Chery-JLR’s Freelander brand confirmed for Australia in 2027

The new Freelander brand will launch in Australia in 2027, with the Freelander 8 SUV confirmed as its first model for the local market following the brand’s global launch in Abu Dhabi.

The global launch took place on September 29, with Australia and New Zealand identified as priority right-hand-drive markets for the new brand.

Measuring more than 5.1 metres long, the Freelander 8 is an upper-large SUV offered with five- and six-seat configurations. It will compete in Australia’s premium upper-large SUV segment. Australian specifications, pricing and exact launch timing are yet to be confirmed. The Freelander 8 has already gone on sale in China, attracting more than 10,000 pre-orders within 48 hours of opening.

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We previously reported the Freelander 8 is expected to be offered globally with electric, plug-in hybrid and extended-range powertrains, with Chinese-market information pointing to an 800V electrical architecture, CATL battery technology and DC charging of up to 350kW.

The 5185mm-long SUV has also been detailed with twin-chamber air suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential and an intelligent all-terrain system, while previous Chinese-market information has pointed to a six-seat 2+2+2 interior. Those details have not yet been confirmed for Australian-market vehicles.

Freelander plans to introduce six models over the next five years, with the 8 leading its Australian launch. The brand will sell its vehicles through established dealerships in Australia and New Zealand, with dealer appointments to be announced ahead of launch.

Australia and New Zealand have been identified as priority right-hand-drive markets as Freelander expands outside China.

What is the Freelander brand?

Freelander is a new British premium all-terrain brand created by Chery Jaguar Land Rover, the 50:50 joint venture between Chery Automobile and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). JLR licensed the Freelander name to the joint venture in June 2024, with JLR contributing its British design and all-terrain heritage while Chery provides electrified technology, engineering and its global supply chain.

Freelander vehicles are built at the joint venture’s plant in Changshu, China, with the first Freelander 8 leaving the production line on July 30, 2026. The brand launched in China in September before its global launch in Abu Dhabi on September 29.