Freelander Returns as an EV Brand Under Chery and JLR

Chery Automobile Co Ltd has announced the Freelander 8 hybrid SUV under its new Freelander brand in China on 12 November 2026, backed by a US$3.1bil (RM12.6bil) joint-venture investment. The model transitions the historic entry-level nameplate into an extended full-size flagship to rival the Range Rover.

Manufactured at Chery's production facility, the Freelander 8 may arrive in Malaysia in late 2027 or early 2028. While official distributorship arrangements between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover are pending confirmation, the vehicle is anticipated to launch under the Chery umbrella in line with other international export markets.

Key Facts

The Freelander 8 is a full-size plug-in hybrid SUV developed through a US$3.1bil (approximately RM12.6bil) joint venture between Chery Automobile Co Ltd and Jaguar Land Rover. The Freelander 8 combines a 460kW Chery hybrid powertrain with a 3,040mm wheelbase and dual-chamber air suspension to rival luxury flagship SUVs.

What Are the Powertrain and Range Specifications of the Freelander 8?

The Freelander 8 is powered by Chery's 2.0T Dedicated Hybrid Engine featuring 45.95% thermal efficiency and a 14:1 compression ratio, paired with a 34.12kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery. It generates a combined 460kW (625hp) and 662Nm of torque, delivering an electric range exceeding 110km and a total combined range over 886km.

The hybrid setup achieves acceleration from 0 to 100kph in 5.8 seconds. Rapid energy replenishment is provided by DC fast charging capabilities that take the 34.12kWh battery pack from 20% to 80% capacity in less than 20 minutes.

The Freelander 8 accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 5.8 seconds and achieves over 886km of combined driving range.

How Does the Freelander 8 Compare in Size and Off-Road Capability to the Range Rover?

The Freelander 8 matches Range Rover dimensions with an overall body length of 5,118mm, width of 2,050mm, height of 1,926mm, and a 3,040mm wheelbase. Off-road capability is supported by dual-chamber air suspension, 266mm ground clearance, 900mm maximum wading depth, and an all-wheel drive system featuring nine i-ATS terrain modes.

Overseen by Phil Collins, director of the Freelander Design Hub who worked on the original 1997 Freelander, the extended body integrates signature design heritage including debossed tailgate badging, a triangular rear quarter window, and restyled interlocking LED headlamps. The chassis incorporates continuously controlled damping, height adjustment of 70mm lift and 50mm drop, and a 70% climbing gradient. Controlled dynamic handling was verified through double slalom testing at close to 40kph.

The Freelander 8 delivers a maximum wading depth of 900mm and a 70% climbing gradient using dual-chamber air suspension.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

For Malaysian motorists interested in full-size luxury SUVs, the Freelander 8 offers a Chery-engineered alternative to the Range Rover flagship. The vehicle is projected for possible arrival in Malaysia in late 2027 or early 2028, with local distribution expected to operate under the Chery umbrella following its initial launch in the UAE.

Because the SUV is built at Chery's intelligent manufacturing base featuring 1,100 robots and 100% automated welding, local market distribution hinges on the joint-venture framework between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover.

The Freelander 8 is anticipated to arrive in Malaysia in late 2027 or early 2028 under Chery distributorship.

Common Questions

Key questions regarding the Freelander 8 focus on its Malaysian release timeline, official brand distributorship, and electrified powertrain capabilities following its global presentation. The Chery and Jaguar Land Rover joint-venture vehicle is slated for initial Middle Eastern launch before reaching other international markets.

When will the Freelander 8 be released in Malaysia?

The Freelander 8 may arrive in Malaysia in late 2027 or early 2028. Its first global release takes place in the United Arab Emirates in the first quarter of 2027, followed by progressive rollouts in other international markets once local distributorship mechanics are established.

Who will distribute the Freelander 8 in Malaysia?

Official Malaysian distributorship has not been announced. However, because the vehicle is built in Chery's production facility under a joint venture with Jaguar Land Rover, it is expected to launch under the Chery umbrella in Malaysia, mirroring the distribution model deployed in the United Arab Emirates.

What battery and charging capabilities does the Freelander 8 offer?

The Freelander 8 is equipped with a 34.12kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery delivering over 110km of electric range. It supports DC fast charging from 20% to 80% in less than 20 minutes, pairing with a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine to yield an 886km combined range.

Sources and Methodology

This technical review compiles verified reporting on the Freelander 8 vehicle reveal published by CarSifu under Star Media Group Berhad. The analysis documents technical specifications, joint-venture capital figures, and international rollout schedules provided directly by Chery Automobile Co Ltd during dynamic prototype testing. All financial figures reflect source data.

Original report: CarSifu

Currency figures are cited directly from the source report, which lists the US$3.1 billion joint-venture investment alongside its approximate conversion of RM12.6 billion. No foreign language translations were required as the source material was published in English. This article is based on the source report above and was last updated on 12 November 2026.