The Freelander name returns after 11 years with the new Freelander 8, offering 625 PS, 110 km of electric range and serious off-road capability.
The Freelander name is back after an 11-year absence, but not in the form many Land Rover enthusiasts may remember. Revived under the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture, the new Freelander 8 has made its international debut in Abu Dhabi with 625 PS, all-wheel drive and up to 110 km of electric-only range.
Originally used by Land Rover between 1997 and 2015, Freelander has now been transformed into a standalone electrified brand combining its British heritage with Chinese-developed technology.
Following its commercial launch in China in August 2026, the Freelander 8 has now begun its international expansion, with the UAE becoming the first major export market.
Freelander Is Back, But Everything Has Changed
The original Freelander was positioned as a relatively compact and accessible Land Rover SUV. The new Freelander 8 takes the historic name in a very different direction.
Developed by Chery Jaguar Land Rover, the model sits at the heart of the revived Freelander brand and introduces a much stronger focus on electrification, digital technology and performance.
The international version was presented in Abu Dhabi during an event themed “Beyond the Legend.”
Initial deliveries will focus on left-hand-drive markets. Right-hand-drive models are planned to follow, while versions developed to comply with European Union regulations are also expected as part of the brand’s international expansion.
625 PS and 886 km of Combined Range
One of the biggest talking points is the Freelander 8’s plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The system combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 34.12 kWh LFP battery and two electric motors. Power is sent to all four wheels, with the system producing a combined 460 kW, or approximately 625 PS, along with 662 Nm of torque.
Freelander claims an electric-only driving range of up to 110 km, while the total combined driving range reaches 886 km.
Those figures underline just how far the revived Freelander has moved from the philosophy of its predecessor.
Serious Off-Road Hardware Remains Part of the Package
Despite its focus on electrification and technology, the Freelander 8 has not abandoned the off-road capability traditionally associated with the name.
The SUV features dual-chamber air suspension combined with continuously controlled damping, allowing maximum ground clearance to reach 266 mm.
Its intelligent all-terrain system, known as i-ATS, offers nine operating modes, including seven dedicated terrain settings.
According to the manufacturer, the Freelander 8 can tackle 70% gradients, cope with 800 mm cross-axle articulation and wade through water up to 900 mm deep.
Qualcomm Technology and Level 2+ Assistance
Technology plays an equally important role inside the new SUV.
The Freelander 8 uses Qualcomm’s 5 nm SA8295P chipset, providing the processing power for its infotainment system and AI-based functions.
A Level 2+ advanced driver-assistance system is also included as standard.
Freelander International CEO Lucia Mao describes the philosophy behind the revived brand as a combination of British character and Chinese technology, with the company aiming to take the historic name beyond simply recreating the original vehicle.
Is the Freelander 8 Coming to Europe?
A confirmed European launch date has not yet been announced. However, the company’s plans to introduce models specifically developed to meet EU regulatory requirements make Europe an important part of Freelander’s future expansion.
There is currently no official confirmation regarding availability in Türkiye either.
What is already clear is that the Freelander 8 represents much more than the return of an old Land Rover badge. With 625 PS, 110 km of electric range, serious off-road capability and a new technology-focused architecture, Freelander has returned with an entirely different identity.