At the Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, the Freelander 8 took centre stage as the first model of a reborn brand. The name belongs to Land Rover history, but it now identifies a standalone marque developed by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery. We were on site for the preview, together with a group of Swedish dealers.
Scandinavian interest, especially in Sweden
Interest in the Freelander 8 looks high in Scandinavia. That is what we could see first hand from the Swedish dealers who attended the event with us.
The historic name helps. The original Freelander arrived in 1997 as a compact SUV in the Land Rover range, and it remains familiar to many European drivers. That recognition gives the new model a good starting point, even if the brand is now independent.
From Land Rover model to standalone brand
The project rests on an agreement announced in June 2024. JLR and Chery set out a plan built around the Freelander name, electrified architectures from the Chinese manufacturer and production at the joint venture plant in Changshu, with international sales planned from the start.
The split of roles defines the identity of the brand. JLR keeps ownership of the name and leads design through a dedicated studio, while Chery contributes technology and its industrial supply chain.
Powertrain and cabin
The figures released in October refer to the international version for the Middle East, so they may change by country and trim. This configuration combines a 2.0 turbo engine, a 34.12 kWh LFP battery and two electric motors with all wheel drive.
Declared output is 460 kW, around 625 hp, with 662 Nm of torque, and the 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes 5.8 seconds. Inside, the car seats six people across three rows. The dashboard carries a 46.3 inch panoramic screen next to a 15.6 inch central display, and options include massaging rear seats and a Harman Kardon audio system with up to 23 speakers.
Off road credentials
The summit programme included both road driving and off road sections with mud, rocks, sand, steep slopes and water crossings, designed to show the all wheel drive system and the terrain management software at work.
Freelander declares dual chamber air suspension, gradeability of up to 70 percent and wading depth of up to 900 millimetres, under the manufacturer’s test conditions. These are declared values, and real world driving will be needed to judge them.
Why it suits Scandinavian buyers
The specification looks particularly well matched to Scandinavian conditions. All wheel drive, air suspension, strong off road claims and room for six occupants are useful on snowy roads, in rural areas and for large families. A British design identity combined with Chinese technology also fits the way many Scandinavian buyers already approach new brands from China.
The open question is availability. Specifications, equipment and pricing for Europe have not been defined, and no launch in Scandinavia has been confirmed. For now, Wuhu shows how a well known name can become the starting point of a new industrial strategy, and Scandinavian dealers are watching closely.
