The 2026 Chengdu Motor Show officially opens today, and here's the Freelander 8 as it looks on the show floor.
Pre-orders for the SUV opened in China on 14 August, with four variants available. The six-seat version starts from RMB 349,900 (~RM 210,000), while the five-seater starts from RMB 339,900 (~RM 204,000).
There is also a Launch Edition limited to 1,000 units, with a list price of RMB 459,900 (~RM 276,000) and a launch price of RMB 449,900 (~RM 269,000).
The Freelander 8 stays true to the Concept 97 that previewed the model, carrying over its signature boxy shape and upright proportions.
The front end gets a closed-off grille with rectangular headlights, while the straight body lines and roof rails reinforce its outdoorsy character.
The exterior also gets three special colours developed with Phil Simmons, JLR's Global Design Director: Vibrant Lemon Gold, Radiant Silver and Twilight Purple.
Inside, the Freelander 8 features a 46.3-inch panoramic display and a 15.6-inch LED central screen.
The physical buttons feature a Clous de Paris pattern, and the centre dial uses optical-grade K9 crystal with 144 precision-cut facets.
There is also 256-colour dual-ring ambient lighting, which adds a soft glow to the cabin at night.
The second row is fitted with two zero-gravity seats with heating, ventilation, massage and leg rests.
There are also fold-out tables and an in-car refrigerator for the second row.
According to earlier reports, the second row will also get a roof-mounted entertainment screen, while the third row comes with cupholders and adjustable seats.
The Freelander 8 comes with a fairly serious hardware package, including four Huawei LiDAR sensors, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8397 flagship chip and Huawei's latest Qiankun ADS 5 intelligent driving system.
It also uses an 800V range-extender platform with 6C charging, taking the battery from 20% to 80% in just 12 minutes.
For off-road driving, the SUV gets the i-ATS intelligent all-terrain system and three locking differentials, along with four-wheel steering with up to ±10 degrees of rear-wheel steering. It also supports a crab-walk mode for tighter manoeuvres.
Braking hardware includes six-piston front callipers and 404mm ventilated discs, with a claimed 100-0km/h stopping distance of 35.7 metres.
The Freelander 8 uses a CATL ternary lithium battery developed for all-terrain applications, with a claimed CLTC electric range of 310 km.
All variants get a 1.5-litre four-cylinder range extender and dual-motor all-wheel drive, producing a combined 610 kW and 813 Nm. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes just 4.6 seconds.
The rear motor produces up to 250 kW and uses a two-speed gearbox, with maximum wheel torque rated at 8,000 Nm. The system can also switch between 4L and 4H modes at speeds of up to 20 km/h, without stopping.
It is still too early to say whether the Freelander 8 will come to Malaysia, but a large, boxy SUV with this level of power, technology and off-road hardware would certainly make for an interesting addition to the local market.
So, what do you think of the Freelander 8? If it does eventually make its way to Malaysia, would you take one home?
ProtonGWMVolkswagenJAECOOVolvoPeroduaToyotaHondaBYDJetourMazdaMitsubishiCheryTESLALexusMercedes-BenzBMWZeekriCAURNissanIsuzuLeapmotorFordPorscheMGOMODAMINISuzukiWulingSubaruLand RoverGACDongfengXPengHyundaiKiaDenzaAudiFotonCAMsmartPeugeotDaihatsuJMCJACLotusMAXUSAlfa RomeoMaseratiRenaultGolden DragonKaiceneSeresLamborghiniFerrariJeepBentleyRolls-RoyceChevroletJaguarMcLarenAston MartinDodgeAbarthBAICForthingGeelyRoeweAeolusChanganARCFOXDeepalExeedHongqiVoyahKGMBuforiAcuraCadillacFiatINEOSLepasMHEROJMEVFreelander
© 2024 Bitauto.com. All Rights Reserved.
Bitauto (www.yiche.com and www.bitauto.com) is one of the most visited automotive websites in China. We provide detailed info on Chinese car brands available in your area. Please note that the information provided on this website is based on publicly available data and is for reference only. It may not be fully updated or accurate at all times.
