Freelander 8 signals JLR and Chery’s China EV reset, with Huawei LiDAR at the center

Jaguar Land Rover and Chery have unveiled the Freelander 8 in China, reviving the Freelander name as a new, China-led electric SUV line aimed at reversing declining local sales.

The first live showing followed early teaser images, underlining how quickly the joint venture is moving to reposition itself in the world’s most competitive EV market.

The Freelander 8 is a large SUV at about 5.1 m long, far removed from the compact crossover that originally carried the badge in the 2000s.

Its squared-off styling, flush door handles and prominent Freelander tailgate lettering are designed to blend familiar Land Rover cues with the cleaner surfaces buyers increasingly associate with modern EVs.

Driver-assistance tech takes the spotlight

A key talking point is the use of Huawei’s LiDAR hardware, described as an 896-line unit, paired with an advanced driver-assistance stack.

The model is also marketed with high-performance in-car computing, reflecting how software and automated driving features now influence purchase decisions alongside range and charging.

Inside, a wide central display dominates the dashboard, with physical buttons retained for frequently used controls. The cabin layout closely mirrors recent China-market SUVs, signaling a deliberate focus on local tastes where large screens and connected services are often expected at this price tier.

Off-road messaging for an urban EV

Although the Freelander 8 is positioned as an EV for everyday use, Chery and JLR are emphasizing multi-terrain capability to protect the brand’s SUV credibility.

The company says the vehicle was tested across 20 terrain scenarios and can adjust settings rapidly, supported by hardware such as a front mechanical lock, a rear electronic differential function and a dual-chamber air suspension.

A make-or-break shift for the joint venture

The launch comes as Chery Jaguar Land Rover restructures its China strategy after weak sales, with plans to wind down several locally built Jaguar and Land Rover models by the end of 2026.

The factory, which has been cited as capable of producing 200 000 vehicles annually, is expected to pivot toward the Freelander-branded lineup.

While the Freelander 8 was developed primarily for Chinese customers, the companies have also pointed to export ambitions, including Middle East markets. Another presentation is expected in June ahead of sales, with the model’s reception likely to shape the future direction of the Chery-JLR partnership.