surface underneath, entry and exit points, and more need to be considered.
For Australian buyers, we’re also waiting on approach, departure and breakover angles, local equipment specifications and details of underbody protection.
Forget any expectations of a compact Freelander revival. The new 8 measures 5185mm long, 2050mm wide and 1898mm tall, with a 3040mm wheelbase, according to CarExpert.
Freelander is positioning it in the premium upper-large SUV segment, targeting buyers who want comfort and technology alongside all-terrain ability. The brand’s announcement describes five- and six-seat configurations, although Australian seating options remain unconfirmed.
Chinese-market cabin features reported by CarExpert include second-row captain’s chairs, a refrigerated storage compartment, fold-out tables and a ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen. Up front, there’s a large central touchscreen alongside physical controls, plus a wide digital display across the dashboard.
Which of those features will reach Australia is still to be announced.
For Unsealed 4X4 readers, two of the most useful figures remain absent: Australian towing capacity and payload. With the Chinese model reportedly weighing close to three tonnes, buyers will want to know how much capacity remains for passengers, camping gear, accessories and towball download.
Anyone considering it for towing will also need the local gross vehicle mass, gross combination mass and axle limits. Range and fuel consumption under sustained load will be worth watching too, particularly how the petrol generator supports the electric drivetrain on long climbs or while towing.
The company plans to work with established dealerships, providing trained sales and service staff, parts and aftersales support in metropolitan and selected regional areas. Dealer appointments will be announced ahead of launch.
The Freelander 8 is confirmed for Australia in 2027, with pricing, local specifications and exact launch timing to follow. Freelander plans six models over the next five years, although only the 8 has been revealed so far.
