The Chery-built Freelander, a new joint venture forged by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, is slated for its official unveiling on March 31st, when its inaugural vehicle will also be showcased. However, a series of real-world images of the brand’s first new energy hardcore SUV have surfaced online today, possibly originating from a crash test facility.
The upcoming Freelander is positioned as a rugged new energy SUV, expected to carry an estimated price tag of around 400,000 yuan (58,000 USD). It is set to integrate technology from top-tier suppliers, including Huawei Qiankun for advanced driving assistance systems, Qualcomm Snapdragon for its intelligent cockpit, and CATL for battery solutions.
The leaked photos, believed to have originated from a crash test, offer an early glimpse into the SUV’s design and features.
The Freelander SUV adopts a “square box” aesthetic, drawing clear comparisons to the classic Land Rover Discovery. Its front fascia is largely enclosed, featuring square headlights complemented by separate corner light sources—a design cue that pays homage to earlier Discovery models. A prominent clamshell hood dominates the front, while a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor hints at advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Additional perception components, likely cameras, are expected to be integrated into the fender areas, consistent with Huawei Qiankun’s ADS solution.
The rear design maintains a flat, upright stance, equipped with a hidden wiper and a rear solid-state LiDAR. Rectangular taillights mirror the front lighting signature, and the large, unadorned tailgate proudly displays the “Freelander” name.
The interior, also revealed in the leaked images, showcases a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel that features convenient scroll wheel controls. The wide centre console incorporates a “remote screen” similar to those seen in Avatr vehicles, alongside a sizable floating central touchscreen. A row of physical buttons is placed below the main screen for essential controls.
Further details include an electronic gear selector, dual wireless charging pads, and a cleverly designed hollowed-out storage area beneath the console for personal items. The vehicle boasts a flexible 2+2+2 six-seat layout. Notably, the positioning of the seatbelts suggests that the right-side second-row seat will offer a “zero-gravity mode.”
The Freelander SUV is expected to be available in both range-extended electric (EREV) and pure electric (BEV) versions. All variants are anticipated to feature all-wheel drive (AWD). Furthermore, the vehicle is set to inherit Land Rover’s renowned all-terrain driving capabilities.
The full details, including specific dimensions and performance figures, are expected to be officially released during the brand’s debut event on March 31st. This car is a global model. It’s also expected to launch in the Middle East this year.
