FREELANDER global brand launch held in Abu Dhabi

Freelander becomes a standalone global brand

First introduced in 1997, Freelander has evolved from a Land Rover nameplate into a standalone British Premium Intelligent All-Terrain Brand, targeting the growing luxury SUV and hybrid SUV segment.

JLR owns the FREELANDER brand and leads design through a dedicated FREELANDER Design Hub, while Chery contributes advanced intelligent technology and global supply-chain capabilities.

Castle-style body, premium cabin and Middle East-specific technology

The FREELANDER 8 features a Castle-Style Body, Signature Interlocking Headlights, Nappa leather upholstery and selected Ayous wood veneer, reinforcing its positioning in the premium SUV category.

Its cabin uses the Qualcomm SA8295P chip, while standard L2+ driver assistance provides more than 30 functions. Super Intelligent Valet Parking will be available in selected markets and supported parking scenarios.

For Middle Eastern conditions, a 45 cc air-conditioning compressor is designed for rapid cooling, a key feature for buyers in the UAE and GCC climate. FREELANDER says an internal stationary test after two hours in the sun saw air temperature at the driver’s head position fall by around 33°C within 10 minutes.

A Middle East-exclusive Qibla Compass displays the direction of Makkah, prayer times, distance to the Kaaba and the Hijri calendar.

Nine terrain modes and 900 mm wading depth

The i-ATS Intelligent All-Terrain System offers nine modes: seven terrain programmes, including Sand Mode, plus Smart and Expert modes, strengthening its credentials as an all-terrain SUV for Middle East conditions.

The SUV can pass an 800 mm cross-axle test, climb a 70 per cent grade and wade through water up to 900 mm deep.

460 kW hybrid with 886 km total range

The Middle East-spec FREELANDER 8 combines a 2.0-litre turbo dedicated hybrid engine with a 34.12 kWh LFP battery and dual-motor all-wheel drive, positioning it strongly in the hybrid SUV UAE segment.

It produces up to 460 kW and 662 Nm, with a claimed 110 km all-electric range and 886 km total range on the combined cycle.

The chassis uses dual-chamber air suspension with Continuously Controlled Damping, with up to 266 mm of ground clearance. Specifications may vary by market and trim.

More than 1,000 test vehicles used

FREELANDER says more than 1,000 test vehicles supported its global validation programme, including more than 200 dedicated to all-terrain durability testing, covering a combined 2.15 million kilometres, reinforcing its focus on durability across global and Middle Eastern conditions.

UAE leads international rollout

The Middle East is the starting point for FREELANDER’s international expansion, with the UAE positioned as the first global market.

In the UAE, Al Tayer Motors represents Dubai and the Northern Emirates, while Premier Motors covers Abu Dhabi. Customers can now register their interest in the FREELANDER 8, signalling early demand in the Freelander UAE market.

The wider rollout will begin with left-hand-drive markets, followed by right-hand-drive and EU-specification markets. Further details on safety, interior space, servicing and other product information will be announced at the model’s product launch.