The Freelander 8 has made its international debut in the UAE, revealed at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi on 29 September 2026. It is the first model from the reborn Freelander brand, a JLR and Chery joint venture, and it arrives with a 617hp plug-in hybrid system, 110km of electric range and genuine off-road hardware.
What Is the Freelander 8?
The Freelander 8 is a premium mid-to-large SUV from Freelander, now a standalone brand rather than a Land Rover model. JLR owns the name and leads the design, while Chery supplies the electrified technology and supply chain. The UAE is its first market outside China.
The original Land Rover Freelander ran from 1997 to 2015 before the Discovery Sport replaced it. The new brand sits outside both JLR's House of Brands and Chery's own line-up, and the cars are built at the Chery Jaguar Land Rover plant in Changshu, China.
Freelander 8 Design and Dimensions
The Freelander 8 uses an upright, squared-off shape that the brand calls its Castle-Style Body. Interlocking headlights, a wide horizontal front end and a tall bonnet give it a clear identity. At 5,118mm long, 2,050mm wide and 1,926mm tall, it is a big SUV, and top versions ride on 22-inch wheels.
Freelander 8 Specs: Hybrid System, Horsepower and Range
Middle East cars pair a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid engine with two electric motors and a 34.12kWh LFP battery. Total output is 460kW, about 617hp, with 662Nm of torque sent to all four wheels. Freelander quotes up to 110km of electric-only driving and a combined range of 886km.
Specification | Freelander 8 (Middle East) |
|---|---|
Engine | 2.0-litre turbo dedicated hybrid engine |
Electric motors | Dual motor |
Battery | 34.12kWh LFP |
Power | 460kW (approx. 617hp) |
Torque | 662Nm |
Electric range | Up to 110km (combined cycle) |
Total range | Up to 886km |
For a Dubai commuter, 110km covers most weekday driving without starting the engine. The petrol engine then handles longer runs, such as Dubai to Hatta or Abu Dhabi to Liwa, without range worries. The brand has not yet confirmed acceleration or top speed figures.
Off-Road Ability and Sand Mode
The Freelander 8 is built to leave the tarmac. Its Intelligent All-Terrain System (i-ATS) offers nine drive modes and works with a virtual centre differential lock and a rear electronic limited-slip differential. Middle East models add a dedicated Sand Mode, which matters for weekend dune trips.
Dual-chamber air suspension with Continuously Controlled Damping lifts the body to 266mm of clearance. Freelander claims a 70% climbing gradient, an 800mm cross-axle capability and a 900mm wading depth. Over 200 test vehicles covered 2.15 million kilometres of all-terrain durability work.
Interior and Technology
The cabin centres on a 46.3-inch, 8K ultra-wide display that spans about 1.2 metres of the dashboard, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip. Freelander still keeps physical controls for climate, seat heating and ventilation, cameras and terrain modes, so key functions stay easy to reach while driving.
Raised Commander front seats improve visibility, and selected markets get Super Intelligent Valet Parking plus remote parking and summon functions.
Built for UAE Conditions
Freelander has added features aimed directly at Gulf buyers. These include rapid cabin cooling for summer heat, the dedicated Sand Mode and a Middle East-exclusive Qibla Compass. The compass shows the direction of Makkah, prayer times, the distance to the Kaaba and the Hijri calendar.
Launching in Abu Dhabi signals how much weight the brand places on the region. Expansion will start with left-hand-drive markets across the Middle East and North Africa, then move to right-hand-drive markets and, eventually, Europe.
Freelander 8 Price in the UAE and Availability
Freelander has not announced the Freelander 8 price in the UAE yet. Trim levels, the full retail launch date and first delivery timings are also still to come. Interested buyers can already register their interest through the brand's two appointed UAE dealer partners.
Dubai and the Northern Emirates: Al Tayer Motors
Abu Dhabi: Premier Motors
Verdict: Is the Freelander 8 Worth Waiting For?
The Freelander 8 brings serious numbers to the UAE: 617hp, 110km of electric range, 266mm of clearance and a Sand Mode tuned for local dunes. If pricing lands competitively, it could challenge established plug-in hybrid SUVs and give premium buyers a fresh alternative.
Final judgement depends on price and dealer support, but on paper the Freelander 8 UAE launch is one of the most interesting debuts of the year. Follow our UAE car news for pricing updates, browse the latest new cars in the UAE, or compare options in the used car market.
FAQs
How much horsepower does the Freelander 8 have?
The hybrid system produces 460kW, about 617hp, and 662Nm of torque.
What is the Freelander 8 electric range?
Up to 110km on electric power alone, and up to 886km in total with a full tank and battery.
What is the Freelander 8 price in the UAE?
Pricing has not been announced. Buyers can register their interest now with the official dealers.
Who sells Freelander in the UAE?
Al Tayer Motors covers Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and Premier Motors covers Abu Dhabi.
