Jaguar Land Rover Halts Production in China… Aggressively Launches Branding for New Electric SUV 'Freelander 8'

*This content was translated by AI.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has completely halted its long-standing local production of existing internal combustion engine vehicles in China. According to industry sources, Jaguar Land Rover has fully discontinued sales of its previous internal combustion-based models produced locally in China, including the Range Rover Evoque L and Discovery Sport. This radical decision to discontinue these models is interpreted as a comprehensive generational shift undertaken ahead of the full launch of 'Freelander 8 (Freelander 8)', the first core model of a new independent pure electric and electrified vehicle (NEV) brand being launched in partnership with joint venture partner Chery Automobile.

After suffering severe underperformance for 14 years, Jaguar Land Rover has decisively liquidated its popular local production line and chosen to restructure by concentrating all efforts on the 'Freelander 8', targeting the future mobility market. As part of this initiative, Chery Jaguar Land Rover is devoting full resources to pre-marketing for the Freelander 8, which is set for official launch in the second half of this year.

Unveiled in China, the Freelander 8 is a large SUV aimed at the domestic Chinese market, unlike any previously seen under the Jaguar Land Rover brand. It features a robust body with an overall length of 5,118mm and a wheelbase of 3,040mm, equipped with a three-row, six-passenger configuration. Notably, it is powered by an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system combining a 1.5T engine with a 60.331kWh CATL Freevoy ternary battery, enabling a WLTC-standard range of 221km on battery power alone. Additionally, based on an 800V high-voltage architecture, it supports ultra-fast charging up to 350kW. To prepare for off-road driving, it is equipped with front-wheel mechanical locks, rear-wheel electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), Huawei's i-ATS all-terrain management system, and dual-chamber air suspension, signaling powerful off-road performance.

Inside, the cabin features a 46.3-inch 8K panoramic display stretching 1.2 meters in length and incorporates Huawei's latest autonomous driving system (ADS), completing an advanced digital cockpit. Jaguar Land Rover aims to fully replace its previously underperforming internal combustion production line by prominently featuring the Freelander 8, which boasts top-tier IT specifications and electric vehicle performance in its class. Meanwhile, attention is focused on what impact Jaguar Land Rover's strategic move—boldly abandoning the existing Yangsan model in favor of an electrification strategy centered on the new Freelander 8—will have on the global premium SUV market landscape, including that of South Korea.

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*This content was translated by AI.