Brief
Freelander launches global brand and new 8 SUV in Abu Dhabi
The launch at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental introduced the Freelander 8 as the first model of the new British premium intelligent all‑terrain brand.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Freelander announced the start of its international rollout at the Freelander Global Brand Launch held on 2 October 2026 in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, according to Gulf News. The event, themed “Beyond the Legend”, presented Freelander 8 as the flagship of the newly positioned standalone brand.
Freelander 8 is described as a mid‑to‑large SUV that blends everyday comfort, intelligent technology and all‑terrain capability for commuting, family travel and off‑road journeys. The vehicle features a 2,050 mm‑wide body, an iconic triangle window referencing the original 1997 Freelander, and a high‑tech cockpit powered by a Qualcomm SA8295P chip. Inside, a 46.3‑inch 8K Mini LED far‑side screen, a 15.6‑inch LCD centre display and L2+ driver assistance are highlighted. The launch presentation also mentioned Super Intelligent Valet Parking (SIVP), which allows users to manage parking and summon the vehicle via a smartphone app, though it remains subject to operating conditions and driver responsibility.
The Freelander brand is a joint effort between Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chinese automaker Chery. JLR retains ownership of the brand and runs a dedicated Freelander Design Hub, while Chery supplies advanced intelligent technology and a global supply chain. The brand’s vision, as stated at the launch, is to become a world‑leading premium new‑energy brand, built on three pillars: British Craftsmanship, Smart Confidence and All‑Terrain Freedom.
Key facts
- Freelander launched its global brand and the Freelander 8 SUV in Abu Dhabi on 2 October 2026. (gulfnews.com)
- The UAE is the first international market for the new Freelander brand. (gulfnews.com)
- Freelander 8 combines a 46.3‑inch 8K Mini LED screen, a 15.6‑inch LCD centre display and L2+ driver assistance. (gulfnews.com)
- The brand is jointly developed by JLR, which owns the name, and Chery, which provides technology and supply chain support. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “FREELANDER begins its global journey in Abu Dhabi with FREELANDER 8”
