Chery and JLR Reveal China-Built Freelander 8 Slated First for UAE

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chinese automaker Chery have detailed the global-market version of their joint-venture vehicle, the 2027 Freelander 8, during an international media event held in Wuhu, China, CarsGuide reported. The British-derived, Chinese-manufactured model will launch first in the United Arab Emirates in the first quarter of 2027, followed by Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and the United Kingdom.

According to Freelander International CEO Lucia Mao, the export rollout begins with the UAE release before expanding to right-hand-drive destinations. While the domestic Chinese variant employs a 1.5-litre range-extender powertrain, the left-hand-drive global specification tailored for the UAE market combines a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

The global powertrain generates 460 kW and 662 Nm of torque, enabling zero-to-100 km/h acceleration in a claimed 5.8 seconds. The vehicle features a 34.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery capable of recharging from 20 to 80 percent in 20 minutes or less, delivering a CLTC-rated electric-only driving range of 110 kilometres and an overall range of 886 kilometres.

Interior equipment shown at the unveiling includes a 1.2-metre wide 46.3-inch 8K LED display, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, and an optional 17.3-inch rear passenger entertainment display, alongside what the manufacturer describes as an intelligent off-road drive system.