The Freelander is back as a rugged electric off-roader
The new Freelander brand has previewed its debut model in China as a rugged electrified 4x4, created in partnership between JLR and Chery.
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 company has also confirmed plans for a rapid-fire expansion into other global markets, including Europe.
Here’s everything we know so far.
The first Freelander was previewed in the form of the 97 Concept in Beijing ahead of its public debut at the city’s international motor show next week. This concept is expected to make production with few changes, apart from the pillarless, reverse-opening rear doors.
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.
No specification details, such as range, battery size or performance figures, have been publicised, but they will all be offered with 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 JLR-Chery'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."
