Freelander 8 export version loses power and battery capacity versus China-spec original

What the export Freelander 8 gets instead

The Australia-bound version of the revived Freelander 8 swaps China's 610kW/813Nm range-extender (EREV) system, in which a 1.5-litre engine only generates electricity, for a Chery-developed 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid producing 460kW/662Nm. GoAuto reports from a first drive in China that the export model uses a dedicated hybrid transmission allowing mechanical drive at any speed, with software managing front-to-rear torque distribution. ¹

Battery capacity falls from a 60.3kWh nickel manganese cobalt pack in China to a 34.12kWh lithium iron phosphate unit for export. CarExpert, reporting from a brand presentation, states the LFP battery delivers a claimed electric-only range of at least 110km on the WLTC cycle and combined petrol-electric range of at least 886km, with DC charging from 20 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes or less and 11kW AC charging. CarExpert notes Freelander has not disclosed a peak DC charging rate, only the 20-to-80-per-cent time. GoAuto notes the China car charges faster despite its larger pack — 20 to 80 per cent in 12 minutes at an average of 180kW versus 20 minutes at about 60kW — and says total range is expected to sit between 800km and 900km. The claimed 0-100km/h time drops from China's 4.6 seconds to 5.8 seconds. The two outlets differ on the Chinese car's electric range, with GoAuto citing about 250km (WLTP equivalent) and 4X4 Australia citing 310km under the CLTC cycle. ¹⁵³

Off-road hardware diverges

Off-road equipment also changes for export markets. GoAuto reports the Chinese specification carries three locking differentials combining mechanical and electronic systems, while international versions get two lockers including a mechanical rear limited-slip differential. A Freelander engineering spokesperson told GoAuto the team believed China's range-extender version was "a little stronger" off-road. 4X4 Australia lists an electronic rear limited-slip differential among the export hardware. ¹³

Both versions share dual-chamber air suspension with continuously controlled damping. International specifications quote up to 266mm of ground clearance, 900mm of wading depth and nine terrain management modes, with the suspension able to raise the body by 70mm or lower it by 50mm. CarExpert also details a radar-based water-depth measuring system, 404mm ventilated front discs with six-piston calipers, and claimed maximum articulation of 800mm. ¹⁵³

First driving impressions

GoAuto's Tom Baker, driving in Wuhu, China, found the Australia-spec car's acceleration compelling, with exceptionally strong initial response from repeated standing-start launches. However, repeated heavy stops exposed inconsistent brake-pedal behaviour with intermittently weak ABS engagement. GoAuto notes the test car had undergone extensive repeated braking demonstrations beforehand, so the condition may not be representative. ¹

CarExpert's quick drive, conducted on a short carpark course in China in a pre-production PHEV prototype, described smooth power delivery, a very quiet cabin at low speeds and well-tuned steering, but found the front corners hard to judge given the car's 5118mm length. CarExpert's reviewers flagged a highly reflective central touchscreen, an unintuitive speed-display layout, a compromised boot area in the inspected configuration and some non-functioning items such as door handles, attributing the latter to pre-production status. CarExpert attended the event as a guest of Chery. ²⁴

Dimensions

The international Freelander 8 measures 5118mm long, 2050mm wide and 1926mm tall, with a 3040mm wheelbase, as reported by both GoAuto and CarExpert. CarExpert notes that makes it 83mm longer, 54mm wider and 44mm lower than a Land Rover Defender 110 on an 18mm longer wheelbase. A basis for the width figure is not stated in the sources. ¹⁵

Cabin, technology and future models

The international model pairs a 46.3-inch Mini LED display running nearly pillar-to-pillar with a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, physical shortcut buttons and crystal-style rotary controls, according to CarExpert. Computing hardware includes a Qualcomm SA8295P processor and an LLM-based voice assistant. Options include a Harman Kardon system with up to 23 speakers, a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted rear entertainment screen and a 10-litre refrigerator. Five- and six-seat configurations are offered, with the six-seat layout featuring power-adjustable second-row captain's chairs; GoAuto reports the adult-capable third row comes at the cost of most luggage capacity when in use. ⁵¹

GoAuto reports that six Freelander models are planned over five years, including models smaller than the Freelander 8 and closer in philosophy to the original badge. ¹

Timing, pricing and Australian availability

Freelander is being relaunched as a standalone brand through Chery Jaguar Land Rover, the joint venture established in 2012, with JLR owning the name and leading design while Chery supplies technology and manufactures at Changshu, China. GoAuto reports export production launches in left-hand drive in the Middle East before right-hand drive assembly begins for an Australian and New Zealand launch likely in the second quarter of 2027, run locally by former Mazda and Inchcape executive Kym Mellow. CarExpert reports that Freelander is targeting around 25 Australian dealers for the launch. Australian pricing, final specifications, warranty and servicing details remain unannounced, and Freelander's Australian boss told CarExpert the local model range is not yet settled, with the China-market range-extender version still a possibility. ¹²⁴⁵

GoAuto reports positioning is expected to start below the Land Rover Defender 110 in Australia, which is priced locally from $100,900 plus on-road costs, and that the Freelander 8 is very likely to sit above the smaller Zeekr 7X ($57,900 plus on-road costs). GoAuto also cites the Toyota Prado Kakadu ($100,690 plus on-road costs) and Lexus GX550 (from $118,320 plus on-road costs) as relevant off-road-oriented alternatives. CarExpert suggests in its quick drive that the car needs to be priced around $85,000-$90,000 at most to compete, noting the Defender 110 costs about $110,000 on road, with rivals including the hybrid Hyundai Palisade, plug-in hybrid Mazda CX-80, Denza and Zeekr. ¹²⁴