The New Freelander SUV Is Now Part Chinese With JLR And Chery Partnership

Freelander returns as a new electric SUV brand under Land Rover, built with Chery for China first. With retro styling and modern tech, a global and possible India launch could follow.

By : Somnath Chatterjee | Updated at : 01 Apr 2026 03:52 PM (IST)

The New Freelander SUV Is Now Part Chinese With JLR And Chery Partnership The New Freelander SUV Is Now Part Chinese With JLR And Chery Partnership

The Freelander is based on a new 800V architecture.

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

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Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom

Freelander re-emerges as a new EV brand with retro-styled SUVs.
New Freelander concept is a joint venture with Chinese automaker Chery.
Based on 800V architecture, supports electric and plug-in hybrid options.
Primarily targeting China, with potential global and India launch later.

The Freelander was the entry-level Land Rover many years ago, and now the name is back, but as a new brand in itself. The Freelander brand will now debut many new electric SUVs, starting with this new car, which has retro styling elements from the original model.

This SUV, for now, is intended for China, a market that is huge and the biggest for carmakers. However, having a partnership is the way to go over there. Hence, the new Freelander concept is actually Chinese too, with the partnership with Chery, a name you might have heard thanks to the agreement with JSW Motors in India.

Freelander SUV: Platform, Powertrain And Design Details

The Freelander is based on a new 800V architecture and supports electric as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The New Freelander SUV Is Now Part Chinese With JLR And Chery Partnership

The design is retro and gets unique rear doors, while overall styling is similar to the first Freelander. However, those rear doors won’t make it to production.

The “Concept 97” name refers to the year when the Freelander was first unveiled.

Freelander SUV: Global Plans And Future Possibilities

While China is the primary market for which this has been developed, a production version for other global markets is expected later. Hence, an India launch could happen too.

The New Freelander SUV Is Now Part Chinese With JLR And Chery Partnership

It is not new for legacy brands to partner with emerging Chinese giants to enter the China market, which is one of the most lucrative. With Freelander, this marks a new wave of electrified SUVs within the Land Rover range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new Freelander brand?

Freelander is a new brand that was formerly the entry-level Land Rover. It will be launching new electric SUVs, starting with a model that features retro styling.

Is the new Freelander SUV intended for markets outside of China?

While initially developed for the Chinese market through a partnership with Chery, a production version for other global markets, potentially including India, is expected later.

What kind of powertrains will the new Freelander support?

The Freelander is built on a new 800V architecture and will support both electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

About the author Somnath Chatterjee

Somnath Chatterjee has been working as an automobile journalist for the better part of a decade and is still in love with four wheels. Prefers being behind the wheel of a new car rather than a keyboard. He contributes expert Auto articles and guides for ABP Live English.