Freelander 8 SUV Drives After Dramatic Rollover Test
The new Chery Jaguar Land Rover Freelander 8 SUV was shown surviving a severe rollover and then driving under its own power at its launch event in China.
The revived Freelander brand has launched its first major product in China. The Freelander 8, a full-size SUV from the Chery Jaguar Land Rover partnership, was subjected to a dramatic rollover demonstration at its debut.
Despite extensive body damage, the same vehicle was shown driving and climbing a steep, loose-surface hill. The battered SUV was then displayed on stage at the launch event. This manufacturer-organised stunt was intended to highlight the vehicle's structural resilience, though it is not a standardized independent crash test.
Launch Sees Strong Initial Orders
Customer interest appears high. According to the company, the Freelander 8 secured 5,000 firm orders within the first 12 hours of its launch. These are described as firm because they become non-refundable after customers lock in their chosen configuration. An initial deposit of 5,000 yuan is required to place an order.
The SUV is offered in three trim levels with a choice of five or six seats. Pricing in China is as follows:
| Trim | Seats | Price (yuan) |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | 5 | 309,900 |
| Pro | 6 | 319,900 |
| Max | 5 | 349,900 |
| Max | 6 | 359,900 |
| Max+ | 5 | 389,900 |
| Max+ | 6 | 399,900 |
Powertrain and Performance Specs
Power comes from an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) setup. A 1.5-litre petrol engine acts as a range extender, while a 60.3 kWh LFP battery provides a claimed electric-only range of 310 km under the Chinese CLTC cycle.
Dual electric motors provide all-wheel drive as standard. They produce a combined 610 kW, equivalent to around 818 horsepower, and 813 Nm of torque. Despite a kerb weight of 2,980 kg, the Freelander 8 claims a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds.
The vehicle is substantial. It measures 5,118 mm long, 2,050 mm wide and 1,898 mm tall, with a 3,040 mm wheelbase. It features dual-chamber air suspension, rear-wheel steering for a claimed 5.15-metre turning radius, 220 mm of ground clearance, and a towing capacity of 2,000 kg.
Potential Platform Link to Tata's Indian EVs
Developments around the Freelander programme have a potential connection to India. A report states that Tata Motors is revising the technology strategy for its upcoming Avinya premium EV range.
The earlier plan involved using JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA). However, adapting that platform is understood to have become too expensive. Tata is now reportedly moving towards an architecture sourced from the Chery-JLR ecosystem that underpins the Freelander.
The first model under this revised strategy is expected to be the Avinya X, codenamed P2, with a market launch reportedly targeted for 2027. While the underlying architecture may come from the Chery-JLR partnership, Tata will reportedly rework key electronics, software and vehicle systems for Indian requirements. Engineering teams from Tata Technologies in China, India, and the UK are understood to be involved.
