A Classic Land Rover Name Is Making A Comeback Soon
Chery released the first teaser for the new Freelander, which debuts globally on March 31.
THE BREAKDOWN
- The Freelander is returning after more than a decade.
- It will be redesigned from the ground up and built through a joint venture with Chery.
- The new model will use electrified powertrains—including hybrid and range-extended setups.
After more than a decade away, the Freelander is making a major comeback—this time in a completely reimagined form, both in design and engineering. Unlike its predecessor, the new model won’t be built directly by Land Rover, but by CJLR, a joint venture formed with Chery in 2024.
Its official debut is set for March 31, 2026, as confirmed by the Freelander’s social media channels, which also released the first teaser image. The image offers a close-up of the front end, giving an early glimpse of the SUV’s design direction.
What to Expect From The New Freelander
2013 Land Rover Freelander 2
Starting with the exterior, the teaser reveals part of the front fascia on the right side, showcasing a bold, boxy look. The headlight sits within a dark trim element—likely plastic—and features a distinctive lighting signature.
Overall, the design points toward a true off-road-ready SUV, with upright proportions, short overhangs, and a rugged stance. In spirit, it seems closer to early Land Rover Discovery models. Previous reports suggest it will be fairly large, measuring around 16.4 feet (5.0 meters) in length, with some styling influences from the Jaecoo lineup.
Inside, details are still limited, but a six-seat configuration has already been confirmed. Expect a premium cabin with high-quality materials and a tech-focused dashboard—likely featuring multiple screens.
From China to the World (But Not The US)
The new Freelander will be the first in a broader lineup aimed at both the Chinese domestic market and global buyers. It will be positioned as a “global NEV brand” (New Energy Vehicle), meaning it won’t be limited to fully electric models but will also include range-extended and high-performance hybrid variants.
The powertrain is expected to support both series-hybrid operation—where the gasoline engine acts as a generator—and parallel-hybrid driving, allowing the vehicle to switch between electric, hybrid, and engine-powered modes.
Rumors suggest it will use a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine developed by Ateco (a Chery subsidiary), paired with dual electric motors—one on each axle—and batteries supplied by CATL. Altogether, the new Freelander aims to blend off-road heritage with modern electrified performance.
This story originally appeared on Motor1 Italy
Motor1's Take: CJLR is bringing back the Freelander name in a big way. Together with Chery, the two automakers should be able to produce an impressive, modern off-roader. Too bad we won't get it in the US.
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