Freelander 8 Specs Leaked: CATL Battery, 800V Architecture, Launching in 2H 2026

If you're a seasoned petrolhead, the name Freelander surely rings a bell. Today, this iconic nameplate is making a bold comeback — reborn as an independent New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand under the strategic partnership between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).

Recently, official filing images of the FREELANDER 8 appeared on China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) website. Positioned as a "Luxury Tech All-Terrain SUV", this first production model from the new brand is expected to make its official debut in the second half of 2026.

Iconic Boxy Design with Rugged Presence

The FREELANDER 8 stays true to the design language seen on the earlier CONCEPT 97:

• It features a classic boxy silhouette with a closed-off front fascia typical of modern EVs.
• Rectangular LED headlights and sharp, straight body lines emphasise its rugged, off-road character.
• Stylish dynamic wheels and functional roof rails complete the premium adventure aesthetic.

Dimensions: 5,118 mm (or 5,185 mm) in length × 2,050 mm in width × 1,898 mm in height, with a commanding 3,040 mm wheelbase, promising exceptional road presence and spacious cabin comfort.

Advanced All-Terrain Technology & CATL Battery

The FREELANDER 8 combines serious off-road capability with cutting-edge electrification:

• i-ATS Intelligent All-Terrain System: A world-first system using high-line LiDAR and binocular cameras for millimetre-level terrain recognition. It includes triple differential locks, road-preview damping, and 20 validated terrain modes.
• Freevoy Super Hybrid Battery: Co-developed with CATL, supporting ultra-fast charging with a peak rate of 6C and up to 350 kW charging power.

Interior & Powertrain: Setting New Luxury Standards

The interior adopts a minimalist yet premium design:

• A large floating central touchscreen paired with a full-width LCD instrument panel.
• Wireless charging and a hollowed-out centre console for enhanced storage.
• One of the first models globally to feature the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 cockpit chip.

The FREELANDER 8 is built on the new iMax platform, supporting BEV, REEV, and PHEV architectures. Initial launch versions are expected to use an 800V high-voltage Range Extender (REEV) system paired with a 1.5T engine.

Editor's Note

The FREELANDER 8 represents a deep collaboration that merges JLR's luxury and off-road heritage with Chery's manufacturing prowess and CATL's battery technology.

Given Chery's strong presence in Malaysia and the local prestige of the Jaguar Land Rover brand, there is genuine potential for the FREELANDER 8 to arrive in Malaysia via CBU or even CKD assembly in the future.

A luxury tech all-terrain SUV with serious off-road credentials — this could be one to watch closely.