CJLR has unveiled the first car from its new Freelander brand: a rugged, electrified 4x4, developed in partnership between Chinese car-making giant Chery and JLR.
The mid-sized SUV is the first model from CJLR's new marque and is based on an entirely new 800-volt architecture.
According to the firm, the new platform can accommodate pure-electric, range-extender and plug-in hybrid drivetrains. It means the new Freelander will be a sibling to Chery’s Omoda, Jaecoo, Chery and iCar brands.
The first Freelander model was revealed at a dedicated event in Beijing ahead of its public debut at the city's international motor show next week. No specification details, such as range, battery size or performance figures, have been publicised.
It will be one of many new Freelander models destined for sale around the world, with the brand announcing its intention to launch a new model every six months for the next five years. They will all be offered with either all-electric, range extender or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Freelander CEO Wei Lan suggested the motive behind launching the new Freelander was the nameplate’s historic commercial success, as it was Europe’s best-selling SUV for several years. However, he also highlighted the original car’s distinctive attributes as a further motive.
"The genesis of the Freelander lay in recognition of the tremendous success of urban multi-purpose SUVs across European and North American markets, inspiring the creation of an entirely new vehicle that would unite 4x4 SUV capability, urban versatility and sheer driving pleasure,” Lan said.
"The genesis of the Freelander lay in recognition of the tremendous success of urban multi-purpose SUVs across European and North American markets, inspiring the creation of an entirely new vehicle that would unite 4x4 SUV capability, urban versatility and sheer driving pleasure".
The Freelander will replace the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque at CJLR's Chinese factory later this year. Just this week, the factory, situated in Changsu, built the last ever Evoque with an internal combustion engine.
CJLR says the Freelander has been primarily designed and engineered for the local market, but the company has also confirmed the model will be sold in international markets around the world, including Europe.
Lan added that "International variants are currently in intensive development and shall, after launch in China, make their distinguished entry into the world's foremost markets".
The company also confirmed that Freelander prototypes have undergone extensive testing in Europe, and that the car has been engineered to be compliant with Euro NCAP rules.
Lan added that Freelander models exported from China will not be simple adaptations of the domestic versions. Instead, according to Lan, they will be highly customised derivatives, meticulously tailored to meet the specific demands of each market.
"A truly global vehicle is not engineered through adaptation," he said, "but grown from the very roots of a world-class R&D system."
