KATHMANDU: The Freelander SUV is making a comeback as a new electric off-road model. It was revealed in China on March 31 under a joint venture between Jaguar Land Rover and Chery Automotive.
First launched in 1997, the Freelander was once Europe’s best-selling 4WD SUV. It was discontinued in 2015 as JLR shifted focus to premium models like the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
The new Freelander EV will be the first model under the new Freelander brand. It will launch in China first, followed by global markets including Europe.
The SUV is built on Chery’s 800V platform. It will support multiple powertrains, including EV, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and extended-range EV (EREV).
The company says the model has already undergone testing in Europe. It is being developed to meet updated Euro NCAP safety standards. The global version will be tailored for different markets.
Production will take place in Changshu, China. The new model will replace existing vehicles like the Range Rover Evoque in the lineup.
Freelander plans aggressive expansion. The brand aims to launch a new model every six months for the next five years.
The new EV marks JLR’s push to re-enter the mass off-road SUV segment with electrified options.
