Remember the Land Rover Freelander? The rugged SUV that dominated school runs and country roads in the early 2000s is officially back. However, this isn't a retro refresh. Reborn as the flagship Freelander 8, it has evolved into a massive, tech-loaded, high-performance SUV created through a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery.
Designed by Phil Simmons and his team at Jaguar Land Rover, the new Freelander retains many of the design elements that made the original Freelander popular. The mechanical aspect of the new Freelander was then entrusted to the Chery International Motor Group, which drew on its NEV expertise to create a Freelander fit for the modern era.
Power and Capability
Stretching 5 118 mm in length with a massive 3 040 mm wheelbase, the Freelander 8 is considerably larger than what you remember it to be. Underneath the sleek exterior sits a powertrain anchored by a dedicated 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine. Working in harmony with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, it generates a staggering 460 kW and 662 Nm of torque. Despite its substantial footprint, this large SUV launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.
Ride quality is managed by a dual-chamber air suspension paired with Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD), capable of adjusting ride height from -50 mm for easy loading up to +70 mm for rough terrain. Combined with 266 mm of ground clearance and massive 6-piston front brake callipers delivering 30% higher braking force, it promises true off-road confidence without sacrificing highway comfort.
Living Room on Wheels
Step inside, and the cabin is dominated by pure digital real estate. Drivers are greeted by an ultra-wide 46.3-inch 8K integrated display spanning 1.2 meters across the dashboard, complemented by a 15.6-inch centre touchscreen. Infotainment is backed by an LLM-powered AI voice assistant tailored for natural, conversational control.
Rear passengers aren't left out, thanks to an available 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted entertainment screen with 1 000-nit peak brightness and anti-glare technology.
Hybrid Efficiency
For buyers torn between pure electric and petrol, the international-spec Freelander 8 pairs its 2.0-litre turbo petrol combustion engine with a 34.12 kWh LFP battery.
The setup offers over 110 km of pure electric range (WLTC) for emissions-free daily commutes. When it is time for long-distance road trips, the 2.0-litre turbo engine takes over, extending the combined range to over 886 km. When stopping to top up the battery, DC fast charging brings the LFP pack from 20% to 80% in under 20 minutes.
Verdict
The Freelander 8 transitions a classic nameplate into the modern era of luxury, family-focused utility. With striking design choices, screen real estate that rivals a home cinema, and serious mechanical hardware under the bonnet, it stands out as one of the most compelling large SUVs entering the luxury market.
