Freelander 8 Confirmed for UAE: Hybrid All-Terrain Model Launches After Wuhu Summit

The JLR & Chery partnership will launch a new hybrid SUV in the Emirates this September, making it the model's first global market.

Freelander, a premium all-terrain brand jointly developed by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, has confirmed the UAE as its first international market. The debut model is the Freelander 8, shown at the 2026 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China. Its official global brand launch follows in Abu Dhabi on 29 September 2026.

Freelander: British Heritage Meets Chinese Tech

Britain's JLR and China's Chery have jointly developed the new Freelander brand. It is positioned as a premium intelligent all-terrain vehicle, it combines JLR's design heritage with Chery's intelligent vehicle technology. More than 5,000 employees globally are working on the project and that headcount is hard to dismiss as a side venture.

UAE First Market, Official Launch 29 September

The Freelander 8 was first shown to international media and dealers at Chery's headquarters in Wuhu; its official market entry, though, starts in the Gulf. Abu Dhabi hosts the global brand launch on 29 September 2026. At that event, Chery confirmed the UAE as the first international market.

Al Tayer Motors and Premier Motors will handle local distribution exclusively, if you've been following either retailer's portfolio, this is their most high-profile new nameplate in years. Both are established UAE retail groups.

2.0T Hybrid, Dual Motors, 110 km Electric Range

The Freelander 8 uses a 2.0-litre dedicated hybrid engine paired with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. A 34.12 kWh battery feeds the powertrain, supporting an all-electric range of 110 km on the combined cycle. Fill both the battery and tank, and the total claimed range reaches 886 km.

As for off-road, the car has an Intelligent All-Terrain System (i-ATS) with nine modes, including a dedicated Sand Mode. That Sand Mode is a sensible inclusion for GCC conditions, not a marketing checkbox.

46.3-Inch 8K Display and L2+ Driver Assistance

Inside, a 46.3-inch 8K Mini LED screen dominates the cabin, run that spec against what rivals offer at this tier and the gap is obvious. The brand calls this setup its Surround View Gallery.

A Qualcomm SA8295P automotive-grade chip powers the intelligent cockpit functions. The standard L2+ driver assistance system bundles more than 30 separate functions for semi-autonomous driving. Super Intelligent Valet Parking (SIVP) comes in selected markets.

What This Means for GCC Buyers

Premium SUV buyers in the UAE now have another option. The Freelander 8 has a plug-in hybrid system with 110 km of all-electric range for city driving; the 886 km total range and nine-mode all-terrain system cover longer journeys and the varied conditions across the GCC.