Yes, the Freelander is returning as a new, standalone electric vehicle (NEV) brand under a joint venture between Chery Auto Group and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
First ‘teased‘ online in August 2024 it is now confirmed and we will see the Freelander range very soon.
The reborn nameplate/brand will produce a range of mainstream electric SUVs, with the first model expected to be unveiled on March 31, 2026, and a global rollout starting with the Middle East in 2026.
Please take note that this new Freelander will be branded as a separate entity from JLR’s “House of Brands” (Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar).
The Freelander brand will focus on producing premium new energy vehicles (NEVs) which will be both battery-electric (BEV) and extended-range (EREV), starting with a 6-seater SUV scheduled for a March 31, 2026 for global unveiling.
If you are an auto enthusiasts, you must remember the Freelander from Land Rover decades ago. It was a tough, handsome looking SUV that prompted many Japanese, French and Korean auto manufacturers to develop immediate rivals decades ago. Yes, the first Freelander arrived in 1996 (see pictures below) during the period where Land Rover was part of BMW group (yes BMW was once the owner of Land Rover).
Then came the 2nd generation which was called the Freelander 2 which continued to be very popular in Europe but not so much in ASEAN nations due to its asking price (pictured below).
Now, for 2026, the brand has been officially licensed from JLR to Chery, operating as an independent, premium EV-exclusive brand that combines Land Rover design cues with Chinese technology.
The first (Chery) model, codenamed E0V, will be a 6-seater SUV (2+2+2 layout) with a length of around 5.1 meters, focusing on high-end luxury and performance, including air suspension.
It will be built on Chery’s high-end E0X platform, these vehicles will feature high-voltage (800V) charging systems, CATL batteries, Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, and Huawei Qiankun driving assistance.
This all new Chery SUV from China will be positioned as a direct rival to luxury NEVs like the Yangwang U8 and Zeekr 9X and this Chery JV SUV is expected to be priced around 400,000 yuan (approx. USD58,000).
The Freelander vehicles will be produced at the updated Chery-JLR Changshu plant in China, with plans for a domestic China launch in 2026, followed by global exports.
Synonyms/Related Terms: Often referred to as “CJLR” (Chery Jaguar Land Rover) new brand, “E0V,” “reborn Freelander,” or by its Chinese name “神行者”.
