Chery may introduce Freelander brand in local market
dsf.my, 21 Oct '26
Chery Group could introduce its Freelander brand in Malaysia, with the Freelander 8 SUV among the models being considered for right-hand-drive markets.
Developed in collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the brand is scheduled for introduction in Indonesia in early 2027. However, its launch plans and pricing for Malaysia have yet to be confirmed.
Chery Group has not announced a launch date or pricing for the Freelander in Indonesia. Speaking in Wuhu, China, on October 19th, 2026, Zeng Shuo, President Director of Chery Group, said, "We can't provide the exact time yet, but we will try to bring it to Indonesia next year."
The company has yet to determine the pricing and supply strategy for right-hand-drive markets. Importing vehicles as completely built-up (CBU) units or assembling them locally could affect their final selling prices, including in Malaysia.
"The CBU scheme and or local assembly in Indonesia will also affect the selling price, so we can't announce the price yet," Zeng said. Similar considerations would apply to a potential launch in Malaysia.
In China, the Freelander has reportedly received a number of bookings, with prices starting at MYR 180,000 (US$ 44,095). If imported as a CBU unit, the vehicle could be priced at around MYR 350,000 or less in other markets in the region. However, pricing for Malaysia has not been announced.
Freelander is being developed as a separate brand focused on electrified SUVs, combining British design characteristics with Chinese technology. Reintroduced in early 2026, the brand is intended to operate independently of the Chery and Land Rover product lines within the wider Chery Group, alongside brands such as Omoda and iCaur.
The brand's first model is the Freelander 8, an SUV being developed with multiple powertrain options, including a fully electric version and a range-extender system. The vehicle is manufactured in China through the Chery-JLR joint venture.
The Freelander 8 measures 5,118 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width and 1,898 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,040 mm. Its overall length is 736 mm greater than that of the original first-generation Freelander.
It is available with 21-inch or 22-inch alloy wheels fitted with Pirelli P Zero Elect tyres designed for high-torque electrified vehicles. It has a certified towing capacity of up to 2,000 kg and a ground clearance of 220 mm.
The Freelander 8 is equipped with an active dual-chamber air suspension system that adjusts ride height and stiffness. An active rear-wheel steering system provides a turning radius of 5.15 metres.
Technology features include a roof-mounted 896-line LiDAR sensor paired with Huawei's Qiankun ADS 5 advanced driver assistance system. All variants are equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8397 chipset for computing functions.
The interior is expected to include a pillar-to-pillar LED display and zero-gravity front seats. However, the cabin has yet to be fully revealed.
Indonesia is the first announced regional market for the brand, with an introduction planned for early 2027. Chery has not confirmed whether or when Freelander will enter Malaysia. Any launch would depend on the company's market plans, the availability of right-hand-drive vehicles, pricing and the choice between CBU imports and local assembly.