CheryJaguarLand Rover Freelander 8 Spotted in UAE — Extended-Range Full-Size SUV Accelerates Global Expansion

Recently, the all-new full-size extended-range electric SUV — the Freelander 8, jointly developed by Chery and JaguarLand Rover — was spotted undergoing road testing in the UAE. The vehicle seen is a pre-production unit, partially camouflaged, with front/rear bumpers, tailgate, and select exterior components already finished in production-spec white paint. As shown in real-world photos posted by Telegram user @dxbcarburator, one unit lacks a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor — suggesting it may be an entry-level trim.

The Freelander 8 made its global debut at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (Shanghai edition) and is scheduled to enter pre-sales in China in 2026, with a price range of RMB 339,900–459,900 (approx. USD 50,425–68,230). Official specifications list its length, width, and height as 5,118 mm × 2,050 mm × 1,898 mm, with a wheelbase of 3,040 mm. Its design features a boxy, rugged aesthetic, rectangular headlamps, signature D-pillars, and off-road DNA inspired by the original Land Rover Freelander.

The Freelander 8 offers both five- and six-seat configurations. The six-seat variant features dual independent zero-gravity second-row seats with ventilation, heating, and 16-point massage functions. Inside, the cabin integrates a 46.3-inch full-width OLED instrument display, a 15.6-inch central infotainment screen, a 17.3-inch overhead floating display, a 10-liter vehicle-mounted refrigerator, and a LiDAR-assisted driving system powered by Huawei technology.

Powertrain-wise, the vehicle pairs a 1.5-liter range extender with a dual-motor AWD system, delivering a combined peak output of 610 kW (818 hp) and maximum torque of 813 N·m. It's equipped with a 60.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a CLTC all-electric range of 310 km. The Freelander 8 accelerates from 0–100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds and includes rear-wheel steering and air suspension.

Notably, the UAE has been designated among the first key overseas markets for the Freelander 8, with parallel social media operations also underway in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. While its global launch date remains unconfirmed, multiple sources indicate the model is expected to arrive in the Middle East by 2026 — followed by gradual expansion into other regions.