Freelander Is Back: The Freelander 8 Launches in Abu Dhabi as the Brand’s First International Market

The Freelander name has returned as a standalone brand developed by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, and it chose the UAE as its first international market. The Freelander 8, a large hybrid SUV with about 617 hp and a 110 km electric range, was unveiled in Abu Dhabi on 29 September 2026, with UAE registrations of interest now open.

The launch

Freelander held its Global Brand Launch at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi on 29 September, under the theme “Beyond the Legend”. The event presented the brand’s positioning and strategy and the international left-hand-drive version of the Freelander 8, which made its first appearance in the Middle East. Freelander describes itself as a British premium intelligent all-terrain brand. JLR leads the design while Chery provides the technology and supply chain. The name was first used in 1997.

Powertrain

According to UAE motoring reports on the launch, the Middle East version of the Freelander 8 pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine with a 34.12 kWh battery and dual electric motors driving all four wheels.

• Output: up to 460 kW (around 617 hp) and 662 Nm of torque
• Electric-only range: up to 110 km
• Total range: up to 886 km with a full battery and tank

Built for off-road

Freelander’s Intelligent All-Terrain System (i-ATS) has nine terrain modes, including a Smart Mode that automatically picks the best one. The launch showed it working with dual-motor all-wheel drive and functions such as Tank Turn, Crawl Control and Hill Descent Control. Reports quote up to 266 mm of ground clearance, 900 mm of wading depth and the ability to climb a 70% gradient, on dual-chamber air suspension.

Made for the Middle East

Freelander says it tested the car in the region’s heat, dust and sand. Middle East features include a dedicated Sand Mode, a 45 cc air-conditioning compressor for fast cabin cooling, and a Middle East-exclusive Qibla Compass showing the direction of Makkah. Inside, the cabin uses Nappa leather and Ayous wood veneer, and reports describe a 46.3-inch ultra-wide display. Super Intelligent Valet Parking will be available in selected markets.

Size and design

The Freelander 8 measures about 5,118 mm long, 2,050 mm wide and 1,926 mm tall, with a boxy “Castle-Style” body and a triangular window detail. Higher trims can have 22-inch wheels. It is built at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China.

Where to buy and when

Al Tayer Motors is the dealer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Premier Motors covers Abu Dhabi. Registration of interest is open. UAE pricing, trims, retail launch date and delivery timing have not been announced, and Freelander says plans will come through official brand channels and its local partners.

What comes next

Freelander plans to expand across left-hand-drive markets in the Middle East and North Africa first, then move to right-hand-drive markets and eventually Europe. On 11 October, Chery also announced the global validation programme for the Freelander 8 ahead of the first international test drive. No date has been given for that drive.

Sources: FREELANDER / Chery Group, “Five Highlights from FREELANDER’s Global Brand Launch in Abu Dhabi”, 3 October 2026; FREELANDER / Chery Group, international roadmap, 3 October 2026; Gulf News; DubiCars (powertrain and off-road figures).