The first Freelander-branded model from Chery and Jaguar Land Rover will become a three-row SUV with a body length of over 5 meters. It will be available with BEV and EREV powertrain options. The resurrected Freelander’s codename is E0V. It was initially developed for the Chery-owned Exeed brand.
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Briefly about Chery and Jaguar Land Rover’s cooperation
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover formed a joint venture CJLR (Chery Jaguar Land Rover) in 2012 to manufacture British models in China. The CJLR factory started operating in 2014. Since that moment, the bond between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover has been growing stronger.
In June 2024, Chery chairman Yin Tongyao said that JLR’s future cars will be underpinned by the China-developed E0X platform. Later, JLR officials confirmed this information. According to the official announcement, CJLR will build Freelander-branded vehicles on Chery’s modular architecture. These vehicles will be sold domestically and overseas.
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In November, the first information about the first Freelander-branded product leaked online thanks to CJLR’s bidding. It appeared that the SUV codenamed E0V would become the launch car of the new brand. This car was initially developed as a flagship model for the Chery-owned Exeed brand.
More about Freelander E0V
The first information about the E0V model was officially disclosed during Chery’s conference in April 2024. Brand’s representatives positioned this crossover as the flagship SUV that aims to rival German premium brands. It is a full-size SUV with a body length of over 5,100 mm. The E0V has six seats with a 2 + 2 + 2 layout inside.
The E0V crossover stands on the E0X modular architecture and adopts two powertrain variants: BEV and EREV. Other E0X-based cars from Chery offer up to 413 kW (553 hp). They also have air suspension and support L2 driving assistance system. Previously, Chery had shown the E0V crossover in a teaser image. It has a high ground clearance and a high bonnet line.
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As mentioned, the E0V crossover was transferred from Exeed to the CJLR’s joint project to become the first model under the Freelander brand. The JLR’s design team will adjust the styling of this car. However, its key specs will remain the same.
Editor’s comment
JLR’s decision to pick the E0V crossover as the launch model for the Freelander brand is understandable. The British automaker wants to bring its first product to the rapidly changing Chinese market as soon as possible. However, the bulky three-row, 5.1-meter SUV doesn’t align with the original Freelander SUV produced between 1997 and 2015. A car with mentioned specs looks more like an electric alternative to the Range Rover. But it has almost nothing in common with the Freelander we know. Lack of continuity in the product positioning may become confusing for potential buyers.
Source: Sohu
