Revived Freelander brand's first SUV to be a PHEV due in 2026

JLR ended production of the Freelander SUV in 2014, but now, in partnership with China’s Chery, the British marque is bringing it back in 2026, with a twist. As we had reported earlier, Freelander will return as an EV brand, entirely separate from both Chery’s current line-up and JLR’s modern luxury House of Brands: Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar. JLR recently revealed the new Freelander logo during an investors’ presentation, stating that the first model will be a “tech-led, full-size SUV”.

1. First JLR-Chery Freelander model to be a plug-in hybrid
2. To be built on a Chery platform

For those not in the know, JLR launched the Discovery Sport in 2015 as the replacement for the Freelander. The ICE Freelander was also the first Land Rover to be built on a monocoque platform. 

JLR Chery Freelander platform

To be underpinned by the modular T1X base 

The two automakers have been in a joint venture since 2012, when they established a manufacturing facility in China. Since then, Chery has produced the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar E-Pace and long-wheelbase versions of the XF and XE sedans for the Chinese market.

Chery's TX1 modular platform.

Speaking about the upcoming Freelander EV line-up, JLR China boss Qing Pan told investors that Chery will develop the platform in-house, with a flexible architecture. Styling, however, will be overseen by Gerry McGovern, who is responsible for previous Freelander designs. According to an Autocar UK report, the new Freelander EVs will be underpinned by Chery’s T1X platform, also used by the Chinese firm’s Jaecoo and Omoda brands. This platform can support vehicles ranging from the size of a Mahindra XUV400 to a Range Rover Velar. The Freelander line-up will debut in China and be sold through dedicated Chery-run dealerships, with plans for international expansion.

JLR Chery Freelander first model

PHEV with coupe SUV design

The first Freelander model will be a plug-in hybrid with a chunky design and a Porsche Macan-style coupe shape. It will “echo the original spirit of Freelander but brought up to date to appeal to discerning, technologically savvy Chinese consumers”, the report further quoted Qing as saying.