It costs 37,115€ and achieves 5,000 sales in 12 hours thanks to its 818 horsepower, 310 km of electric range, and a Guinness World Record at 6,002 meters.
The Freelander has just entered a new chapter in its history, and it seems its first model has generated considerable interest. The Freelander 8, a large electric SUV developed by Chery Jaguar Land Rover, received 5,000 firm orders within its first 12 hours on sale in China. These are not just reservations; the manufacturer counts orders where the configuration has already been locked by the buyer and the deposit becomes non-refundable.
The new SUV starts at officially 309,900 yuan, which is around 39,600 euros at the current exchange rate, although a temporary promotion reduces the price of the five-seater Freelander 8 to 289,900 yuan, approximately 37,115 euros. What you get in return is a car with a length of 5,118 mm, up to six seats, 818 horsepower, and a CLTC electric range of 310 km. It has also just set a Guinness World Record by reaching an altitude of 6,002.33 meters.
5,000 orders placed in just 12 hours
Chinese buyers can place an order by depositing 5,000 yuan (about 640 euros), and Freelander offers various incentives through September 30, totaling up to 166,000 yuan (approximately 21,200 euros). These include discounts for purchasing another car, tax benefits, free equipment, and support for adding Huawei ADS 5 driver assistance package. The range consists of six versions: Pro, Max, and Max+, all available with 5 or 6 seats.
The Freelander 8 is by no means small, measuring 5,118 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,898 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,040 mm. It weighs 2,980 kg, has a ground clearance of 220 mm, and can tow up to 2,000 kg. Despite its size, the rear steering axis can rotate up to 10 degrees, allowing the turning radius to be reduced to just 5.15 meters.
818 HP and 310 km without using gasoline
The Freelander 8 is an extended-range electric vehicle. It uses a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine as a power booster and a CATL NMC Freevoy ternary battery with 60.3 kWh of capacity. This battery provides 310 km of electric range under the Chinese CLTC cycle. It also features a 60-liter gasoline tank to allow continued driving when the battery is depleted.
Its electric drive system consists of two motors and all-wheel drive, delivering an impressive 818 HP and 813 Nm of torque. The large SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The rear engine alone generates 340 HP and works alongside a two-speed reducer, with its low gear enabling up to 8,000 Nm of torque at the wheels.
The battery also supports 6C charging and can go from 20% to 80% in just 12 minutes. Additional features include a dual-chamber air suspension, the i-ATS intelligent off-road driving system developed in collaboration with Huawei, and front brakes featuring fixed six-piston calipers and 404 mm ventilated discs. According to the manufacturer, it requires 35.7 meters to come to a stop.
A 46.3-inch screen and a Guinness record at 6,002 meters
The interior features a stunning 46.3-inch panoramic screen located beneath the windshield, along with another 15.6-inch floating central screen. Behind them is a 17.3-inch ceiling monitor, a 10-liter integrated refrigerator, and foldable tables. All seats come equipped with heating and ventilation, while the two individual seats in the second row of the 6-seater configuration include 16-point massage functionality.
The Freelander 8 enters the market with a Guinness World Record to its name. Before its launch, this SUV reached an altitude of 6,002.33 meters, officially becoming the plug-in hybrid vehicle to reach the highest elevation. The test was conducted on Aksai Chin Mountain in China’s Xinjiang region, a particularly challenging environment due to low temperatures, reduced air pressure, and scarce oxygen levels.
The brand used this exact test to demonstrate the performance of its electric propulsion system and off-road capabilities in extreme conditions. The Freelander 8 combines its two electric motors, 818 horsepower, and all-wheel drive with a dual-chamber air suspension and the intelligent i-ATS system, which adjusts various vehicle parameters to the terrain. The record of 6,002.33 meters has been officially certified by Guinness World Records.
The Freelander 8 is not intended to remain solely in China. It was designed as a global model and has already been seen undergoing tests in the United Arab Emirates. The brand is also expanding its presence in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Europe is not yet among the confirmed markets.