Freelander is preparing to enter Australia with a large luxury SUV that looks well beyond the usual soft-roader brief.
Due sometime in 2027, the Freelander 8 combines an extended-range electric powertrain with proper off-road hardware and dimensions that place it among full-size premium SUVs.
Local pricing, timing and Australian specifications have not yet been confirmed, but the early numbers from China are enough to make this one worth watching.
At a glance
- Freelander plans to launch the large Freelander 8 SUV in Australia sometime in 2027.
- In China, it uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive extended-range electric setup producing 610 kW and 813 Nm.
- Pricing and local specifications are still to be announced, with the brand targeting established premium European and Japanese SUV rivals.
A full-size SUV aimed at premium rivals
The Freelander 8 measures 5,185 mm long and rides on a 3,040 mm wheelbase, putting it firmly in large luxury SUV territory.
That footprint gives the model the physical presence to compete in a class where space, road authority and long-distance comfort matter as much as badge strength.
Freelander is a Chery and Jaguar Land Rover joint-venture brand, and the Australian arrival of the 8 will mark a notable expansion into one of the world’s more demanding SUV markets.
The company has indicated that the model will be positioned against established premium European and Japanese competitors, though the final Australian model grades remain under wraps.
Extended-range electric power with super-SUV pace
In China, the Freelander 8 uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive extended-range electric powertrain producing 610 kW, or 818 hp, and 813 Nm of torque.
For a vehicle weighing nearly three tonnes, the claimed 0–100 km/h time of 4.6 seconds is the standout figure.
The petrol engine under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit, but it doesn’t drive the wheels directly.
Instead, its 105 kW and 220 Nm output is used to recharge the battery when needed, giving the SUV an electric-drive character while reducing reliance on charging stops.
That layout could appeal to Australian buyers who like the instant response of electric propulsion but still want flexibility for regional travel.
Off-road hardware gives it more than urban appeal
The Freelander 8 is not being pitched purely as a polished city SUV.
Its confirmed equipment includes 4L and 4H modes, a front differential lock, adjustable suspension height and a claimed 900 mm wading depth.
Those details matter because large luxury SUVs often talk about adventure while leaning heavily toward on-road refinement.
The Freelander 8 appears to arrive with enough mechanical intent to interest buyers who tow, tour or regularly leave sealed roads.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Freelander |
|---|---|
| Model | Freelander 8 |
| Australian launch timing | Sometime in 2027 |
| Length | 5,185 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,040 mm |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor all-wheel-drive extended-range electric |
| Power | 610 kW / 818 hp |
| Torque | 813 Nm / 600 lb ft |
| Acceleration | 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds |
| Range extender | 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine |
| Range extender output | 105 kW and 220 Nm |
| Off-road modes | 4L and 4H |
| Off-road equipment | Front differential lock and adjustable suspension height |
| Claimed wading depth | 900 mm |
| Price | Yet to be announced |
The Freelander 8’s Australian success will depend on pricing, final specification and how confidently the brand can build trust in a crowded premium SUV field.
Still, the combination of 818 hp, a large cabin footprint and genuine off-road hardware gives it a sharper point of difference than many new luxury SUVs arriving in the market.
