While the original Freelander used ICE engines, the new Chery-JLR Freelander SUV will be available in BEV and EREV formats.
Operating since 2012, the Chery-JLR partnership has seen collaboration on various fronts. In product development, the first vehicle to be launched will be the Freelander SUV. The ‘Freelander’ nameplate has been licensed by JLR and is being revived as a standalone brand.
This is apart from JLR’s ‘House of Brands’ strategy which includes Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar. Ahead of the launch of the Freelander on March 31, the SUV has been spotted in a crash test facility. Let’s see the details.
Chery Freelander – Design and Features
On the crash test vehicle, a sticker mentioning ‘Chery Auto’ and ‘C-NCAP’ can be seen. From the visible damage on the side of the SUV, it seems that the test vehicle has undergone a side pole impact test. The Chery Freelander SUV follows the design philosophy of the original JLR model, as evidenced by the strong, boxy profile. It can also be compared to the classic Land Rover Discovery.
Key features at the front include rectangular headlamps, a closed-off grille, distinctive corner light signatures and a prominent clamshell bonnet. The SUV also has ‘Freelander’ stamping on the grille and at the rear. LiDAR modules have been installed at the front and rear, pointing to advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Front and rear cameras are also expected to be available in the SUV.
The side profile features rounded wheel arches, large alloy wheels, running boards and roof rails. With a larger rear overhang, third-row passengers can also expect ample boot space and a more roomy experience. At the rear, the Freelander SUV has a flat boot lid. For a better clutter-free profile, the rear wiper has been hidden beneath the roof-mounted spoiler. The SUV features rectangular tail lamps, which are similar to the lighting signature seen at the front.
internal, technical package
The Chery Freelander SUV will be available in 6-seat configuration (2+2+2). It will integrate various advanced systems from leading technology suppliers. For example, Level 2+ ADAS systems will be sourced from Huawei Qiankun. The infotainment and digital dashboard will be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon chips. The SUV will use CATL batteries, known for their advanced cell chemistry, high energy density and strong safety standards.
Key features inside include a three-spoke steering wheel. It is equipped with scroll wheel controls, making it easy to access various features and functions. The SUV features a full-width screen at the base of the windscreen. It also has a large floating central touchscreen. It has physical buttons at the bottom for easy and quick access to essential controls.
Other key features include dual wireless charging pads and an electronic gear selector. Below the console there is useful storage space for personal items. The seatbelt is installed only on the right seat in the second row. This indicates that this seat will have a ‘zero-gravity mode’ function.
Chery Freelander Powertrain, Price
Specific details of the powertrain have not been revealed yet. However, the Freelander SUV is expected to be available in BEV and EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) formats. The BEV version is expected to get 800V high-voltage system. All variants of the Freelander SUV will have AWD and benefit from Land Rover’s all-terrain driving capabilities.
More details about the SUV will be revealed in the coming days. The Freelander could be offered at a starting price of around CNY 400,000 (Rs 54.57 lakh). Apart from China, the Chery Freelander SUV will also be available in the Middle East. A launch in more markets globally may be considered at a later date.
