Jaguar Land Rover and Chery are reviving the Freelander name as a brand-new line of electrified SUVs. Confirmed for the UK, the range will use advanced 800-volt tech and offer EV, PHEV, and range-extender options. The first model takes inspiration from the 1997 original.
Key Facts
- 1997: The first model, codenamed ‘97’, pays homage to the original Freelander that launched in 1997.
- 800-volt: Built on an advanced 800-volt platform allowing ultra-fast charging speeds.
- 3 Powertrains: UK buyers can choose between pure electric (EV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and range-extender (REx) options.
- 6 Months: A new Freelander model will launch every six months over the next five years.
The Freelander name is back – and it’s electric
Big news for SUV fans: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chinese manufacturing giant Chery are teaming up to bring back the iconic Freelander, this time as its own electrified brand. The move signals a fresh chapter for JLR, bringing British design flair together with advanced Chinese EV technology to create a family of premium off-roaders designed for global markets, with the UK firmly in the spotlight.
Unlike a one-off revival, this will be a full line-up of Freelander-branded vehicles, each blending Land Rover’s adventurous DNA with next-generation electrification tech.
What UK drivers can expect
Here’s where things get exciting. All new Freelanders will use an 800-volt architecture, putting them on par with top-tier EVs like the Porsche Taycan. That means significantly faster charging times – great news for anyone tired of long stops at the chargers.
Plus, there’ll be three powertrain options to suit different lifestyles:
- A fully electric EV for zero-emission enthusiasts.
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for flexible motoring.
And an innovative range-extender (REx) variant that keeps you moving even when the battery runs low, ideal for drivers still easing into the EV world.
Meet the Freelander 97 Concept
The first concept model, known as the ‘97’, takes direct inspiration from the original 1997 Freelander that redefined compact SUVs. Its distinctive diagonal C-pillar is a clear design nod to the original, while its modern styling and bold stance show how far the Freelander has evolved.
The concept’s striking features, like reverse-opening doors, may not all reach production, but the rugged yet premium aesthetic is expected to form the foundation of the new brand’s design language.
Designed and tested for the UK
Worried the new Freelander might be a China-only launch? Don’t be. JLR has confirmed that UK and European markets are top priorities, with bespoke versions tuned specifically for local driving conditions and safety standards.
Testing is already underway across Europe, and the early prototypes suggest JLR’s aiming straight for the premium end of the UK SUV segment.
What’s next for Freelander and JLR?
The new brand launch is part of an ambitious plan: a new Freelander every six months for the next five years. This rapid rollout will quickly build a complete family of models, each one expanding JLR’s electric footprint.
However, this evolution means change elsewhere. The new Freelander range will replace production lines currently used for the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, marking a new strategic direction for JLR.
With growing demand for electrified SUVs, especially range-extended models that balance convenience and sustainability, JLR’s betting big that the revived Freelander name will resonate with modern UK drivers who want adventure with efficiency.
