Chery-JLR Launches Freelander 8 in China Starting at 289,900 Yuan
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Chery and Jaguar Land Rover launched the Freelander 8 in China on Thursday, pricing the extended-range electric SUV from 289,900 yuan ($42,750) after incentives. The final entry sticker cuts 40,000 yuan from the pre-sales price announced in late August.
Buyers can choose between five-seat and six-seat cabin layouts across Pro, Max and Max+ versions, which top out at 379,900 yuan. Six-seat configurations add 10,000 yuan to each trim. A flagship launch edition limited to 1,000 units and priced at 449,900 yuan sold out prior to the official debut.
Powertrain and charging specs
The 5.1-metre SUV runs on an 800-volt electrical architecture paired with a 60.3-kilowatt-hour ternary lithium battery from CATL, delivering 310 kilometres of pure electric range under China light-duty vehicle test cycle standards. A fast-charging cycle takes the pack from 20 per cent to 80 per cent in 12 minutes.
A 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine acts as a dedicated range extender for a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Output reaches 610 kilowatts (818 horsepower) and 813 Newton-metres of torque, driving the vehicle from zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.6 seconds. Standard chassis hardware includes dual-chamber air suspension, continuously variable dampers, and rear-wheel steering that delivers a 5.15-metre turning radius.
Software and export plans
Cabin systems operate on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 chips alongside a 46.3-inch 8K display and Huawei’s Qiankun ADS 5 driver-assistance platform. Higher trims add multi-channel roof LiDAR hardware for advanced automated navigation.
Foreign automakers in China have steadily lost market share to domestic extended-range producers such as Li Auto and Seres. By turning JLR’s legacy Freelander badge into an electric sub-brand built on Chery platforms and Huawei software, the joint venture is attempting to hold premium territory without relying entirely on British engineering.
Chery-JLR plans to introduce six Freelander models over the next five years. Initial exports start between late 2026 and early 2027, led by left-hand-drive shipments to the Middle East.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the starting price for the Freelander 8 in China after incentives?
What is the starting price for the Freelander 8 in China after incentives?
The Freelander 8 is priced from 289,900 yuan ($42,750) after incentives. This final entry sticker represents a 40,000 yuan reduction from the pre-sales price announced in late August.
Q.What is the pure electric range of the Freelander 8 on a single charge?
What is the pure electric range of the Freelander 8 on a single charge?
The SUV delivers 310 kilometres of pure electric range under China light-duty vehicle test cycle standards. It uses a 60.3-kilowatt-hour ternary lithium battery from CATL for its electric power.
Q.When can we expect the Freelander 8 to be available for export to other markets?
When can we expect the Freelander 8 to be available for export to other markets?
Initial exports are planned to begin between late 2026 and early 2027. These first shipments will be left-hand-drive vehicles destined for the Middle East.
Q.Which company supplies the software for the Freelander 8's driver-assistance platform?
Which company supplies the software for the Freelander 8's driver-assistance platform?
Huawei supplies its Qiankun ADS 5 driver-assistance platform for the cabin systems. These systems also run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 chips and feature a 46.3-inch 8K display.
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