Freelander returns as standalone Chery JLR brand with 2026 Freelander 8 SUV
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover have launched Freelander as a standalone brand, with the six-seat 2026 Freelander 8 already being tested on Australian roads ahead of a confirmed local launch.
Shane Riley
Key takeaways
- 2026 Freelander 8 confirmed for Australia by Chery and JLR
- Six-seat SUV offers EV, PHEV and extended-range powertrains
- Right-hand drive testing already underway on Australian roads
Freelander is back, but not as a Land Rover. The 2026 Freelander 8 has debuted at the Beijing motor show as the first model from a new standalone brand jointly owned by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, and it's confirmed for Australia. Right-hand drive prototypes are already being calibrated on local roads.
A Chinese-British SUV without the green oval
Freelander has been spun out as its own brand, separate from both parent companies' existing lineups. Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar stay where they are inside JLR. Chery's portfolio of Chery, Exeed, Omoda Jaecoo and the rest also remains untouched.
The Freelander 8 is the first of six SUVs the joint venture plans to roll out over the next five years. Every model in the new lineup will be an SUV. There's no Land Rover badge anywhere on the car, and design has been led by Phil Simmons, who previously shaped the Defender and Range Rover Velar.
2026 Freelander 8 specs and powertrains
Three powertrains will be offered from launch: full electric, plug-in hybrid, and extended-range electric (EREV). The EREV variant uses CATL's new Freevoy battery, which supports DC fast-charging at up to 360kW thanks to its 6C-capable cells.
| Spec | Detail |
| Body style | Mid-to-large six-seat SUV |
| Seating | Three rows, six seats |
| Architecture | 800v electrical |
| Powertrains | EV, PHEV, extended-range EV |
| EREV battery | CATL Freevoy, 6C, 360kW DC fast-charging |
| Driver assist | Huawei Qiankun ADS 4.1 with 896-line LiDAR |
It will also be the first all-terrain SUV to launch with Huawei's next-generation Qiankun ADS 4.1 driver assistance system.
Off-road hardware and design cues
Off-road kit includes a rear electronic limited-slip differential, a virtual centre lock, and dual-chamber air suspension, set up to deliver capability without the weight of mechanical lockers.
Inside, a pillar-to-pillar curved screen sits above physical switches and a rotary console controller. The exterior nods to the original Freelander with a triangular rear three-quarter window, paired with 8000-pixel projection headlights up front.
2026 Freelander 8 Australia launch
Chery Australia has confirmed the Freelander 8 will be sold here, but local pricing and on-sale dates aren't locked in yet. Right-hand drive is part of the global plan from day one, alongside left-hand drive and a dedicated European specification.
Around 1000 prototypes are being tested worldwide, and Australian roads are part of that program, signalling that local tuning is already underway. China sales begin in the second half of 2026, with the Middle East confirmed as the first export market and right-hand drive countries to follow.
For Australian buyers, this shapes up as a high-tech six-seater built without the Land Rover badge. Whether the Freelander name still carries weight without the green oval is the next test.
Frequently asked questions
When will the 2026 Freelander 8 launch in Australia?
Local timing isn't confirmed. China sales begin in the second half of 2026, with right-hand drive markets including Australia to follow.
Is the Freelander 8 a Land Rover?
No. Freelander now operates as a standalone brand jointly owned by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, with no Land Rover badge on the SUV.
What powertrains will the Freelander 8 offer?
Buyers will get a choice of full electric, plug-in hybrid, or extended-range electric, all built on an 800V architecture.
