Jaguar Land Rover, in partnership with Chinese automaker Chery, has revived the Freelander. The Freelander nameplate will now be a brand of its own, spawning a range of models with the Concept 97 previewing the first one.
- First Freelander model to be an electrified 4x4 SUV.
- New models to arrive every 6 months over the next 5 years.
- Models to offer a choice of electric, PHEV or range-extender hybrid options.
Chery-JLR Freelander: Where does it fit in Land Rover’s portfolio?
Freelander brand to operate individually and sell alongside the current lineup
The Freelander was first introduced by Land Rover in 1997 as a mid-size luxury SUV. After subsequent updates and renaming it the ‘Freelander 2’, the nameplate was replaced by the Discovery brand in 2013. Back in 2024, Chery and JLR signed a Letter of Intent to license the Freelander brand for the production of electric vehicles in China. Moreover, the Freelander brand will operate independently (like Jaecoo, iCar and Jetour) from both Chery and JLR. The Freelander range of SUVs will be sold alongside JLR’s current range of SUV families, which include the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery.
Chery-JLR Concept 97: Exterior and interior details
Boxy silhouette retains design elements from the original Freelander
Previously, images of the upcoming Freelander were leaked via crash test images, hinting at what the production version may look like. At the front, the Concept 97 features a closed-off grille and ‘Freelander’ branding at the centre. The LED headlamp design is reminiscent of older Freelander models, with detailing paying homage to the original Freelander's C-pillar glasshouse design, and the bonnet and bumper get a dual-tone paint finish. The Concept 97 is over 5.1 metres in length with a wheelbase of over 3 metres.
The sides get a smooth and clean surface, with the protruding wheel arches and sills getting a black finish. The C-pillar design pays homage to the original Freelander, and the large alloy wheels get a dual-tone finish. Just like the front-end, the upright rear-end features a two-tone look for the tailgate and bumper, and the tail-lamps also mimic the LED detailing of the headlamps. While the concept also features rear-hinged doors, it is yet to be seen if it makes it onto the production version. Overall, the concept has a very boxy stance, and even has some resemblance to the Defender.
On the inside, the concept’s dashboard is dominated by an end-to-end display below the windshield, and there’s a large, free-floating infotainment screen. The three-spoke steering wheel features physical buttons, an array of physical knobs below the infotainment screen, two wireless phone chargers and rotary dials in the centre console. While the concept features a wraparound rear bench at the back, the production version is expected to arrive as a six-seater, with captain chairs for the second row.
Powering the electrical systems on board will be the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 chip, the latest processor for automotive systems by the brand. Moreover, ADAS operations will be handled by Huawei, with a LiDAR sensor mounted on the roof.
Chery-JLR Concept 97: Platform and expected powertrain details
EV, PHEV, and Range-extender hybrid options to be on offer
The production version of the Concept 97 will be based on Chery’s X1 platform, which sits on an 800V battery architecture. The platform can also accommodate PHEV and range-extender hybrid powertrains. There will also be a multi-terrain management system on board with three differential locks. Information regarding battery capacity and motor setup on the EV version has not been revealed.
Chery-JLR Freelander: Launch timeline and model expansion details
Six new models to be introduced over the next 5 years
The first model from the Freelander family, which was previewed by the Concept 97, is expected to arrive in the latter half of this year. From then on, six new models will be introduced in the Freelander family of SUVs every six months for the next five years. Apart from China, the Discovery family of SUVs will also be sold in Europe, but arrival in the Indian market has not been confirmed yet.