Jaguar Land Rover and Chery Revive Freelander SUV
The iconic Freelander nameplate returns as a new Chinese-built hybrid SUV model.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Car Types
Live Poll
Would you trust a legacy car brand that shifts its manufacturing to a foreign partner?
Jaguar Land Rover and Chery have partnered to revive the Freelander model as a modern, Chinese-built SUV. The new vehicle features a powerful hybrid powertrain and advanced electrical architecture.
Why it matters
The partnership allows Jaguar Land Rover to access Chery's Rapid Development EV technology to remain competitive in a shifting market. Chery benefits from the global prestige associated with the established British brand.
The Freelander 8 hybrid variant is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo engine and achieves a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 5.8 seconds. It utilizes a lithium-iron phosphate battery paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.
The players
Jaguar Land Rover
A British luxury vehicle manufacturer known for its high-performance SUVs and historic heritage.
Chery Auto
A Chinese automotive company that has rapidly expanded its global export presence and market share.
The details
The new SUV incorporates dual-chamber air suspension with continuously controlled damping to manage its performance. It represents a significant collaboration aimed at bridging British design heritage with Chinese manufacturing scale.
Timeline
1997: Original Freelander model was first manufactured.
2015: Freelander was replaced by the Discovery Sport model.
Q1-Q3 2026: Chery exported over 1.5 million vehicles globally.
August 2026: Chery recorded 4,238 new vehicle sales in Australia.
September 2026: Chery sold 3,004 units in South Africa.
Roadmap
This revival reflects the broader industry transition toward rapid development cycles and international manufacturing partnerships. It positions the collaboration against rival luxury automakers currently struggling to balance legacy brand prestige with modern EV technology requirements.
Potential buyers can expect a shift in vehicle manufacturing origins for future Land Rover branded SUVs as this hybrid model rolls out. The partnership suggests consumers will soon have access to new hybrid SUV options that blend European engineering with Chinese powertrain technology.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates how established automotive brands are leveraging external partnerships to accelerate their electric and hybrid development timelines. Enthusiasts of the brand should watch for upcoming regional availability announcements to see where the new model will be imported.
Further reading
For more information on the latest industry trends, visit the Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mail & Guardian.
Live Poll
Would you trust a legacy car brand that shifts its manufacturing to a foreign partner?
