The Land Rover Freelander Is Back But Not How You Remember It

Land Rover is bringing the Freelander name back, but not in the way many expected. This time, it is being revived as a brand focused on China, starting with a new rugged SUV that clearly wants to look tough. The project is led by Chery Jaguar Land Rover, and the new model will ride on Chery’s T1X platform.

That same base already supports several Jaecoo, Omoda, and Chery SUVs, which helps keep costs down and speeds up development.

Instead of using Freelander for just one vehicle, Land Rover plans to turn it into a full sub-brand with more models to follow. Spy shots of the first SUV show a boxy shape, slim headlights, split grilles, and a hood with a noticeable bulge.

The side profile carries a bit of Land Rover Defender attitude, especially with the dark roof and pillars. The angled C pillars are a nod to older Freelander models. The rear design, though, might spark debate. The taillights in the renderings sit low near the bumper, which gives the rear a slightly quirky look.

Details about powertrains are still under wraps, but the new Land Rover Freelander is expected to be offered as both a fully electric model and an extended-range electric version. Production will take place at CJLR’s plant in Changshu. It is a fresh chapter for a familiar name, shaped to fit one of the world’s biggest car markets.

Source of renderings: Kolesa.ru