- Five-seat version joins six-seat model.
- 460 kW and 662 Nm combined.
- 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
- UAE launch planned for Q1 2027.
- South African availability not confirmed.
Chery has shown an international five-seat version of the Freelander 8, a plug-in hybrid SUV developed through its partnership with JLR, and announced an AI Voice Assistant for the model. Both were revealed at Freelander Nightfall in Wuhu, China, on 19 October, held as part of the 2026 Chery International User Summit.
The SUV was first unveiled in Abu Dhabi on 29 September 2026, introducing Freelander as a standalone brand jointly developed by the two companies. Design is led by JLR, while Chery supplies vehicle technology and its global supply network. The new five-seater joins the six-seat model, giving buyers a choice of two or three rows.
Freelander 8 powertrain and range
In Middle East specification, a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine works with a 34.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive. Peak outputs are 460 kW and 662 Nm, good for 0 to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds.
Electric range is 110 km, and total range reaches 886 km with a full tank and charged battery, both on the combined cycle. The battery accepts 11 kW AC charging, while DC fast charging takes it from 20 to 80% in 20 minutes or less.
Off-road hardware and testing
Dual-chamber air suspension and continuously controlled damping adapt the chassis to the surface, with ground clearance of up to 266 mm. A virtual centre differential lock and an electronic limited-slip differential manage torque when grip is low. The Intelligent All-Terrain System offers nine modes, made up of seven terrain programmes, including Sand Mode, plus Smart and Expert modes.
Under test conditions, the vehicle can climb a 70% gradient, roughly 35 degrees, and wade through water up to 900 mm deep. Development involved more than 1,000 test vehicles, over 200 of them used for all-terrain durability testing across 2.15 million kilometres.
Cabin technology and driver assistance
A Qualcomm SA8295P processor runs the digital systems, which include a 46.3-inch Mini LED far-side screen. L2+ driver assistance and more than 30 assistance functions are standard, and automated valet parking will be offered in selected markets. The AI Voice Assistant uses a large language model developed specifically for the brand.
International rollout and South African status
Sales begin in the UAE, where launch is expected in the first quarter of 2027, followed by the rest of the Middle East and other left-hand-drive markets. Right-hand-drive markets come next, with Australia and New Zealand the priorities, before continental Europe and then the United Kingdom and Ireland. South African availability has not been confirmed, and figures apply to the Middle East model.
Supplied by QuickPic (Freelander)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.