FREELANDER 8 debuts ahead of Abu Dhabi brand launch
The premium intelligent new energy SUV made its global public debut at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Shanghai, as FREELANDER confirms Abu Dhabi as the launchpad for its international expansion
The FREELANDER 8 has marked a major milestone in the brand’s global journey with its first public appearance at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum, held at The Peninsula Shanghai on June 11, 2026. As one of the first international investment platforms to showcase the SUV, the event highlighted FREELANDER’s growing global ambitions while reinforcing the Middle East, particularly the UAE as a key pillar in its long-term strategy. The region has officially been confirmed as the brand’s first major international launch market.
A new premium intelligent all-terrain SUV brand
During a closed-door keynote, Lucia Mao, CEO of FREELANDER International, introduced the brand’s positioning as a British premium intelligent all-terrain SUV marque, co-developed by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery.
The new FREELANDER project revives the iconic Freelander heritage first introduced in 1997, combining British design DNA with next-generation electrification and intelligent mobility systems. Jaguar Land Rover leads design direction, while Chery contributes advanced new energy vehicle (NEV) technology and global supply chain expertise.
According to the company, the collaboration aims to deliver a new generation of premium intelligent SUVs that merge authentic off-road capability with modern electrified performance and smart technology.
Global expansion strategy accelerates
Alongside the vehicle reveal, FREELANDER’s leadership team held discussions with global stakeholders to outline its long-term international growth roadmap.
The brand plans to expand into 90 countries and establish more than 1,100 customer touchpoints worldwide over the next five years, signalling aggressive global ambitions in the premium NEV space.
The Shanghai showcase further strengthened investor confidence in the brand’s positioning, especially as competition intensifies in the premium electric SUV segment.
Abu Dhabi chosen as launchpad for global rollout
FREELANDER confirmed that the Middle East will serve as its first international market, driven by strong demand for premium SUVs, rising EV adoption and the region’s strategic global connectivity.
Lucia Mao also confirmed that the official brand launch will take place in Abu Dhabi, positioning the UAE capital as the gateway to the wider GCC automotive market.
This strategic decision reinforces Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a hub for automotive innovation and high-end mobility launches.
Strong interest in FREELANDER 8
The FREELANDER 8 drew significant attention at the forum, with investors and industry leaders showing strong interest in its combination of premium design, intelligent technology and all-terrain capability.
The SUV is expected to play a central role in the brand’s global rollout strategy, particularly in the Middle East where demand for luxury SUVs and electrified off-road vehicles continues to grow.
As FREELANDER prepares for its Abu Dhabi launch, the brand aims to redefine modern automotive identity by blending heritage design with intelligent new energy innovation.
