Jaguar Land Rover is reviving the Freelander as a standalone new-energy brand built on Chery architecture, sold through Chery dealers, and deliberately walled off from JLR’s premium Range Rover and Defender structure. The first model, internal code E0V, is a six-seat PHEV and BEV SUV targeting H2 2026 launch at the Changshu plant, backed by a confirmed 3 billion yuan (414 million USD) factory investment.
JLR has confirmed the brand sits outside its “House of Brands” framework, which manages Jaguar, Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover as separate luxury marques. Freelander gets its own Chery-run dealer network, a clean separation that protects JLR’s imported premium lineup from the pricing pressure this new model will face.
The latest spy shots show the E0V test mule in moderate camouflage, heaviest around the front fascia, rear diffuser, and D-pillar. The silhouette is readable: a long body consistent with the reported 5,100 mm-plus overall length, with a roofline that blends upright off-road stance with a mild fastback drop at the rear. Wheel arches are wide and pronounced. No interior shots have surfaced. According to IT Home, the E0V uses a 2+2+2 six-seat layout and comes standard with air suspension and L2 driver assistance.
The E0V replaces the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, both of which were discontinued from production in China in 2026. Domestic NEV rivals captured their price segment through lower costs and advanced technology. The three-row SUV segment, priced roughly 250,000 to 450,000 yuan (34,530 to 62,150 USD) and above, and with a length of over 4,800 mm, is now led by Aito M7 and Nio ES8.
The E0V runs on Chery’s E0X platform, with both BEV and EREV variants available. The BEV version supports 800V high-voltage fast charging. Peak charging output, motor specs, and SiC inverter supplier have not been disclosed ahead of the model’s official reveal. No MSRP or pre-sale pricing has been announced.
| Model | Length (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Curb Weight (kg) | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Freelander E0V (reported) | >5,100 | TBC | TBC | 6 (2+2+2) |
| Nio ES8 | 5,068 | 3,000 | 2,470 | 7 |
| Aito M7 Plus | 5,020 | 2,820 | 2,340 | 6 |
Market Positioning
The 3 billion yuan (414 million USD) Changshu investment covers multiple new models, not just the E0V, suggesting JLR is rebuilding its China volume base rather than patching an ageing lineup. Running Freelander through Chery’s cost structure and dealer infrastructure gives the joint venture a clearer path into a competitive SUV segment, where total retail SUV sales reached 11.88 million units in 2025 and the Tesla Model Y topped the chart with 425,337 units sold, while domestic players such as Li Auto’s L6 (166,516 units) and Aito M7 (118,425 units) were among the top 35 best‑selling SUVs.
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