The inaugural Freelander-branded model from the partnership between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover is set to debut as a three-row SUV, boasting a robust physical presence exceeding 5 meters in length. Accessible will be an option with two electrification paths: a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV). The resurrected Land Rover Freelander’s codename is reportedly E0V, sparking renewed speculation about the vehicle’s potential features and release timeline. Initially conceived for the Chery-owned Exeed brand.
Chery, China’s leading automaker, has been collaborating with Jaguar Land Rover to expand its global presence and develop new technologies. The partnership enables both companies to share expertise and resources, fostering innovation in electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and connectivity solutions. By leveraging each other’s strengths, they aim to create more competitive products for the Chinese market and beyond, further solidifying their positions in the automotive industry.
In 2012, Chery and Jaguar Land Rover formed a tripartite alliance, CJLR (Chery Jaguar Land Rover), aiming to manufacture premium British-style vehicles in China. The Chery Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing facility started operations in 2014. Since then, the partnership between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover has continued to grow in strength.
By June 2024, Chery Chairman Yin Tongyao revealed that future Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) models will be built on the E0X platform developed in China. Subsequent to the initial report, Jaguar Land Rover officials verified these details. According to the official statement, Chery and CJLR will jointly manufacture Freelander-branded vehicles utilizing Chery’s versatile modular architecture. The company will procure these vehicles from both domestic and international sources.
Details surrounding Land Rover’s Freelander-branded product were prematurely disclosed online in November due to a leak connected to China-Japan LR’s (CJLR) bid process. The E0V SUV emerged as the inaugural offering from the newly launched brand, marking its entry into the automotive market. This SUV was initially conceived as the flagship model for Exeed, a brand owned by Chinese automaker Chery.
Extra about Freelander E0V
The main specifications of the E0V model were officially revealed at Chery’s event in April 2024. Representatives of the model positioned this crossover as their flagship SUV, aiming to rival Germany’s premium manufacturers. The vehicle measures an imposing over 5,100 millimeters in length, showcasing its full-size SUV proportions. The EOV features a spacious interior with a 2+2+2 seating configuration, accommodating six passengers comfortably.
The EOV crossover leverages the EOX modular platform to accommodate two distinct powertrain configurations: Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). E0X-based vehicles from Chery deliver up to 413 kilowatts or 553 horsepower. Additionally, the vehicle features advanced air suspension and a comprehensive L2 driving assistance system. Prior to its official reveal, Chery had already previewed the E0V crossover through a tantalizing teaser image. The vehicle features an unusually high ground clearance and a pronounced hoodline.
The E0V crossover’s transition from Exeed to a joint venture between CJLR and other stakeholders aimed to create the first model under the Freelander brand. Jaguar Land Rover’s design team will refine the aesthetic of this vehicle. Notwithstanding this, its key specifications will remain unchanged.
Editor’s remark
Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to opt for the EVOque as the launch model for the Freelander range makes sense, given its market success and brand relevance. The British automaker must swiftly introduce its inaugural product to the rapidly evolving Chinese market at the earliest opportunity. Despite its unconventional three-row design and 16-foot length, this modern SUV diverges significantly from the original Freelander model, which was manufactured from 1997 to 2015. A new electric vehicle boasting these specifications seems more akin to a rival to the Land Rover. However, this new model shares a remarkably few similarities with the iconic Freelander that many of us are familiar with. Without a clear and consistent product positioning, confusion may arise among prospective customers.
Supply: Sohu
