New details emerge on Australia-bound Freelander 8

Fresh details on the Australia-bound Freelander 8 have emerged from a briefing for international media and partners in China, shedding new light on the export model’s plug-in hybrid powertrain, performance and off-road capability.

The first model from the revived Chery and Jaguar Land Rover joint-venture brand, the Freelander 8 is scheduled to reach Australia in 2027. While the brand’s international plans and some vehicle specifications have been outlined previously, the latest briefing provides further detail on the specification planned for export markets.

Unlike the Chinese-market version, which uses a range-extender system, the export Freelander 8 pairs a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine with electric motors on both axles. Combined outputs are quoted at 460kW and 662Nm.

A 34.12kWh lithium iron phosphate battery provides a claimed 110km of electric range under the WLTC cycle, with a total driving range of 886km. Charging includes 11kW AC capability and DC fast charging, with a 20 to 80 per cent charge taking less than 20 minutes. The SUV is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds.

For comparison, the Chinese-market model uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine as a generator, with dual electric motors producing 610kW and 813Nm. Its larger 60.3kWh battery delivers a claimed 310km of electric range under the CLTC cycle.

The latest briefing also detailed the export model’s off-road hardware. Features include dual-chamber air suspension with continuously controlled damping, an electronic rear limited-slip differential and nine terrain modes. Ground clearance reaches 266mm, while the claimed wading depth is 900mm.

Measuring 5118mm long, 2050mm wide and 1926mm tall, the Freelander 8 has a 3040mm wheelbase. Five- and six-seat configurations are planned, with cabin equipment including a 46.3-inch mini-LED display and an available 23-speaker sound system.

Freelander has confirmed an Australian launch in 2027, but local pricing, specifications and the final model range have yet to be announced.

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What we know about the Freelander 8

• Export powertrain: 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine with electric motors on both axles.
• Power and torque: 460kW and 662Nm combined.
• Battery and range: 34.12kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, 110km electric range and 886km combined range (WLTC).
• Charging: 11kW AC charging and a claimed 20-80 per cent DC charge in less than 20 minutes.
• Performance: Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.8 seconds.
• Off-road hardware: Dual-chamber air suspension, continuously controlled damping, electronic rear limited-slip differential and nine terrain modes.
• Ground clearance and wading: Up to 266mm ground clearance and 900mm wading depth.
• Dimensions: 5118mm long, 2050mm wide and 1926mm tall, with a 3040mm wheelbase.
• Seating: Five- and six-seat configurations.
• Cabin technology: 46.3-inch mini-LED display and available 23-speaker sound system.