Freelander targets 25 Australian dealers as 2027 launch takes shape

A dedicated dealer network of about 25

Freelander is targeting somewhere around 25 dealers for its Australian launch in 2027, with existing Chery retailers and premium-brand dealers in the running, CarExpert reports. Speaking to CarExpert, the brand's head for Australia and New Zealand, Kym Mellow, said the network could include retailers representing JLR brands and would take major capital cities into account. ¹

"Lots of dealers have inquired about the opportunity to participate," Mr Mellow told CarExpert, adding that "it can be premium brands, like JLR, for instance" and that "it'll be its own dealer network". He reaffirmed the 2027 launch plans but offered no more precise timing and has not identified any appointed dealers or locations. This is a broader step than the earlier brand statement that dealer appointments would simply be announced in the lead-up to launch, as reported by Autotalk and 4X4 Australia. ¹⁴⁷

Mr Mellow told CarExpert that JLR would not be involved in running the Australian operation. Freelander is seeking a local headquarters in Melbourne, where he is building a separate team and is recruiting for four key roles: a national aftersales manager plus appointments covering marketing, sales and network strategy. He said bringing in an aftersales manager early would help establish the customer experience before launch. ¹

Local infrastructure, servicing and warranty still open questions

Rather than build systems from scratch, Freelander expects to use Chery's existing parts and vehicle distribution infrastructure, Mr Mellow told CarExpert. Servicing arrangements remain unclear, including which workshops will be authorised to work on Freelander vehicles, and he could not confirm warranty terms. The brand has said it will sell through established dealerships supported by dedicated showrooms, trained sales and service staff and parts supply in metropolitan and selected regional areas, according to Autotalk and AnyAuto. ¹⁴⁵

The Freelander 8: export plug-in hybrid versus Chinese extended-range

The Freelander 8 was detailed to media in China in its export form, CarExpert reports. The international left-hand drive model pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developed for hybrid applications with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, quoted by Chery R&D Centre chief engineer Antonio Maresca at 460kW and 662Nm with a claimed 0-100km/h time of 5.8 seconds. 4X4 Australia describes the engine as twin-turbocharged in its coverage of the same briefing. ³⁶

Battery details differ sharply by market. The export version carries a 34.12kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with a claimed electric-only range of at least 110km on the WLTC cycle and combined range of at least 886km, with DC charging from 20 to 80 per cent quoted at 20 minutes or less, according to CarExpert; 4X4 Australia adds 11kW AC capability. CarExpert notes the quoted battery, range and charging figures apply to the Middle East-market model and may vary by market and trim. Freelander has not disclosed a peak DC charging rate. ³⁶

The Chinese-market version is a different proposition: a dual-motor extended-range EV making 610kW and 813Nm, with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine acting only as a generator, a 60kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, a claimed 310km EV range on the WLTC cycle and 800V electrical architecture supporting DC charging up to 350kW, as reported by CarExpert's Derek Fung. 4X4 Australia cites a 60.3kWh battery and CLTC cycle for the same model. Earlier reporting pointed to an 800V architecture and CATL battery technology, without confirmation for Australian vehicles. ⁸⁶⁷

Size, cabin and off-road hardware

The international Freelander 8 measures 5118mm long, 2050mm wide and 1926mm tall on a 3040mm wheelbase, with five- and six-seat configurations shown, CarExpert reports. Design chief Phil Simmons said the SUV retains references to the original 1997 Land Rover Freelander, including the triangular rear-quarter window, and the brand described the event as the first public showing of the five-seat layout. ³

Cabin equipment detailed by CarExpert includes a 46.3-inch Mini LED display across the base of the windscreen, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen backed by physical controls, a Qualcomm SA8295P processor, a voice assistant powered by a large language model, a Harman Kardon system of up to 23 speakers at 2620W, an optional 17.3-inch rear ceiling screen and a 10-litre refrigerator. Off-road hardware includes dual-chamber air suspension, continuously controlled damping, a virtual centre differential lock and an electronic limited-slip differential, nine terrain modes, up to 266mm of ground clearance and a claimed 900mm wading depth. ³⁶

PerthNow, republishing CarExpert reporting, listed further claimed figures including eight exterior finishes and a First Edition with specific colours, treadplates and badging. CarExpert states that Australian availability of the driver assistance and parking features, the First Edition and final variant equipment lists has not been confirmed. ⁸³

Factory investment and rollout sequencing

The Australian launch is backed by a US$440 million (A$630m) upgrade of the Changshu plant near Shanghai, where the first production Freelander 8 rolled off the line on July 30, 2026, CarExpert reports via 7NEWS. In written answers supplied to media, Freelander said the money is dedicated to a comprehensive upgrade of its intelligent manufacturing system for new energy vehicle production, within a total facility investment the company now puts at more than US$3.1 billion. ²

CarExpert reports the upgraded plant runs more than 1100 robots, including 1054 in a fully automated welding workshop, with digital production systems for quality traceability and pre-departure checks including high-voltage battery sealing inspections, driver-assistance calibration and a five-minute full-vehicle water-spray test. JLR confirmed the July 30 production milestone in its August financial update, and Chery's announcement said manufacturing for international markets was underway, though no Australian supply allocation has been identified. ²

The brand launched in China on September 3, 2026, where the company says the Freelander 8 attracted more than 10,000 pre-orders within 48 hours of opening, before a global launch in Abu Dhabi on September 29 naming the UAE as its first international market, according to Autotalk and AnyAuto. Freelander International CEO Lucia Mao outlined a rollout prioritising the UAE and other left-hand-drive markets, then right-hand-drive markets prioritising Australia and New Zealand, with Continental Europe, the UK and Ireland to follow, CarExpert reports. The brand plans six models over five years, and the joint venture, formed in 2012, has been producing Jaguar and Land Rover models at Changshu since 2014, with PerthNow reporting Land Rover production there is due to finish by the end of the year. ⁴⁵³⁸