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, could arrive later this year
- To be followed by six new models over the next five 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 be sold alongside the current line-up
The Freelander was first introduced by Land Rover in 1997 as a midsize luxury SUV. After subsequent updates and renaming it the ‘Freelander 2’, the nameplate was replaced by the Discovery brand in 2013. 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 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
While leaked crash-test images had hinted at what the upcoming Freelander’s production version may look like, the Concept 97 features a closed-off grille at the front, with ‘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. 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 profile shows a smooth and clean surface, large dual-tone alloy wheels, and protruding wheel arches and sills finished in black. Just like the front, 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 these are retained in the production version. Overall, the concept has a very boxy stance and even some resemblance to the Defender.
On the inside, the concept’s dashboard is dominated by an end-to-end display below the windshield, along with a large, free-floating infotainment screen with an array of physical knobs below it. The three-spoke steering wheel features physical buttons, and there are two wireless phone chargers and rotary dials on the centre console. While the concept features a wraparound rear bench, the production version is expected to arrive as a 6-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. 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. Information regarding battery capacities and motor setups has not been revealed yet.
Chery-JLR Freelander: Launch timeline and model expansion details
Six new models to be introduced over the next five 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 over the next five years. Apart from China, the Freelander SUVs will also be sold in Europe, but their arrival in the Indian market has not been confirmed yet.
Dhruv Dhaka
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
