Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chinese automaker Chery have unveiled the international five-seat version of the FREELANDER 8, the debut model of a newly established standalone premium SUV brand stemming from their partnership, Arabian Business reported. The vehicle made its public debut at the 2026 Chery International User Summit in China.
The UAE has been selected as the brand's first overseas destination, with a commercial market launch projected for the first quarter of 2027. FREELANDER has named Al Tayer Motors as its authorised distributor for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, while Premier Motors will represent the brand in Abu Dhabi. Regional distribution agreements were also concluded with EK Kanoo Group in Bahrain and Saud Bahwan Group in Oman.
Under the partnership framework agreed in 2024, JLR retains ownership of the FREELANDER nameplate and directs design work via a dedicated hub, while Chery contributes vehicle engineering, technology, and manufacturing resources. The revived brand is structured to operate independently from JLR's Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery marques, as well as Chery's core model line-up.
The FREELANDER 8 will feature two cabin formats: an international five-seat version and a six-seat, three-row layout. Cabin technologies announced by the company include a 46.3-inch Mini LED display, Qualcomm's SA8295P computing platform, standard Level 2+ driver assistance, and an artificial intelligence voice assistant powered by a large language model. Final pricing and UAE vehicle specifications have not yet been disclosed.
Following its initial deployment across left-hand-drive Middle East and North Africa territories, the brand plans to expand into right-hand-drive markets, prioritising Australia and New Zealand, before entering continental Europe, the UK, and Ireland.
Sources
- Arabian Business · 2026-10-25
