According to reports on July 9th， Jaguar Land Rover has announced the revival of its iconic “Freelander” moniker. This move will see the introduction of their first full-size plug-in hybrid SUV， with an expected launch in the Chinese market in the latter half of 2026.
This new vehicle will be built upon Chery’s proprietary T1X platform， a foundation currently shared by models from Jaecoo， Omoda， and other Chery-branded vehicles. While Chery provides the platform， the design process remains under the direct supervision of Jaguar Land Rover. This ensures that the new Freelander will embody the luxury and refinement characteristic of the Land Rover brand in both its exterior and interior aesthetics.
Based on available information， this Freelander SUV is set to feature a compelling design that blends rugged off-road styling with a coupe-like silhouette reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. This approach aims to preserve the brand’s off-road heritage while incorporating modern and sporty elements to appeal to the aesthetic preferences of Chinese consumers seeking high-end SUVs.
In terms of powertrain， the new model will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid system. This configuration is designed to deliver potent performance while simultaneously achieving lower fuel consumption and emissions， aligning with the current trajectory of new energy vehicle development.
Furthermore， the Freelander series will debut in the Chinese market initially， with potential for global expansion in the future.
Notably， the Freelander brand will operate independently of Jaguar Land Rover’s existing luxury brand portfolio. Sales and distribution will be managed through dedicated channels operated by Chery， and it will not be integrated into Jaguar Land Rover’s “House of Brands” strategy， which centers on its core luxury brands. This positioning implies that the Freelander will target a more accessible market segment， effectively filling a gap in the product line-up of the Jaguar Land Rover-Chery joint venture. This strategic move is also seen as a way to replace models like the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque， which are scheduled to be discontinued in China this year.
