JLR and Chery present concept study for first Freelander model

The new Freelander brand, a joint venture between JLR and Chery, has unveiled a new concept vehicle called Concept 97 in Shanghai. It is intended to serve as a blueprint for Freelander's first production model, which is set to enter production as early as late 2026.

With the Concept 97, the British-Chinese partnership between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery—announced in June 2024—has delivered its first tangible result. Reviving the Freelander name also brings back a badge that Land Rover used from 1997 to 2014 for an SUV positioned below Defender, Discovery and Range Rover. However, the joint venture between JLR and Chery itself is not new: it has existed for over a decade, primarily focusing on distributing JLR’s established model range in China.

As for the Concept 97 itself, the name references 1997—the year the first Freelander was introduced—positioning the study as a modern-day reinterpretation ahead of its planned 2026 debut. The mid-sized, family-oriented off-road SUV is based on an 800-volt architecture and will be offered not only as a battery-electric model, but also as a plug-in hybrid and with a range extender.

At 5.10 metres in length and with a wheelbase of over three metres, the vehicle is configured as a six-seater with three rows in a 2+2+2 layout. For chauffeur-driven use, the right-hand seat in the second row features a ‘zero-gravity’ mode for enhanced comfort. The angular exterior design underlines the model’s off-road credentials.

Predictive shock absorbers

The new Freelander is designed for off-road use and will feature a newly developed intelligent terrain system called i-ATS. Combined with predictive shock absorbers and three differential locks, the system is designed to adapt intelligently to a wide range of terrain conditions.

“”The genesis of the Freelander lay in recognition of the tremendous success of urban multi-purpose SUVs across European and North American markets, inspiring the creation of an entirely new vehicle that would unite 4×4 SUV capability, urban versatility and sheer driving pleasure,” said Freelander CEO Wei Lan. “The name embodies an undeniable force, equally at home conquering untamed wilderness and gliding with elegance through the urban landscape. Today, as we speak this name once more, what we carry forward is the premium brand heritage and refined sensibility.”

The battery for the new Freelander was developed in collaboration with CATL. While the cell chemistry and battery capacity have not yet been disclosed, the partners have confirmed that the charging power will reach 360 kW and the battery will be 6C-capable.

Designed for off-road use, the battery features special underbody protection and an FD polymer coating for enhanced impact resistance. Additionally, the battery is equipped with the second generation of thermal runaway prevention technology and the third generation of CTP (Cell-to-Pack) technology for improved safety and cooling performance.

Production set to begin in 2026

The new Freelander will be unveiled at Auto China, which begins on 24 April 2026 in Beijing. Sales of the first production model in China are planned for the second half of the year, with production scheduled to start later in 2026 in Changshu, Jiangsu Province. There, the partners have invested around 3 billion yuan (approximately 375 million euros) in modernising production facilities. Over the next five years, the partners plan to launch a new Freelander model every six months—and these models will be available not only in China but worldwide.

In the future, Freelander will operate as an independent brand and will not use the established Land Rover logo. Thus, Freelander will not be part of JLR’s brand portfolio, which includes Jaguar, Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery. Nor will it belong to Chery’s brand portfolio, which includes Jaecoo, Omeda, Luxeed, and Chery itself.

autoexpress.co.uk, autocar.co.uk, cnevpost.com, carnewschina.com