FREELANDER 8 Launched in China with 10,000 Pre-Orders
News related to:FREELANDER · 2 min read
SHANGHAI, Sept. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- FREELANDER, the British premium intelligent all-terrain brand co-created by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, has launched its first strategic model, FREELANDER 8, in the Chinese market, securing over 10,000 pre-orders within 48 hours. The vehicle, which has undergone rigorous testing in extreme high-altitude conditions, is now set to make its international debut in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step in the brand’s global expansion.
FREELANDER 8 demonstrated its all-terrain capabilities by completing a challenging climb at an altitude of 6,002.33 meters in the Xizang Autonomous Region, China, in August 2026. This feat earned the vehicle a Guinness World Records title for the highest altitude achieved by a hybrid car. The test was conducted in low-oxygen, snowy, and low-grip conditions, validating the vehicle's Intelligent All-Terrain System (i-ATS), which includes nine terrain modes, a virtual central lock, a rear electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), and dual-chamber air suspension.
Safety was also a key focus during the vehicle’s development. FREELANDER 8 successfully passed a demanding rollover crash test, maintaining the integrity of its body structure and ensuring the high-voltage system disconnected properly. The battery recorded no leakage or thermal runaway, and the doors remained operable. Further driving validation confirmed the vehicle’s safety in extreme user scenarios, aligning with the brand’s commitment to global safety and quality standards.
The China launch of FREELANDER 8 on September 3, 2026, received strong market acceptance, with the vehicle earning the title "Legend Reborn." The brand is now preparing to introduce the international variant of FREELANDER 8 in Abu Dhabi, marking the Middle East as its first international market. This move is part of FREELANDER’s broader strategy to expand its presence across the world, with the UAE serving as a key gateway to the region.
FREELANDER, founded by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, operates from a global foundation, including over 5,000 employees and five strategic hubs. The brand’s capabilities span design, research and development, manufacturing, and global operations, positioning it as a leader in the premium all-terrain vehicle market. The upcoming FREELANDER Global Brand Launch in Abu Dhabi will introduce the international variant of FREELANDER 8 to a wider audience, signaling another important milestone in the brand’s journey to establish itself as a global player in the automotive industry.