Unveiled in China, the Freelander prototype inaugurates an independent sub-brand with Chery's technological platform and focus on large SUVs.
A historic name, the Land Rover Freelander is back on the global market, but in an unprecedented format. The joint venture Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR) has officially presented the Concept 97, a prototype that marks the birth of an independent sub-brand focused on the electrified vehicle segment.
The project, initially focused on the Chinese market, uses the British design heritage combined with the technological infrastructure of the Chinese manufacturer. The strategy marks a new phase for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which now licenses the Freelander name as a separate entity from the Range Rover, Defender and Discovery families.
SEE ALSO:
The concept’s naming is a direct reference to the original Freelander’s launch year in 1997. This time, the utility abandons combustion engines to adopt Chery’s E0X platform, a high-performance architecture developed specifically for electric and hybrid models with range extender (EREV). The design seeks a balance between contemporary minimalism and elements that refer to the brand’s traditional off-road use.
In terms of size, the new Freelander is positioned in a higher segment than its predecessor from the last decade. With approximately 5.1 meters in length and a wheelbase of 3 meters, the SUV exceeds the dimensions of the current Land Rover Defender 110, prioritizing interior space for up to six occupants in three rows of seats. Visually, the model rescues the iconic inclined C-pillar, a visual signature of the first generation of the utility.
The Concept 97’s engineering is based on an 800-volt electrical architecture, which allows compatibility with ultra-fast chargers up to 360 kW. The batteries, developed by the giant CATL, have structural reinforcement to withstand the typical impacts of off-road incursions. While power and total range data have not yet been detailed, CJLR has confirmed that the definitive production version will be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April.
