2027 Freelander 8 Confirmed for Australia: Chery-JLR Joint Venture Launches 610kW Luxury EREV

Freelander—the newly established joint-venture marque created by Chery Automobile and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)—will officially launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2027, spearheaded by the flagship Freelander 8 large SUV.

Confirmed during the brand’s international debut at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Australia and New Zealand have been designated as priority right-hand-drive markets following the United Arab Emirates and China. Former Mazda and Inchcape executive Kym Mellow has been appointed to lead the brand’s local operations, overseeing network development across established franchised dealer groups.

Produced at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover facility in Changshu, China—where the first example rolled off the line in July 2026—the revived Freelander badge represents a clean break from its compact 1990s predecessor.

EREV Drivetrain, Battery, and Charging Realities

The Freelander 8 is underpinned by a Chery-developed architecture and utilizes a pure extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain. Unlike conventional plug-in hybrids where internal combustion engines physically drive the axles, the wheels on the Freelander 8 are powered exclusively by dual electric motors delivering a combined 610kW of power and 813Nm of torque. Despite carrying a hefty 2,980kg kerb weight, the SUV completes the 0–100km/h sprint in 4.6 seconds.

Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 105kW and 220Nm, which functions solely as an onboard generator to replenish the battery on the move. Electric energy is stored in a 60kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack, delivering a claimed electric-only range of up to 310km under the WLTC testing cycle.

The vehicle features an 800-volt electrical architecture supporting DC fast-charging speeds of up to 350kW, allowing rapid top-ups on compatible highway charging infrastructure.

Genuine All-Terrain Hardware

Rather than being restricted to tarmac duties, the Freelander 8 is engineered with serious off-road capability:

• Air Suspension Geometry: Features standard ground clearance of 270mm, which can be raised by 70mm (to 340mm) for obstacle clearance or lowered by 50mm (to 220mm) for highway efficiency and passenger access.
• Water Fording: Achieves a 900mm wading depth, aided by triple door and tailgate seals, an elevated engine air intake at 1,213mm, and an air-conditioning intake positioned at 1,141mm.
• Traction Control: Equipped with selectable 4H and 4L low-range gearing modes, a mechanical front differential lock, and multiple terrain-specific drive programs.

Technical Specifications: 2027 Freelander 8 EREV

Cabin Architecture and Feature Overview

Available in five- and six-seat configurations, the interior combines JLR luxury styling with Chery's digital display technology:

• Digital Dashboard Displays: A 46.3-inch 8K continuous display spanning the base of the windscreen, complemented by a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen with dedicated physical climate toggles and console dials.
• Rear Entertainment: A ceiling-mounted 17.3-inch fold-down display for second- and third-row passengers.
• Seating & Luxury Appointments: Lie-flat front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, integrated fold-out seatback picnic tables, power rear door sunshades, and an integrated 10-litre refrigerated cooler bin.

2027 Freelander 8 Australian Pricing and Launch Timing

Official Australian retail pricing, detailed warranty terms, and final trim designations have not yet been announced.

Freelander Australia confirms the model will arrive in local showrooms during 2027, with full pricing and localized specification grades to be published closer to its market introduction.