Overview
- The Chery–Jaguar Land Rover joint venture launched Freelander as an independent marque in Shanghai and revealed the Concept 97 as the template for its first model.
- The large three-row SUV sits on an 800-volt-capable platform and will start with plug-in hybrid and range-extender versions, with a pure electric model planned later and all-wheel drive standard.
- Production is slated for JLR’s Changshu plant in China with sales targeted in the second half of 2026, following an investment of about 3 billion yuan to upgrade the facility.
- Key partners include CATL for batteries, Huawei for driver-assist systems, and Qualcomm for the compute platform, with CATL touting 360 kW fast charging and 6C-capable cells designed with added underbody protection.
- The six-seat, 5.10-meter Concept 97 features a 2+2+2 layout and an i-ATS terrain system with predictive dampers and three locking differentials, and the JV plans new Freelander models roughly every six months with export goals beyond China.